Kyle Chavarria (Laura Ingalls) Exclusive Interview!

 

Hi Kyle! Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed about your new role as Laura Ingalls on ABC's upcoming Little House On The Prairie series.

1. First, let me start off by saying congratulations for landing the leading role as Laura Ingalls!

Thanks Lennon, I feel very fortunate to have such a great opportunity to play one of my favorite characters. How cool to go up to Calgary for 5 months and learn how to ride horses and milk cows! I feel a little sad leaving my friends and family for so long, but I know they'll come up to visit.

2. How was the audition for the lead role? Was it very competitive?

Auditions for this role was a long process, it took me 4 auditions! The crazy thing is I had to miss the first audition since one of my brothers had a call back for a commercial, fortunately my manager got me back in to see the casting director...a month later!

3. Reading your biography, you have co-starred on shows such as "According to Jim" and "The Agency" and even did a commercial for "McDonald's." How did you get into the business?

It's a funny story how I got started. My brothers Chase and Connor were brought in for a Toyota audition and of course I was dragged with. The casting director asked my mom if I could audition too but I was too afraid to go in by myself since I was just a little kid . My brothers said they'd go in with me. My brother Connor and I both booked the job and it's been crazy ever since!

4. Your mom Kim, told me you're a fan of the original Little House On The Prairie show starring Michael Landon. How old where you when you first discovered Little House? Who's your favorite character on the show? Have you ever read the books?

I was in 1st grade when I discovered the Little House series since my teacher, Mrs. Foster had a copy in the classroom and I loved it so much I kept the book throughout the summer...My mom bought me my very own copy which made it easier to give back. My mom also loved the series and thought how cool her daughter is playing Laura, who she adored as a kid herself. My favorite character is Laura since I can relate most to her, she was a tomboy just like me. My mom bought the entire first series for me on DVD and I can't stop watching them. I also love Carrie because she's soooo cute and I love kids!

5. Kyle, your only nine years old and you have so much going on in your career. What do you like to do when your not acting? Any favorite hobbies?

Since my brothers and I all act it leaves very little time for anything else but my mom believes in making us well rounded . All three of us play sports and are involved with scouting. Sports are my favorite thing to do, especially soccer. Last Spring I was the pitcher on an all boys baseball team. I actually started playing basketball and signed up for baseball in the Spring but had to stop due my upcoming role.

6. Filming begins soon for the new series. Are you scared or excited? Or, a little of both?

I'm really excited about this neat adventure and seeing some beautiful parts of Canada. I know my Mom will work me hard but we'll have time to travel in Alberta.

7. Have you met with any of the other actors starring in the new show yet?

I have met Dani, who will play Mary, she's 10 and played Thing 1 in The Cat in the Hat! Dani is so nice and she lives in Utah. I thought I had to travel far for auditions! I also met Erin, who will play Ma. I met her on my 3rd audition and thought she was the nicest person. Erin made me feel so comfortable that when I came out of the audition I told my mom how much fun I had talking with her.

8. Laura Ingalls Wilder has been played on screen by two talented actress, Melissa Gilbert and Meredith Monroe. As a young actress, how do you feel about playing a role that so many people have set an image of? Are you scared that people might compare you with the other two actresses?

I know I have big shoes to fill after Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Monroe, but I look forward to this challenge. I know filming this will be a blast and I'm sure that will come across on the screen and all the viewers will see what an exciting time all of us had while making Little House on The Prairie. I know when I watch my DVD's I put myself in Laura's' shoes and it's so exciting to be her!

Kyle, I would like to thank you for answering my questions before you start your new role as Laura Ingalls. If you don't mind I would like to interview you again in a few months to see how things are going. We Little House fans wish you the best and give you our full support!

I look forward to keeping you posted on my adventures up in Calgary but right now I'm just trying to do my 3rd grade math!
Talk to you soon
Love,
Kyle

For more information on Kyle Chavarria visit her Official Web site at www.kylechavarria.com

Webmasters Note: Interview was done on February 12, 2004.

 

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