Audrey Smallman is one of the breakout stars of the hilarious new comedy, Date My Dad. Her character, Gigi, along with her sisters are working together to get their father, Ricky (Barry Watson), back on the dating scene. If you’ve watched the show (and you should!), you know we’re watching the emergence of a major talent. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Audrey about the show, her role, and what it’s like working with Barry Watson.
PC: Tell us about Date My Dad and your character.
Audrey: Date My Dad is a great show that the whole family can enjoy. There are topics that both kids and adults can relate to, from social media and bullying to dating and relationships. It’s about a family that loses their mom and how the dad, played by Barry Watson, manages to keep them all together, while finding a girlfriend…with his daughters’ help. The show is funny, serious and sometimes sad, just like real life. My character, Gigi, is this super smart eight-year-old, and I love her. She’s kind, funny, and loves her family.
PC: What about the script resonated with you the most?
Audrey: What I really related to was how close the Cooper family was. My family is really close, too, and there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for each other. I also really liked Gigi’s lines, because she’s super clever and funny.
PC: Describe Gigi in five words.
Audrey: Smart, adorable, funny, loving, and clever.
PC: What was it like working with Barry Watson? What’s the best piece of advice he gave you?
Audrey: Working with Barry was awesome! He is just SO good and always so helpful. He really made sure I was taken care of. He would run lines with me if I needed it, he let me play with his little dog, John Wayne, and he would always make sure I knew we were a “family”. The BEST piece of advice he gave me was that everyone on set is a team and we ALL need to help each other out. I love and will always remember that.
PC: How did you, Zenia, and Lilah build your sisterly bond?
Audrey: We hung out together and sometimes we would go out for lunch. Zenia and Lilah are so nice that it wasn’t hard at all to build a friendship with them. We still see each other every now and then.
PC: What was your favorite episode to shoot this season?
Audrey: Episode six, Bingo, is my favorite episode so far. I have some really great scenes and was able to work with Robert Wagner! But I can’t say too much because it hasn’t aired in Canada yet.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Audrey: Adventure Time
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Audrey: All the Harry Potter movies
PC: Favorite book(s)?
Audrey: Sisters, Smile, and Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Audrey: La La Land
PC: Favorite social media platform?
Audrey: Instagram
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Audrey: The Commodores
PC: Hidden talent?
Audrey: I can crack my hip joint on demand.
Make sure to follow Audrey on Twitter and Instagram, and catch new episodes of Date My Dad every Friday on Up.
Photo Credit: Pink Monkey Studios
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