Written by: Jayme Face
You may have seen Ashley Boettcher as ‘Mel Fuller’ on “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street,” “The Legend of Kora,” “About a Boy,” and many others. At sixteen she is already a Hollywood Veteran, having acted since she was only 2 1/2 years old! We caught up with her on what she’s up to and her current projects!
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
upfrontNY: Can you tell us a little bit about “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street” and your character Mel Fuller?
Ashley Boettcher: “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street” is about 3 best friends, Gortimer, Mel and Ranger who live on Normal Street where things are anything but normal. It’s a show about friendship, growing up, and the crazy things that happen on Normal Street!
Mel is the brains of the group, though everyone is smart in their own way. She loves science, art and inventing things to help people. She would do just about anything for her friends and family, who she loves very much.
upfrontNY: Do you see similarities between Mel and yourself?
Ashley Boettcher: Yes, definitely. We’re both smart, kind, helpful girls who are fiercely loyal to those we care about.
upfrontNY: You encounter some strange things on the show; what is the strangest encounter you’ve had in real life?
Ashley Boettcher: Honestly, I can’t really think of one.
upfrontNY: You have already played so many characters; what kind of character is your favorite to play? Why?
Ashley Boettcher: I love playing all different types of characters, picking just one type is impossible. Being able to play so many is one of my all-time favorite things about being an actress. One day, I can be Mel Fuller, the next I could be an elf or traveling to a different land through a magic journal!
upfrontNY: What kind of role would you like to play in the future? Why?
Ashley Boettcher: I would love to be a mystical character in a movie like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings! I also think it would be amazing to be a companion on Doctor Who! I love fantasy and sci-fi, it’s always been a dream of mine.
upfrontNY: You have worked with some really big people; what have you learned from them?
Ashley Boettcher: I have learned so many great things from the amazing people I’ve gotten to work with! One of the pieces of advice I have received that hit home for me in my life was:
“It’s the trying, doing, failing, and trying again, in all avenues of your life, that will make all the difference for you.” – Luke Matheny
upfrontNY: What do you like to do besides acting?
Ashley Boettcher: I love to write, direct, draw, read, play video games, go horseback riding, hang out with my friends, cook and watch John Hughes movies.
upfrontNY: You recently celebrated your sixteenth birthday; what did you do to celebrate?
Ashley Boettcher: I didn’t have a huge party like most girls my age. Instead, I had a little get together with my close friends and family here in LA. And, my mom surprised me by setting up lunches with some of my favorite people/mentors throughout the week.
Fast Five Favorite:
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
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