Chit Chatting with Actress Joey King
Written by: Jill Sheets
Joey King
Picture credit: Deidhra Fahey
Recently we got the honor of interviewing the adorable Joey King. Joey is in the new movie “Ramona and Beezus” with “Wizards of Waverly Place” actress Selena Gomez. Continue reading to find out more about this talented new actress and about her new movie. Enjoy.
R: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
J: Well, I like to use my imagination. I like to volunteer. I’m interested in lots of things…this week I decided to learn about bees and how they make honey.
R: At what age did you start to act? How did you get your start in acting?
J: Four years old when I started to acting. I started acting because my older sisters had been acting.
R: Are you the only actress in the family?
J: Nope, I have two older sisters who like to act too.
R: Tell us about your film “Ramona and Beezus.” For those who have never read the book could you tell us a little bit about Ramona?
J: “Ramona and Beezus” is about a girl who is trying to help her family. Things don’t always go how she plans and it usually is funny. Ramona the character is mischievous but has a really good heart.
R: Are there any similarities between you and Ramona?
J: Yes, we both have sisters. We both are adventurous. I like to go to survival outdoor school with my uncle and Ramona pretends she is in the Grand Canyon.
R: Did you read any of the Ramona Quimby books before you started to film the movie?
J: Yes. I had just finished a book report on “Ramona Age 8” when I found out I got the part. I took a picture with the report and sent it to Beverly Cleary. I was so excited.
R: What was the audition process like for “Ramona and Beezus?” How did you find out that you got the part?
J: The first time I auditioned I was too young. The movie was on hold for about 6 months and they asked me to come back cause I was 9 now. When you turn 9 you can work more hours on set — I was glad they remembered when I turned 9!
R: What was it like working with Selena Gomez? Did she give you any advice?
J: Selena is so sweet. I loved spending time with her.
R: What did you do when you had down time on the set of “Ramona and Beezus?”
J: We had to do school on down time, but I liked to sing with people and make up handshakes in between scenes.
R: How do you prepare yourself for a role?
J: For a sad role, I try to imagine what it would be like to be that person.
R: Could you tell us anything about “Battle: Los Angeles” and about your character Kirsten?
J: Battle: LA was a fun experience. I got to go in tankers and helicopters and be around explosions and the best part was repelling off a building and falling!
R: You are currently filming a movie with Emma Stone. Can you tell us a little bit about the movie and about your character Molly?
J: Molly is fun and quirky. She sort of is in her own world and believes she and the TV are one.
R: How do you handle being on set and school work?
J: Well, you gotta do school. Sometimes it’s harder for a kid if they have a lead role because they have to read lines and do three hours of school and work — grown ups don’t have that 3 hours of school!
R: What has been your most “star struck” moment? With who was it with and can you tell us about it?
J: I really love Sandra Oh and I even wrote her a letter asking her to please be Mrs. Meecham, (Ramona’s teacher).
R: You have also preformed in a live “improv” theater. Tell us about that? What was the best thing about performing “improv?”
J: Improv is so much fun! I love love love it! It’s hard to explain — I love to be in front of a live audience and just let loose!
R: You have done a few character voices in some animated films. Tell us a little bit about that? Is it harder or easier than acting on set? What was it like to see and hear your voice come out of an animated character?
J: Doing voices is pretty cool. It is awesome to hear to your voice come out of other characters.
R: What has been your favorite memory so far?
J: My favorite “Ramona and Beezus” memory was getting to go to Canada. I met so many nice people and it’s really pretty! My favorite “Battle: LA” memory was getting to repel down a building!
Joey King
Image credit: Keith Farrar
R: What are some of your future goals?
J: I hope I get to keep acting because I love it.
R: Who has been your biggest influence?
J: My grandma. She is the best person in the entire world.
R: If you could work with anyone in the world, who would you like to work with?
J: I’d really like to work with Queen Latifa and Drew Barrymore.
R: If you could make a quest appearance on any Disney Channel show, which one would it be and why?
J: I would totally love to do a voice on “Phineaus and Ferb.”
R: Do you have any hidden talents?
J: I can do a cool eyebrow trick, burp on command, and I have some pretty crazy dance moves!
R: We read that you like to dance. What is your favorite kind of dance? How long have you been dancing?
J: I always have fun with dancing. No favorite kind, just fun and funky!
R: We also read that you like to sing. Is that something that you would like to do in the future?
J: I feel about singing like I feel about improv. It’s hard to explain but I feel like I get to let loose when I sing. I just recorded a rap song with Josh and Johnny Golden.
R: What singers and bands do you listen to? Do you have a favorite song by each of them?
J: Black Eyed Peas- Boom Boom Pow, Iʼve Got a Feelinʼ
Lady Gaga- Telephone, Poker Face
Rascal Flatts- Life is a Highway
R: Do you have any charities that are close to your heart? If so, tell us about them.
J: I like to help my grandma, who volunteers for Meals On Wheels, when I’m not working. And I like FirstBook.org — it helps underprivileged kids get books and also helps them with their reading. I made a song called “Ramona Blue.” It’s available on Itunes and the profits go to FirstBook.org!
R: What is the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?
J: My mom always has great advice. She always says to enjoy life but it’s most important to be good to others.
R: What advice would you give girls these days?
J: Be yourself. Try to join groups or clubs that you can make friends with. Friends that like the same thing as you do!
R: Are you on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are their addresses?
J: Facebook- www.facebook.com/OfficialJoeyKing
Twitter- www.twitter.com/joeylittleking
YouTube- www.youtube.com/joeykingactress
MySpace- www.myspace.com/joeylittlestking
R: What is the strangest question you have ever been asked?
J: Can you sign my turban?
R: Is there anything else you would like to add or say to your fans?
J: I feel very lucky to be able to play Ramona. Ramona and Beezus is a really great family movie and I hope you all like it!
Tags: actress, joey king, new movie, romana and beezus, Selena Gomez, young
