Interviews
Jessica Marie Garcia – Liv and Maddie
By |
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?
A) Right now I’m working on my first short film that I am writing, directing and starring in. It will be my most ambitious project to date and I really look forward to having it finished and submitted to festivals by the end of this year! Fingers crossed!
Q) How was your character Willow on “Liv and Maddie” originally described to you?
A) At first, her name was “Princess” and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited this made me! I figured it was probably the closest I would ever get to being an actual Disney Princess so I was stoked! What girl wouldn’t be!? Though her breakdown sounded a little different than that of royalty, she was described as tough and athletic and had an infatuation with Joey. After I booked the role, her name was later changed to Willow and the rest is history. So, at this point, I’m still patiently waiting for my Disney Princess opportunity.
Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?
A) I think every child grows up wanting to be on the Disney Channel – I know I did! Growing up in Orlando, I spent most of my childhood at Disney World or watching Disney movies and TV shows. At the time, I would have given anything to be on Lizzie McGuire or That’s So Raven. So when I was given the opportunity to audition for Liv and Maddie I was so excited! The show is so funny and well written that it made my potential involvement even more desirable.
Q) There is such great chemistry between all of the cast members on screen. Was there an instant chemistry when you joined the cast?
A) Thank you! We have such a blast on set everyday, so the fact that viewers can see that is really great to hear. As soon as I met the whole cast, we all clicked. They had all been together for over a year working on a previous pilot that then turned into Liv and Maddie. So as a newcomer, it was nerve racking. But as I walked into that first table read, Dove ran up to me and gave me the biggest, warmest hug. The cast literally welcomed me with open arms and we have been a family ever since.
Q) You have great comedic timing. Is that something that has come natural to you or did you have to work at it?
A) Thank you so much! I have loved making people laugh since I was a kid so I’d say it’s fairly natural to me. But I still go to class every week in order to stay quick and fresh. Comedy is definitely a craft that you have to continuously keep working at.
Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Liv and Maddie” this season?
A) This season has been a blast! Some of my most favorite moments have yet to air so I can’t give it all away! But filming “Rate-A-Rooney” was the best filming experience I have ever had. Getting to shoot an episode that had such a strong response of love from our fans was unreal. This episode helped so many girls and boys that have been bullied or picked on in school. I will always think back on filming this episode and how proud I am of its influence.
Q) Some fans have expressed interest in seeing Willow settle down a bit and maybe becoming romantically involved with Joey. Is that something you would like to see happen, too?
A) Are you kidding!? I am counting down the days for #Jillow to happen! Our fans tell me everyday how much they want us to get together. I want it for Willow and I’d love for that to happen for our audience. They see their own crushes in Joey and are really rooting for us. I just love it!
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) I get so overwhelmed with the love we get on social media from our fans. They make videos of themselves singing the theme song or making #Jillow drawings and pictures. I think it’s great that they feel so connected to us and we can show our love back to them. I really enjoy visiting their fan pages and liking their pictures so that they know that I appreciate them.
Q) Is there anything else about this season of Liv and Maddie that you want to be sure to share with fans?
A) This season is full of chaos! Love triangles, more music, more drama and tons of Joey and Parker blowing things up! I suggest our fans don’t miss an episode because it’s about to get real cray in the Rooney house.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I would like to thank each one of them for supporting me. Being an actor has been my true dream and knowing that there are people out there encouraging me to continue that dream is incredible. I couldn’t be more appreciative. Stick around! You will see much more of my craziness soon!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login