Pop-Culturalist.com

Audrey Hsieh is an up-and-coming talent who’s currently starring opposite Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the must-see family comedy Here Today. Audrey shines as Linday, the granddaughter to Billy Crystal’s character. The pair share several heartfelt moments throughout the film. Audrey not only holds her own with Billy, but she also steals the show! We caught up with Audrey to chat about all things Here Today.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Audrey: I really liked performing and playing different kinds of characters, although my passion for acting hadn’t solidified until I got this movie, Here Today. It made me realize how much I love it!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Audrey: My family! If my mom and dad hadn’t said yes to the scout at our local Target, then I probably would not be where I am today. They also support me, encourage me, and are my only means of transportation to and from auditions so…I’d say they’re pretty important. [laughs]

PC: Tell us about Here Today, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Audrey: Here Today is a very heartwarming movie that’s perfect for any family! It’s super funny and emotional, and it’s just a lovely watch overall. My character is Lindsay. She is very family-oriented and loves them to bits and pieces. I liked how real this movie was. It was funny and all that, but it was also very grounded.

PC: What was the audition process like? What was your reaction when you landed the role?
Audrey: I sent in a self-tape feeling like I had done the best in the world, but I didn’t get a reply until a few months later. I thought I totally did not get the role. To my surprise, however, Billy Crystal wanted to do an in-person read with me, so I went to his office and met with him and did the scenes. I somehow managed to land it! When I landed it, I was surprised and shocked most of all. It didn’t really sink in until I was in New York filming the movie. It was incredible.

PC: What was it like sharing the screen with Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish? Did they share any words of wisdom with you?
Audrey: It was phenomenal. They are both so amazingly nice and wise. I wanted to make sure I could perform next to them and do my very best, although admittedly I was also nervous. They did give me a few tips on my acting and how I could improve, but they also gave me some good advice on life!

PC: This is your first big role. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Audrey: I was surprised at how big the production was. I knew we were working with a lot of big names, but I had no idea how many there actually were. I think from the experience, I have definitely gained more assurance in my ability to act and just in myself overall. As silly as it sounds to say, it really pays off to be yourself.

PC: With this being your first big role, how did you prepare to step into your character’s shoes?
Audrey: I learned a part of the Torah for this one scene because in the movie my character has a bat mitzvah. I really wanted to make sure I got it right so I practiced over and over and also learned a bit about Jewish culture!

PC: You have another project that you just wrapped on. Is there anything you can tell us about that?
Audrey: The movie is called Mixtape and it will be coming out on Netflix! It’s about a girl, Beverly, who finds a mixtape from her deceased parents. She decides she needs to hunt down these songs to see if there is a message her parents are trying to tell her. I play Ellen, the next-door neighbor! This movie takes place in the ’90s and all I can say is that the visuals, costuming, music, everything is just so beautiful and amazing! Look forward to it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Audrey: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

PC: Favorite movie?
Audrey: The Lego Movie.

PC: Favorite book?
Audrey: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Audrey: Heathers.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Audrey: The Oral Cigarettes.

PC: Dream role?
Audrey: A very loud and fun character that fights in a post-apocalyptic world! I love action and thrillers. Also, a girl in a horror movie, the monster, the main character, the one that dies first, any character. I just want to be in a horror movie.

To keep up with Audrey, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch Here Today in theaters now.

Photo Credit: Annie Tao