Mandy Musgrave Interview (pg. 2)

Mandy Musgrave plays Ashley on South of Nowhere.

Courtesy of The N

Sindy: What kind of roles would you like to play in the future?

Mandy Musgrave: Anything challenging. I've auditioned a lot of times for the "sweet girl" role but I never get it. No one seems to buy me as the innocent type. But that's okay; I just like complicated characters. I'd really like to play a role that is not about being sexy or beautiful whatsoever - like Charlize Theron in Monster. I'd love a role like that where it's totally about my acting and I'm not questioning whether I got the role for my looks. Because a lot of people are like, "Oh, she's too pretty for this role" but make-up can do a lot.

Sindy: Is it difficult to remain grounded as a young person in the entertainment industry?

Mandy Musgrave: Not with my family. I mean, it's hard in this business because it's not reality. You're in this little bubble in LA that has nothing to do with reality whatsoever. The only reality check I have is that I'm on my own - I have to pay all my own bills, take my car for tune-ups, take care of my cat and myself. A lot of people out here are all into clubbing and partying non-stop but that's not me. My family keeps me really grounded and if I were to get carried away with things, I'm pretty sure my twin sister would slap me upside the head. And I'm blessed to have that.

Sindy: Besides your show, of course, what shows are you looking forward to watching this fall?

Mandy Musgrave: Smallville, as always. I love King of Queens, I love Everybody loves Raymond - though it just went off the air. And so did Will and Grace, darn it! Family Guy is one of my favorites.

Sindy: What advice would you give to young people who want to get into acting?

Mandy Musgrave: Don't do it! No, you know what? A lot of people say it's a hard business to break into but I, for one, don't agree. I think, if you have the talent, you're going to get noticed. And if it's not a natural thing for you just keep taking classes. You can get there. As long as you believe in yourself and you are focused and driven, you will be able to do it.