INTERVIEW: Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne is one talented actress who is “Shakin’ Up” young Hollywood! She may be living her dream now, but Bella has had to overcome many obstacles to get where she is today, including dyslexia and the tragic death of her father. Get to know Bella Thorne, the talented redhead who is a true triple threat!

Full Name: Annabella Avery "Bella" Thorne
Birthday: October 8th, 1997
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Celebrity Crush: Ian Somerhaulder
Favorite Singer: Lilly Allen
Favorite Sports Team: New York Yankees
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Movie: 'Mean Girls'
Fun Fact: Bella was born to be a princess! She was named after 'Beauty and the Beast's' Belle.

Describe your TV show 'Shake It Up' and your character Cece.
Bella: 'Shake It Up' is a buddy comedy centered around dance. It is a fun show about everyday kids working a part time job and learning life lessons about school and family. I play Cece, a tomboy with a flair for fashion. She loves to dance and she loves her BFF Rocky. She always has a plan, even though it's probably not a good one.

Did you dance before landing your role on 'Shake It Up'?
Bella: I am a dancer and I had never taken professional classes before I booked the role but I started as soon as I knew that I had a chance of getting this amazing opportunity. I took two to three dance classes per night about four or five times per week. Before the classes, I'd just watch dance shows and copy the moves- that's how I had a dance prepared for my audition. Choreography has been my biggest challenge on the show but I am fortunate to have incredible choreographers to work with.

How do you stay grounded?
Bella: I really surround myself with positive people and my family keeps me grounded. Kids in Hollywood are making mistakes but so are regular teenagers. The only difference is there are no bloggers and paparazzi to broadcast their mistakes and growing pains. I think so many of my friends and co-stars are really trying to do good for others and give back to the community and do the right thing and that is wonderful!

What was it like to work with Taylor Lautner on the TV show 'My Own Worst Enemy'?
Bella: Taylor is so funny. He's such a great actor, and he's so nice, and he's really ticklish too!

Do you prefer acting or modeling?
Bella: Modeling is quicker and I love fashion, but acting is fun to be different people. I'm starting to like acting more, but I still love modeling.

I understand that your siblings are in show business as well. What is it like to be part of an acting family?
Bella: It's kinda neat because we all can relate to each other. Sometimes people don't understand how hard it is to work as an actor. There's lots of work and rejection. We all share that. We all support each other.

Who inspired you to start acting?
Bella: My family. My daddy died and he always taught us not to give up and to believe in yourself. I hope my daddy can see how much we've done. My mom, cousin and siblings are all there for me. It takes all of us to make it work. We are really close as a family and I don't think you can be successful without the love and support of your family.

How has your dyslexia affected your acting career?
Bella: It was challenging because I was not a strong reader and so many times you have cold reads at auditions, plus I had to struggle to get through a script. On the positive side, my love for acting pushed me to become a better reader, to practice every night and day.

What goals do you have for yourself as an actress?
Bella: I want to be a working actor that improves everyday. I want to learn from everyone around me and be respected as a serious actress. I hope that one day, I can be the reason another girl wants to become an actress.