Katherine Hughes is an emerging young actress who’s quickly making her mark in the industry, thanks to powerhouse performances in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Audience Network’s Kingdom. This year, she’s stepping into her first leading role, portraying Charley, a confident, artistic teen whose life is turned upside down when her ex-boyfriend from the fourth grade returns from the dead in the rom-com My Dead Ex. We spoke with Katherine about her character, the project, and the important message she hopes audiences take away.
PC: Tell us about My Dead Ex, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Katherine: My Dead Ex is a love triangle between Charley, Ben, and Luke. My character, Charley, is a junior in high school dealing with normal teenager stuff, but her life gets sidetracked when Ben, her ex-boyfriend from fourth grade, dies and comes back to life. For Charley, she has to deal with all of that while trying to pursue Luke, who’s a cool senior.
PC: In the series, Charley and Ben couldn’t be any more different. Charley is really trendy and Ben is more of a traditionalist. Where do you fall?
Katherine: Oh gosh! Personally, I’m probably more of a traditionalist but that’s also me saying I’m a traditionalist in L.A. I mean I’m definitely on social media, up with trends, pop culture and TV shows, but at the end of the day I do love reading in bed, and things like that.
PC: What were some of your favorite rom-coms growing up? Did they impact how you approached this project?
Katherine: Oh yeah! This has always been a dream project of mine. Rom-coms were my favorites growing up. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Miss Congeniality. I loved Amanda Bynes and She’s the Man, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days; there are so many!
PC: How similar or different are you to your character, Charley?
Katherine: I’m very similar. I didn’t have Instagram in high school. I feel like high school is a really different place now with social media, and that’s really the biggest difference between me and Charley. I didn’t have to deal with all the technology that’s in place now. It’s a completely different world, especially during that pivotal time in a young person’s life when you’re trying to figure out who you are.
PC: In the series, Charley and Ben have to be within 30 feet of each other. If you had to be paired with someone in your own life, who would it be and why?
Katherine: [laughs] Oh my gosh! Who would it be? I would have to say my mother. I think she’s the only person I would trust to be around 30 feet of my whole life.
PC: Your character is at the center of the story and has relationships with many, if not all, of the characters. Which was your favorite to explore and why?
Katherine: That’s such a great question. I’d have to say Charley and Ben. It’s the fantastical element of the show—having to interact with essentially a dead person—and exploring first love. Ryan as an actor is so amazing to work with, and it was so fun.
PC: Did you have the opportunity to work with Isabella, who plays the ten-year-old version of your character? Did you have any advice for her?
Katherine: I would come to set early to watch the kids work. I believe it was both of their first projects. They’re so young, natural, and lovable. Isabella is so sweet. In terms of words of wisdom, I just told her to always put the story first.
PC: If you could give Charley one piece of advice what would it be and why?
Katherine: It’s probably the same advice I would give any girl her age. At the end of the day, all you need is your friends and family. And don’t worry too much!
PC: If you could write a storyline for any of the characters, what would it be?
Katherine: I would love to expand on Mason’s storyline, who’s played by Rickey Eugene Brown. He’s so funny and there’s so much backstory to tell with that character.
PC: What do you hope audiences take away from watching this series?
Katherine: Ryan and I talk about this a lot. We hope kids take away how important it is to give people a chance and to be persistent. If you’re a guy or girl and you really like someone, give it a shot! Maybe don’t be as persistent as Ben. [laughs] But go for it!
PC: If the show gets picked up for a second season, are there any aspects of Charley you really want to explore further?
Katherine: I’d love to know more about Charley’s dad. He passed away when she was really young, but I think he played a huge part into why she’s such a good person. I’d love to see a flashback to them in the second season.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Katherine: The Bachelor, but I also watch good television I promise!
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Katherine: Step Up!
PC: Favorite book?
Katherine: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or 1984
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Katherine: There are so many good ones. My favorite musical is probably Dear Evan Hansen, and favorite play is Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.
PC: An artist or band that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Katherine: Hiatus Kaiyote
PC: Favorite social media platform?
Katherine: Twitter is my favorite, but I’m more active on Instagram.
PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Katherine: Handmaid’s Tale
PC: Hidden talent?
Katherine: I can now do the Charleston because of the show!
Make sure to follow Katherine on Twitter and Instagram, and binge-watch the entire season of My Dead Ex on Verizon’s go90!
Photo Credit: AwesomenessTV
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