Laya DeLeon Hayes – Just Add Magic

By: Nicole Dintelman

Q) Can you tell us a little about the show “Just Add Magic” and your character, Piper?

A) The show “Just Add Magic” is about three girls who find a magic cookbook and they discover magical recipes. Piper becomes one of Darbie’s (Abby Donnelly) friends when she is cast in the school play. She’s very sweet and loves theater.

Q) Talk a little bit about your audition for Piper.

A) Every audition process is challenging and I was familiar with the show so I tried to bring something different to the character. Apparently, they liked it.

Q) You’ve been singing, dancing and acting since the age of five years old. Did your parents always support your dreams?

A) My parents have always supported my dream of acting and they inspire me to work hard, keep going and never give up.

Q) What’s it like being the voice of such a well-known character like Doc McStuffins?

A) Being the voice of Doc McStuffins in a lot of fun and also very inspiring because she is a positive influence to all ages and families.

Q) You have been on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Chicago Fire” and “Cougar Town.” What is it like working with stars like Ellen Pompeo and Courteney Cox?

A) It was a lot of fun working with Courteney Cox on “Cougar Town” and I was so excited to watch and learn from her on set. I wasn’t able to actually work with Ellen Pompeo on “Grey’s Anatomy” because we weren’t in a scene together, but I did get a chance to work directly with Justin Chambers (Dr. Alex Karev) and he was awesome to work with and learn from.

Q) We recently saw you on “The Thundermans.” You often take on a lot of comedic roles. What is it about this genre that draws you to it?

A) I’ve liked working on comedic shows because I get to work with kids my age and I get to meet new people. I also love working on dramas, too.

Q) What did it mean to you to be a part of the final episodes of “The Thundermans?”

A) It meant so much to be a part of the show because I’m friends with Addison [Riecke] and we got to know each other better, which made the experience a lot of fun!

Q) You’re on social media. Do you like getting that instant feedback to your projects from fans?

A) It’s always cool to know what fans think about the projects I get to work on. My main focus is on doing the best job with each role I have and making sure I always put out good work.

Q) You volunteer with anti-bullying charities. Can you tell us a little about those? What compels you to volunteer?

A) These organizations focus on rocking love and not hate and I’m really happy to support them. I’m an advocate for these organizations and take part in several events each year to support their cause.

Q) Do you prefer animated roles or those where people see you in person?

A) I like both voice over and on camera roles because they’re both fun and I get to learn more on and off camera with each experience.

Q) What advice would you give to others looking to get into acting?

A) The advice I have for others out there dreaming of acting/performing is to follow your dreams and just do it! You have to be willing to work hard, make sacrifices and always challenge yourself to get better. My parents tell me all the time, “Life is simple, but it’s not easy.” So, believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Perform every place you can!

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

A) have a lot of projects in the works and I am excited about the future. “Doc McStuffins” Season Five will be airing soon and I’ll be on a few more TV shows this year that I can’t wait to announce! Please continue to follow me on social media and thank you for all the love and support!