Danielle Ryan Chuchran (Mary Ingalls) Exclusive Interview!
Hi Dani! Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed about your new
role as Mary Ingalls on ABC's Little House On The Prairie series.
1.
First, let me start off by saying congratulations for landing the
role of Mary Ingalls! How was the audition process for Mary Ingalls?
Was it very competitive?
Thanks! I understand ABC had been auditioning for several weeks for
the part of Mary, and I was very fortunate to have just the look
they wanted and the personality to match. We had several mix and
match sessions to finally put the whole family together.
2. Reading your biography, you have done a lot in your career
already for such a young age. Even starring as "Thing One" in "The
Cat in the Hat" based on the classic books by Dr. Seuss. How did you
get into the business?
I started out by being in Hawaiian Beauty pageants and doing some
print work. My agent sent me out on a few auditions and I booked
them and she said this is what I should be doing. After filming
Little Secrets with Evan Rachel Wood and Vivica Fox and doing Cat in
The Hat I decided this was really fun and wanted to continue. I love
meeting new people and making new friends.
3. Where do you see your career in five years?
In 5 years I would like to do a movie like King Arthur. That is my
favorite movie and I have been practicing archery just in case.
4.
Before landing your role as Mary Ingalls, had you ever read the
books by Laura Ingalls Wilder or seen the TV series starring Michael
Landon?
Yes, my mom still watches all of the Little House reruns. I read the
books and loved them. It was so fun getting to play a character I
had seen on TV for so long and loved.
5. What was filming like on Little House?
Little House was the most fun I have ever had. Canada was beautiful,
but really cold, and I made so many new friends there. It was so fun
being around the horses and dogs every day! The director, David
Cunningham, and the producer, Hans Proppe, were the 2 greatest
people in the world to work for. I love my new family, Pa, Cameron
Bancroft, Ma, Erin Cotrell, and Laura, Kyle Chavarria. We still keep
in touch and talk on the phone.
6. What were the costumes like? fun to wear?
As for the costumes, I am not much of a dress person so having to
wear one everyday was not my first choice. They were really hot and
sometimes itchy with the petticoats and thick wool socks. But I
guess the girls back then didn't get to wear pants.
7. Melissa Sue Anderson played the role of Mary Ingalls for eight
years. As a young actress, how do you feel about playing the role of
Mary Ingalls that so many people have set an image of? Are you
scared that people might compare you with Melissa Sue Anderson?
I loved watching Melissa Sue Anderson play Mary. She was perfect for
the older sister, I just hope people think I did a good job as well
playing Kyles big sister. It was an honor to be able to play this
role.
Webmasters Note: Interview was done on May 15, 2005.
