Young firecracker Olivia Holt of Disney’s Kickin’ It has been acting and singing since the age of 3, and has recently added gymnastics to her repertoire as well. The 16-year-old Tennessee native got her big break as martial artist/rebel Kim on Kickin’ It, as well as the lead role in the Halloween romp Girl vs. Monster. Now out in Los Angeles full time with her supportive family, Olivia is super excited to be continuing to pursue her entertainment career!
Young Adult: When did you first get into acting?
Olivia Holt: Growing up, my older sister and I would put on little skits and sing songs for my family. My mom saw how much we loved to entertain and make people smile, laugh, or feel some kind of emotion. So she took us to a theatre camp over the summer. I loved it! Being on stage and performing and becoming different characters was something that I just thoroughly enjoyed.
YA: Was your family supportive?
OH: My family has always pushed to me follow my dreams. And whatever they are, they will always be there for me one hundred percent and they have been continuously. My family has already sacrificed so much for me and I honestly can’t thank them enough for all of their love and support.
YA: What has been your favorite part of the job?
OH: The entire experience. I’ve learned so much by being in this business and mostly by the people I’ve met and worked with. And not only am I evolving in acting and singing but I’m gradually evolving in everything behind the scenes too. With all the different directors, actors, writers and producers that I’ve come across, everyone works in different ways, so I get the feel of different people. But each day I’m learning something new, and that has to be my favorite part!
YA: Girl vs. Monster just aired this past month on Disney Channel. Tell us about the film and what the process was like. What was your favorite part of this project?
OH: Girl vs. Monster is a fun, family Halloween movie, however it does have its spooky scares. This film was nothing but a blast to work on. The cast and crew made it such a memorable experience for me. And everyone was so fun, yet hardworking and ridiculously talented. The cast and I got along so well, which was definitely a plus and I’ve actually become great friends with all of them to this day. The movie also includes a few songs I recorded, so I had to learn some choreography for the dance numbers which was pretty fun for me since I’m not technically a dancer. That had to be my favorite part though—getting to perform the songs I recorded.
YA: How did you get the gig on Kickin’ It?
OH: It was a month’s worth audition process. I first put the audition on tape and sent it in. And then I got a callback weeks later, and another callback. I probably got about four callbacks before the final audition which was a ‘chemistry read’, where I read with the other actors auditioning. Finally a week later, I got a call from my agents saying I booked the part of Kim! Such a memorable moment!
YA: Who is Kim? Tell us more about this role.
OH: Kim is this confident, kick-butt yet big-hearted and caring young girl. She can be super girly but doesn’t mind hanging around the dudes. What I love about her is that even though she had this tough attitude, she also has this soft, sensitive side, especially towards her good friend and crush, Jack.
YA: Is there any Olivia in Kim?
OH: Definitely. I think Kim’s wardrobe has evolved a bit into my style. So that’s something that we for sure have in common!
YA: What are five fun facts to happen on set?
OH: We break out into the most random songs and harmonies. We play pranks on each other constantly. The guys and I also have this fun room called The Man Cave and Olivia where we go to watch movies, eat lunch, and we also have jam sessions, with all the instruments our production put in there. We like discovering and creating our own snacks.
YA: How do you manage school and work, all at once?
OH: It can definitely be challenging at times, but I manage to get work and school done when needed. School is something I do whenever I have the chance. Because when I’m working, there isn’t really enough time for me to get it done. So I’ll be doing schoolwork in cars, airports, planes, green rooms, and just whenever I get the opportunity!
YA: What can you tell others pursuing the same career?
OH: To always have a positive attitude, and be confident in you who are. Sometimes this business can be real tough and you just have to know who you are and not let anyone change you.
YA: What other pursuits do you have outside of acting?
OH: Singing was my first love. I’m so inspired by music, and singing is something that I deeply enjoy doing. Perusing a singing career is something other than acting that I’m reaching for.
YA: Who would you like to work with in the future?
OH: Hands down, Reese Witherspoon. She is my all-time favorite actress. Her comedic timing is brilliant, but at the same time the emotion that she puts into the projects she works on is incredible. I look up to her and being able to work with her would be a dream come true.
YA: What’s your favorite book, or what book are you currently reading?
OH: I am currently reading Night by Elie Wiesel, which is an memoir of his life when in the Holocaust. This book interests me because it’s based off of true events that happened in his life. I recommend everyone to read it at least at some point in their life, because so far I’m learning so much more about what happened during this tragic time period.