Chit Chatting with Sarah Hyland

Written by Jill Sheets

Sarah Hyland

Image credit: Jen Lowery

Recently, we had the honor of interviewing actress Sarah Hyland. This talented actress plays Haley Dunphy on ABC’s hit show “Modern Family.” Read below to learn more about Sarah. Enjoy.

R: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

S: Well my name is Sarah Hyland, and I was born and raised in the east village, NYC. And no I’m not 14 years old even though I look like it. I’m 19. I was born in 1990… You do the math

R: How long have you been acting? What was your first role? Was acting something that you had always wanted to do?

S: I’ve been acting for 14 years now, since I was like 4 or 5 years old. When I was 4 I told my parents that I wanted to do what daddy does (my dads an actor) My First role was playing Howard Sterns daughter in his movie “Private Parts.”

R: We read that you were on Broadway in Grey Gardens the musical as a young Jackie O, what was that like? What other plays/musicals have you been in?

S: It was an honor to be able to play Jackie Bouvier, despite the fact that I was playing a 12 year old. I’ve always done musical theatre whether it be a workshop of a new musical, Off-Broadway or Broadway.

R: Tell us about your show “Modern Family,” and your character Haley Dunphy. Are there any similarities between you and your character?

S: Modern family is a comedy revolving around three families that are all related to each other in some way shape or form, and how they deal with the day to day basis of life. My character, Haley Dunphy, is your stereotypical teenager. She like boys, texting and makeup. The only thing I pretty much have in common with Haley is that my phone is almost always in my hand… Although I’m awful at texting people back…. I always forget.

R: What was the audition process like? How did you find out that you got the part?

S: The audition process was really simple. You had the callbacks and then screen tests. Of course everything like that is always stressful but Steve, Chris and Jason made it really comfy.

R: Can you tell us anything about “Conception” and about your character Tracey?

S: “Conception” is an Indie film that revolves around 8 different couples on one night when they all “fall in love.” I play Tracey, a vegetarian sophomore who dates a guy named JT, who’s played by my real life boyfriend. So that was a lot of fun.

R: Can you tell us anything about your movie “Mother’s Little Helper: and about your character Courtney.

S: “Mothers Little Helpers” is about a guy who can’t afford his tuition anymore, so he starts an underground escort service with the local mothers in town. My character Courtney is his same age girlfriend who makes it hard for him to continue his business.

R: If you could work anyone in the world who would it be and why?

S: Ooo good question…. I’d have to say either Johnny Depp or Leonardo Dicaprio, they are my favorite most talented actors I’ve grown up watching.

R: What has been your most “star struck” moment? Who was it and tell us about it.

S: I’m not that star stuck by people cuz they’re just people but when I was 5 years old, and filming my second movie “Object of My Affection,” I played Jennifer Aniston’s daughter and her best friend in the film was Paul Rude whom I had seen in “Clueless.” When I first met him in the makeup trailer I was literally speechless and screaming inside. It was crazy.

R: What is the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

S: Success is the best revenge – my mother.

R: What advice would you give teenage girls?

S: Just be yourself even if you’re different… In the end no one wants the girls who are like cookie cutters… They want something original.

R: Do you have any charities that are close to your heart? If so, tell us about them?

S: The Ronald McDonald house is an amazing foundation.

R: What are five things people may not know about you?

S: 1.) an Arnold palmer is my favorite drink – - Ever.

2.) I LOVE to sleep

3.) I have a puppy named Barkley Bixby that my boyfriend surprised me with.

4.) I’d much rather stay in and watch a movie or kick it with friends than go out to a party or red carpet event.

5.) I didn’t have my own room till I moved to LA.. Ahh the joys of living in New York City.

Sarah Hyland

Source credit: Sarah Hyland and Much and House Public Relations

R: How would you describe your style?

S: I’m really lazy so very simple casual chic-ish (laughs) I don’t know.

R: What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear?

S : My sweatpants.

R: We read that you sing and dance. How long have you been singing and dancing? What is your favorite type of dance and why?

S: I took dance from the age of 3 till I was like 15. But work got in the way of all my classes and I mean all… I took ballet, point, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and theatre dance. As for singing, I was doing that even before I could talk. It’s just something that came natural.

R: What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or in your bedroom?

S : “We Are the World.” The new version

R: What singers and bands can be found on your mp3 player or ipod? What are your favorite songs by each?

S: Eye Alaska’s “Miles Don’t Mean Anything.”

R: What are five things you can not live without? They can also be people.

S: 1.) phone

2.) mom

3.) concealer

4.) chapstick

5.) My boyfriend

R: Describe yourself in five words.

S: according to my boyfriend I am….

1.) lazy

2.) spunky

3.) fresh

4.) real

5.) exciting

There you have it (laughs). I couldn’t answer that myself

R: Are you on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are their addresses?

S: Twitter! Twitter.com/Sarah_Hyland

R: Other than this one, what is the weirdest question you have been asked?

S: Umm… I don’t know. Not many weird ones.

R: Is there anything else you would like to add or say to your fans?

S: Thanks for being a fan! (laughs). I don’t know. I don’t like talking about myself.

R: Sarah, thank you for the interview. Have a great day.

Tags: ABC, actress, broadway, Modern Family, Sarah Hyland