She may star in a TV show called "Unfabulous," but actress Emma Roberts appears to have a most smashing career.
With the popular Nickelodeon show, a starring role in the film "Aquamarine" (now out on DVD) and the title role in an upcoming Nancy Drew movie — well, there's a reason why Roberts doesn't need to ask her famous aunt Julia for job advice (Dad, by the way, is actor Eric Roberts).
We chatted recently with the 15-year-old about the importance of follow-through, Harry Potter and those celebrity family ties.
Q: Where are you calling from?
A: I'm in New York (promoting) the Band-Aid brand "Stick With It" contest — it's a contest that inspires kids to stick with it, whether that be academics or sports or instruments or a hobby. You enter by writing an essay (due by Aug. 15), and there's a grand prize and other prizes. You can go to StickWithItAwards.com to find out more.
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Q: How did you get involved with that?
A: I just think it's really important for kids to stick with things because I know some kids start things and quit and then go back and start again. I just think it's important to (find) something they like to do.
Q: Have you ever had a problem starting something and then quitting and not following through?
A: Yeah (laughs). I think everyone has that every once in a while. (For me) it was probably horseback riding — I started and then I quit and now I want to start back up again.
Q: So "Aquamarine" is out now on DVD. Tell us what it's about.
A: It's about two best friends who find a mermaid; it's about their friendship and getting to know each other and getting to know themselves. It's really fun.
Q: I understand you're in a new Nancy Drew film.
A: Yes, I play Nancy Drew — we actually just finished shooting.
Q: Is it based on any of the Nancy Drew books?
A: It's not based on any of the books — it's a new premise where Nancy Drew moves to Los Angeles and lives in an old movie star's house. It's filled with all sorts of adventures.
Q: So, does it have an old-movie-star-glamour feel?
A: (Laughs) Of course!
Q: Who else is in the movie?
A: Tate Donovan plays my dad, and Rachel Leigh Cook is also in it.
Q: Did you read the Nancy Drew books when you were younger?
A: No, I didn't. It seems like they skipped my generation — everyone before me read them and all the little kids now are reading them, but my friends and I didn't.
Q: What kind of books did you read?
A: I'm a Harry Potter girl. I also read all the Lemony Snicket books.
Q: So your Nickelodeon show "Unfabulous" is doing really well — are we going to see another season?
A: Yes, we start (shooting) in August.
Q: Tell me a little bit about your character — you play a musician, right?
A: I play Addie Singer, a girl who, instead of keeping a diary, sings and plays guitar and writes songs. It's about her struggling through middle school, having to deal with family and friends and everything.
Q: What can we expect to see in the new season? Will your character change? Will she be dealing with different issues?
A: I'm not really sure yet. I'm going to have dinner with the writer . . . to talk about new and fun story ideas.
Q: Do you have any particular direction you want her to go in? You must feel pretty close to her, having already played her for two seasons.
A: I kind of want her to have more funny adventures and just do more stuff. I also think she should mature a lot.
Q: You really play the guitar, right?
A: Yes, I played before (the show). I'm OK; I haven't really taken lessons in a long time because I've been so busy. I want to start again.
Q: You have a CD out from the show. Can you see doing music beyond "Unfabulous"?
A: Yes, I'd like to do that — probably when I'm older and can focus more on it.
Q: Do you dance? Any aspirations for Broadway?
A: No, I can't dance to save my life. As for Broadway — I don't think so (laughs). I don't really like being on stage.
Q: I'm sure people ask you this all the time, but do you look to your aunt as a role model?
A: Yes. I love the movies she's done and I like the way her career has gone — she's done a lot of different kind of movies.
Q: Any particular favorite?
A: "America's Sweethearts" — it's really funny.
Q: Does she give you career advice?
A: We don't really talk about it. I get most of my advice from Mom and my manager. I also think you need to learn more from experience.
Q: If there's one question you wish people would never ask you again, what would it be?
A: "What advice does your aunt give you?"
Q: Got it — sorry about that.
A: (Laughing) That's OK.
