Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Seven Questions with Amy Davidson of 8 Simple Rules; ABC Family Summer 2013 Schedule, New Seasons of Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy, and More!
Care Bear! Today we have a very special "Seven Questions" interview with actress Amy Davidson! She is of course is best known to sitcom fans as Kerry Hennessy on the popular ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Amy is a gifted comedic actor as we saw on the series and gelled well with the late John Ritter, along with the rest of the cast which include Katey Sagal and Kaley Cuoco. We talked to her about 8 Simple Rules of course but we also delved deeper in her career and life and we got some insight of how she started her career, what she is doing now, and other very interesting tidbits! So let's get right to another installment of "Seven Questions!"
"Seven Questions with Amy Davidson From 8 Simple Rules"
SitcomsOnline: Thanks Amy for doing this interview! We have been a fan of your work since 8 Simple Rules and you are such an accomplished actress, so it is an honor to interview you. We usually start our questions with actors/actresses by asking them how they got into acting, so let's start there. At what point did you realize you wanted to get into this business and can you share some memories from your first experiences? Was it as you thought it would be?
Amy Davidson: I think I was around five years old when I realized I wanted to be an actress. I remember sitting in front of the TV watching Kids Incorporated and thinking, 'I want to do that!' I was always on stage dancing and performing, but it wasn't until I was about twelve years old that I actually took my first acting class. At age 19, I moved to Los Angeles and really started pursuing my dream. This business is the ultimate roller coaster. There are many ups and downs, but the ones who stay on the ride will have a fruitful experience. For me, I have to remember to go with the flow...the cream rises to the top!
SitcomsOnline: Some of your first TV appearances were on a handful of episodes of the short-lived Olsen twins sitcom So Little Time from 2001-2002. What was it like working with them when they were teenagers and post-Full House? And was this role that got the attention of ABC and the producers of 8 Simple Rules in 2002?
Amy Davidson: Working with the Olsen twins was so fun! It was my first recurring role and solid experience being on set. I got a hug every morning from the girls and they quickly accepted me into their television world. Luckily my role grew as they chose to focus on high school. So it was a win-win. At first it was a trip because I watched Full House growing up - remember I was not a child star. So working with these girls took a minute to adjust to! If it wasn't for So Little Time I may have not gone back to my roots and remained a redhead! I then decided to stay red and 8 Simple Rules came a few months later. So many reasons to say thank you :)
SitcomsOnline: Can you share some of your experiences on getting that call to go in for that 8 Simple Rules reading and did you think this was going to be something special? I believe they cast the roles of the three children before they signed on John Ritter and Katey Sagal right? How many pilots had you done prior to this?
Amy Davidson: 8 Simple Rules was my first pilot. It was my first test! The audition process was just like any other, except there was something a little magical about it. The casting director read me, paused and said you would be perfect for this. She wrote my callback time to read for the producers on a post-it note and I was on my way. The next day I auditioned for the producers, no one said a word and I left. You never know, sometimes they have you do it 12 different ways, sometimes they say nothing. I got a call from my manager and she said they wanted to test me in two weeks. I continued to have a few more pilot auditions, knowing 8 Simple Rules was in my back pocket, but none of them seem as special. The tests were amazing, I got the call, the call that changes your world, "you are employed" and the rest is history! Later the creator of 8 Simple Rules told me that I was the first Kerry they saw and after I left the room they (producers) looked at each other and said 'no way...could the first girl we saw be her?' They knew :) And yes, all three of us kids were cast first, then later John signed on and then Katey.
SitcomsOnline: John Ritter has called you "so talented" and he was so right! His judgment was always spot on, just like how his work was always perfection. We all know John was the "nicest guy in Hollywood" (and yes, along with his pal Henry Winkler) and he was always the life of the party (or in this case, of the set), but what did you learn from him? And what will you remember the most from the period that you knew him?
Amy Davidson: John Ritter has forever changed my life. It's been almost 10 years (since he passed) and I swear I think about this man every day. When I was blessed to work with John I grew...I grew and grew as an actor and as a person. John ALWAYS told you how well you were doing. When he wasn't giving a compliment or doing one of his "bits" he was educating us. I remember when we were shooting the pilot, he and I were on the couch chatting and he said how lucky we were to be working. I was blown away that such a huge talent, a huge star was saying this. I understand now. Jobs come and go. Tragedies happen...but jobs and new experiences are always around the corner. John taught me gratitude. He taught me humility. And most of all, John gave me something to believe in.
SitcomsOnline: After 8 Simple Rules ended (which I was sort of surprised since the show was doing decently on Friday nights in season three and syndication was looming), you showcased more into drama and were certainly showing off your "so talented" skills that John mentioned. You had some great guest spots on shows like House, CSI, CSI NY, Criminal Minds and most recently on TNT's Major Crimes and the CBS freshman drama Vegas, along with great TV movie turns on The Capture of the Green River Killer and Annie's Point, opposite Betty White! Do you like drama as equally as comedy, since you're good in both?
Amy Davidson: I LOVE drama! Yet comedy is just as close to my heart. I want to always do both. Be that multifaceted actor that you never expect what I will do next. After 8 Simple Rules ended I chose to focus on drama. I thought that was where I wanted to be. Now I realize I can and want to do both!! At the moment I am creating a show that is a comedy. I'm choosing to go back to my roots. I realized how much I missed making people laughs vs. making them cry! (LOL!) Either way, my goal is to always give the audience something to feel. Sometimes you need to laugh and other times you need that emotional release.
SitcomsOnline: We're still trying to get you on the ABC comedy Suburgatory (see our campaign)! Our campaign is still alive and we'll continue to ask/suggest series creator Emily Kapnek! It only makes sense for you to be on that show opposite Jane Levy, who reminds us so much of you. Maybe it's a red-head thing, but you both would be perfect together on the same screen. It's such a fun show and I thought of you right away after seeing the pilot. So for the record, you would love to be on the show, right??
Amy Davidson: You are so very kind! Yes, I would love to be on Suburgatory! It is such a great show with so many talented actors! I would love to play with them. I met Jane last year, we were chatting and had a laugh about how we would play perfect sisters. The ideas are endless!
SitcomsOnline: We really miss you on a regular series. What are some of your favorite current TV sitcoms (or any other TV series)? And what can fans expect to see you in next? I think everyone is hoping to see you put on those dancing shoes and dance on Dancing with the Stars in the future! We're sure you have the dance moves like Kerry Hennessy did on the 8 Simple Rules episode "Son-in-Law!"
Amy Davidson: Like I said, the ideas are endless! And so are the opportunities!!! What is directly in front of me right now is this comedy pilot I am creating. Unfortunately I cannot say anymore than that at this point. But, I am EXTREMELY excited about it! This is an idea/story that is very close to my heart and truly has never been told this particular way. So, god speed!
We definitely appreciate Amy for taking the time to give us an interview! She is a very nice young woman and we hope nothing but success for her future projects! That'll do it for this installment of "Seven Questions," stay tuned next time for another brand new interview! But first, don't forget to check out Amy Davidson all over the web and social media. Follow her everywhere!
ABC Family has announced its red-hot summer line-up with the premiere of four new original series including reality competition series Dancing Fools, family drama The Fosters, mystery drama Twisted and docu-soap The Vineyard. Summer premiere dates are also set for returning original series Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy, Switched at Birth and Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family's summer season kicks off on Wednesday, May 29 with two hit sitcoms. Melissa & Joey, the hit comedy starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, returns for the third season airing Wednesdays at 8:00pm ET/PT once again. Baby Daddy, the #1 new cable comedy of Summer 2012 in key female demos, returns with new episodes for its second season airing Wednesdays at 8:30pm ET/PT once again. Then new comedic reality series Dancing Fools premieres on the same night at 9:00pm ET/PT. The half-hour comedy clip show features the funniest, most outrageous and memorable dances caught on camera. The dancers from the top two clips of the week compete on stage for a chance to win $10,000. The series will air for eight weeks and is hosted by Melissa Peterman, who also stars in ABC Family's Baby Daddy (which is the lead-in) and in the upcoming ABC spring reality series Bet on Your Baby. Catch her in THREE series! After 8 weeks, new drama The Vineyard premieres on Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00pm ET/PT. It is a dramatic coming-of-age docu-soap that follows a handful of 20-somethings on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Tight quarters, new friends and new rivals, all living, working and playing together, make this picturesque playground ripe for mischief and romance.
Moving on to Mondays, from executive producer Jennifer Lopez (American Idol, The Back-Up Plan), ABC Family's new original series The Fosters will premiere on Monday, June 3, at 9:00pm ET/PT, following the series finale of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The one-hour drama centers on two moms (Teri Polo and Sherri Saum) raising a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids. The series also stars Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci and Cierra Ramirez. Then Switched at Birth returns with all new episodes on Monday, June 10, 8:00pm. ET/PT to finish up its second season. The first half of the season finishes up on March 11. On Tuesdays, Pretty Little Liars returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET/PT. The hit series is currently in its third season and the season finale is on March 19. And finally, new drama Twisted premieres on Tuesday, June 11 at 9:00pm ET/PT, following Pretty Little Liars' season premiere. The series is a one-hour mystery full of twists and turns that is centered on a charismatic 16-year-old with a troubled past (Avan Jogia) who has recently reconnected with his two female best friends from childhood (Maddie Hasson and Kylie Bunbury). He becomes the prime suspect when a fellow student is found dead in her home. The series also stars Kimberly Quinn, Sam Robards, Ashton Moio and Denise Richards. Stay with us for continued updates and if any other series is scheduled or picked-up, as ABC Family has a few series still in development like the sitcom pilots Phys Ed and Continuing Fred (which both taped in late 2012).
"Seven Questions with Amy Davidson From 8 Simple Rules"
SitcomsOnline: Thanks Amy for doing this interview! We have been a fan of your work since 8 Simple Rules and you are such an accomplished actress, so it is an honor to interview you. We usually start our questions with actors/actresses by asking them how they got into acting, so let's start there. At what point did you realize you wanted to get into this business and can you share some memories from your first experiences? Was it as you thought it would be?
Amy Davidson: I think I was around five years old when I realized I wanted to be an actress. I remember sitting in front of the TV watching Kids Incorporated and thinking, 'I want to do that!' I was always on stage dancing and performing, but it wasn't until I was about twelve years old that I actually took my first acting class. At age 19, I moved to Los Angeles and really started pursuing my dream. This business is the ultimate roller coaster. There are many ups and downs, but the ones who stay on the ride will have a fruitful experience. For me, I have to remember to go with the flow...the cream rises to the top!
SitcomsOnline: Some of your first TV appearances were on a handful of episodes of the short-lived Olsen twins sitcom So Little Time from 2001-2002. What was it like working with them when they were teenagers and post-Full House? And was this role that got the attention of ABC and the producers of 8 Simple Rules in 2002?
Amy Davidson: Working with the Olsen twins was so fun! It was my first recurring role and solid experience being on set. I got a hug every morning from the girls and they quickly accepted me into their television world. Luckily my role grew as they chose to focus on high school. So it was a win-win. At first it was a trip because I watched Full House growing up - remember I was not a child star. So working with these girls took a minute to adjust to! If it wasn't for So Little Time I may have not gone back to my roots and remained a redhead! I then decided to stay red and 8 Simple Rules came a few months later. So many reasons to say thank you :)
SitcomsOnline: Can you share some of your experiences on getting that call to go in for that 8 Simple Rules reading and did you think this was going to be something special? I believe they cast the roles of the three children before they signed on John Ritter and Katey Sagal right? How many pilots had you done prior to this?
Amy Davidson: 8 Simple Rules was my first pilot. It was my first test! The audition process was just like any other, except there was something a little magical about it. The casting director read me, paused and said you would be perfect for this. She wrote my callback time to read for the producers on a post-it note and I was on my way. The next day I auditioned for the producers, no one said a word and I left. You never know, sometimes they have you do it 12 different ways, sometimes they say nothing. I got a call from my manager and she said they wanted to test me in two weeks. I continued to have a few more pilot auditions, knowing 8 Simple Rules was in my back pocket, but none of them seem as special. The tests were amazing, I got the call, the call that changes your world, "you are employed" and the rest is history! Later the creator of 8 Simple Rules told me that I was the first Kerry they saw and after I left the room they (producers) looked at each other and said 'no way...could the first girl we saw be her?' They knew :) And yes, all three of us kids were cast first, then later John signed on and then Katey.
SitcomsOnline: John Ritter has called you "so talented" and he was so right! His judgment was always spot on, just like how his work was always perfection. We all know John was the "nicest guy in Hollywood" (and yes, along with his pal Henry Winkler) and he was always the life of the party (or in this case, of the set), but what did you learn from him? And what will you remember the most from the period that you knew him?
Amy Davidson: John Ritter has forever changed my life. It's been almost 10 years (since he passed) and I swear I think about this man every day. When I was blessed to work with John I grew...I grew and grew as an actor and as a person. John ALWAYS told you how well you were doing. When he wasn't giving a compliment or doing one of his "bits" he was educating us. I remember when we were shooting the pilot, he and I were on the couch chatting and he said how lucky we were to be working. I was blown away that such a huge talent, a huge star was saying this. I understand now. Jobs come and go. Tragedies happen...but jobs and new experiences are always around the corner. John taught me gratitude. He taught me humility. And most of all, John gave me something to believe in.
SitcomsOnline: After 8 Simple Rules ended (which I was sort of surprised since the show was doing decently on Friday nights in season three and syndication was looming), you showcased more into drama and were certainly showing off your "so talented" skills that John mentioned. You had some great guest spots on shows like House, CSI, CSI NY, Criminal Minds and most recently on TNT's Major Crimes and the CBS freshman drama Vegas, along with great TV movie turns on The Capture of the Green River Killer and Annie's Point, opposite Betty White! Do you like drama as equally as comedy, since you're good in both?
Amy Davidson: I LOVE drama! Yet comedy is just as close to my heart. I want to always do both. Be that multifaceted actor that you never expect what I will do next. After 8 Simple Rules ended I chose to focus on drama. I thought that was where I wanted to be. Now I realize I can and want to do both!! At the moment I am creating a show that is a comedy. I'm choosing to go back to my roots. I realized how much I missed making people laughs vs. making them cry! (LOL!) Either way, my goal is to always give the audience something to feel. Sometimes you need to laugh and other times you need that emotional release.
SitcomsOnline: We're still trying to get you on the ABC comedy Suburgatory (see our campaign)! Our campaign is still alive and we'll continue to ask/suggest series creator Emily Kapnek! It only makes sense for you to be on that show opposite Jane Levy, who reminds us so much of you. Maybe it's a red-head thing, but you both would be perfect together on the same screen. It's such a fun show and I thought of you right away after seeing the pilot. So for the record, you would love to be on the show, right??
Amy Davidson: You are so very kind! Yes, I would love to be on Suburgatory! It is such a great show with so many talented actors! I would love to play with them. I met Jane last year, we were chatting and had a laugh about how we would play perfect sisters. The ideas are endless!
SitcomsOnline: We really miss you on a regular series. What are some of your favorite current TV sitcoms (or any other TV series)? And what can fans expect to see you in next? I think everyone is hoping to see you put on those dancing shoes and dance on Dancing with the Stars in the future! We're sure you have the dance moves like Kerry Hennessy did on the 8 Simple Rules episode "Son-in-Law!"
Amy Davidson: Like I said, the ideas are endless! And so are the opportunities!!! What is directly in front of me right now is this comedy pilot I am creating. Unfortunately I cannot say anymore than that at this point. But, I am EXTREMELY excited about it! This is an idea/story that is very close to my heart and truly has never been told this particular way. So, god speed!
We definitely appreciate Amy for taking the time to give us an interview! She is a very nice young woman and we hope nothing but success for her future projects! That'll do it for this installment of "Seven Questions," stay tuned next time for another brand new interview! But first, don't forget to check out Amy Davidson all over the web and social media. Follow her everywhere!
- Amy Davidson Official Website
- Amy Davidson on Twitter
- Amy Davidson on Facebook
- Amy Davidson on Instagram
- Amy Davidson on Tumblr
- Amy Davidson on Pinterest
ABC Family has announced its red-hot summer line-up with the premiere of four new original series including reality competition series Dancing Fools, family drama The Fosters, mystery drama Twisted and docu-soap The Vineyard. Summer premiere dates are also set for returning original series Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy, Switched at Birth and Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family's summer season kicks off on Wednesday, May 29 with two hit sitcoms. Melissa & Joey, the hit comedy starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, returns for the third season airing Wednesdays at 8:00pm ET/PT once again. Baby Daddy, the #1 new cable comedy of Summer 2012 in key female demos, returns with new episodes for its second season airing Wednesdays at 8:30pm ET/PT once again. Then new comedic reality series Dancing Fools premieres on the same night at 9:00pm ET/PT. The half-hour comedy clip show features the funniest, most outrageous and memorable dances caught on camera. The dancers from the top two clips of the week compete on stage for a chance to win $10,000. The series will air for eight weeks and is hosted by Melissa Peterman, who also stars in ABC Family's Baby Daddy (which is the lead-in) and in the upcoming ABC spring reality series Bet on Your Baby. Catch her in THREE series! After 8 weeks, new drama The Vineyard premieres on Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00pm ET/PT. It is a dramatic coming-of-age docu-soap that follows a handful of 20-somethings on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Tight quarters, new friends and new rivals, all living, working and playing together, make this picturesque playground ripe for mischief and romance.
Moving on to Mondays, from executive producer Jennifer Lopez (American Idol, The Back-Up Plan), ABC Family's new original series The Fosters will premiere on Monday, June 3, at 9:00pm ET/PT, following the series finale of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The one-hour drama centers on two moms (Teri Polo and Sherri Saum) raising a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids. The series also stars Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci and Cierra Ramirez. Then Switched at Birth returns with all new episodes on Monday, June 10, 8:00pm. ET/PT to finish up its second season. The first half of the season finishes up on March 11. On Tuesdays, Pretty Little Liars returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET/PT. The hit series is currently in its third season and the season finale is on March 19. And finally, new drama Twisted premieres on Tuesday, June 11 at 9:00pm ET/PT, following Pretty Little Liars' season premiere. The series is a one-hour mystery full of twists and turns that is centered on a charismatic 16-year-old with a troubled past (Avan Jogia) who has recently reconnected with his two female best friends from childhood (Maddie Hasson and Kylie Bunbury). He becomes the prime suspect when a fellow student is found dead in her home. The series also stars Kimberly Quinn, Sam Robards, Ashton Moio and Denise Richards. Stay with us for continued updates and if any other series is scheduled or picked-up, as ABC Family has a few series still in development like the sitcom pilots Phys Ed and Continuing Fred (which both taped in late 2012).
Sitcoms Airing Tonight
Wednesday, March 3
The Goldbergs - "Mr. Ships Ahoy" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
As William Penn’s new Quaker Warden, Beverly is thrilled to have co-workers for the first time and sets out to make them all love her. To her dismay, it’s more difficult to win them over than she anticipated, as her reputation of being a difficult school parent precedes her. Meanwhile, Geoff competes in the “Mr. Ships Ahoy” beauty pageant to prove to Erica that he can be seen as desirable by other women.
American Housewife - "The Guardian" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Katie and Greg secretly put Kathryn (Wendie Malick) through a series of tests to see if she would make a good guardian for Anna-Kat in the unlikely event something should happen to them. Meanwhile, after tracking down J.D.’s (Jake Choi) potential egg donors, Tami (Holly Robinson Peete) and Katie scheme to learn more about them.
The Conners - "A Stomach Ache, a Heartbreak and a Grave Mistake" (ABC,
9:00PM ET/PT)
Mark is stressed out and feeling sick, convinced he has COVID-19. Meanwhile, Becky and Harris team up to confront Josh who has been “ghosting” Harris; and when Jackie visits Roseanne’s grave, she finds an appalling headstone right next to it and sets out to make it right.
Call Your Mother - "Feelings" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Jean and Danny’s relationship grows complicated emotionally and physically as they try to resist their feelings for one another until his divorce is final. As Celia is moving into Freddie’s apartment, Freddie is disappointed to learn that Celia plans to keep her place as a backup plan, causing some hard conversations between the two.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of March 1)
Wednesday, March 3
- Ben Schwartz (Space Force/Parks and Recreation) - Watch Ben on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS. He will also be on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Annaleigh Ashford (B Positive) - Annaleigh appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
- Kyra Sedgwick (Call Your Mother) - Kyra is a guest on The Talk on CBS at 2pm ET/1pm CT-PT.
- Arsenio Hall (Arsenio) - Arsenio talks about Coming 2 America on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
- Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly/Samantha Who?) - Melissa appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
- Kristen Bell (The Good Place) and Dax Shepard (Bless This Mess) - Kristen and Dax are guests on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your local listings.
- Jermaine Fowler (Superior Donuts) - Jermaine will be on The Real, so check your local listings.
- Awkwafina (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens) - Awkwafina appears on The Kelly Clarkson Show, so check your local listings.
- Hillary Duff (Younger/Lizzie McGuire) - Hillary talks about My Brave Little Girl on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
New on DVD/Blu-ray (October-February)
10/13 - The Jetsons - The Complete Series (Diamond Collection)
10/13 - Our Cartoon President - Season Two
10/23 - Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - The Complete Collection
10/27 - The Flintstones - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
10/27 - Head of the Class - The Complete Second Season (WBShop.com)
11/10 - Letterkenny - Seasons 5 & 6
11/10 - The Office - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/10 - Schitt's Creek - The Complete Collection
11/17 - Carol's Second Act - The Complete Series
11/17 - Robbie - Season 1
11/24 - Corporate - Season 1
11/26 - Man with a Plan - Season Four
12/01 - The Neighborhood - Season Two
12/15 - Avenue 5 - The Complete First Season
01/22 - Corporate - Season 2
01/22 - Corporate - Season 3
02/02 - Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In - The Complete Series (2021 Retail Release)
02/16 - Fam - The Complete Series
02/23 - Betty White's Pet Set - The Complete Series
03/02 - Blue Mountain State - The Complete Series
03/02 - Happy Together - The Complete Series
03/02 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-4 (DVD) (Blu-ray)
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