Cheryl Texiera – Girl Meets World

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show “Girl Meets World?”

A) I was a huge fan of “Boy Meets World” and when I saw that there was an audition for Katy Hart I was like, “Why wouldn’t I go try out for this?” Then, how lucky was I that I got to be a part of it in such a meaningful way? It was surprising.

Q) How was your character Katy Hart originally described to you?

A) She was described as a hardworking single mother of Maya (Sabrina Carpenter). She was an actress who kind of couldn’t get there and basically put on airs. She was fancy and had a great career, but all of that was a façade. She just lived her own life and kind of really wasn’t involved with Maya.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally described to you?

A) I don’t know if all of her quirks were in there originally. Michael Jacobs basically said that he writes the character the way he envisions it for the first few episodes, but then after working with the actor he is going to naturally take things from your own personality and mannerisms and put them into the character. I am curious. I would love to sit down with Michael and ask, “So, what is me in this?”

Q) Did you find there was instant chemistry when you began working with Sabrina or did you spend some time to bond together?

A) With the first few episodes that we did, Sabrina and I didn’t really have much interaction. In the very first episode the only interaction Maya and Katy had was in the hallway and she asked me if I was okay. Then, I say, “We’re good the way that we always are,” and she walks away. I actually had a lot more back and forth with Rowan [Blanchard.] So, it was funny because Sabrina and I were connecting off screen, but it wasn’t translating so much on screen – particularly in the beginning anyway.

Q) What were your thoughts when you first read about Shawn’s proposal?

A) I was shocked because I was like, “Oh my gosh!” I was totally thrilled and excited. I loved how it was written in the script how it was just kind of him having this realization that this was what he wanted for his life. Then, it all happened! So, I was really excited.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Girl Meets World?”

A) The proposal is definitely at this point the most memorable. But another most memorable was hearing and watching the live audience watch the live playback of the proposal because it was incredible. They were so supportive and losing it in the audience. It was one of those moments as an actor that I will never forget. When you actually watch the scene you can hear the screams of people really excited and freaking out. It’s so cut down compared to what it was when they actually showed it. It’s crazy!

Q) How does it make you feeling having fans so invested in your character?

A) Oh gosh! I kind of have to pinch myself. I feel really, really blessed. She is coming into a world that is so established so any support from fans has been amazing.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is that something that is a natural ability for you or have you had to work at it?

A) I have been watching comedy my entire life. I grew up watching sitcoms and standup comedy. My brothers are very funny and I think as natural as it was it is also being in the industry, doing comedies and being in comedic plays is naturally kind of a training ground that will really drill you on it.

Q) What can you tease in store for Katy this season?

A) Well, we have the proposal so that would typically lead to a wedding…I guess we will have to see if that is the road that it takes. That’s pretty exciting. I also just filmed an episode that has a very exciting story arc for Katy, but I don’t actually know how it is going to completely lay out. I feel like I got a nice little taste of how it might, but it would mean a pretty big shift and change for her character.

Q) What do you think it is about “Girl Meets World” that has made it such a fan favorite show?

A) It’s a really good show. I think it is a really great show. I don’t think it is just a kids show. I think it’s a really great show that is something that is not really offered as much in programming so much as it was before a few years ago. It has a really good lesson every episode. You are going to learn something. The characters are honest. It’s not going to be just fluff for entertainment. It is actually going to be grounded in reality and touch on some hard subjects.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

A) Yeah! I have. I am still learning, I guess, all of the proper protocol when it comes to social media. But I love connecting with fans and answering questions when I can. I love it. It’s been a trip. It really has been.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

1. A) Thanks for watching! You’re awesome!