EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ashley Rickards Talks Season End of "Awkward" with Artists On Demand

You may know her as Sam on the recently ended "One Tree Hill" or more importantly as the oh-so-loveable Jenna on MTV's hit show 'Awkward'. Ashley Rickards took a moment out of her jam packed schedule (the girl is constantly working on new projects) to answer a few questions about the season end of 'Awkward', how she get's into character, and what else she has up her sleeve for the fans.

Photo Courtesy of MTV

You play Jenna Hamilton on MTV’s hit show ‘Awkward’. What do you love about playing this role?

Jenna is a type of character I had never played before. She is the every girl, and that provides me with an opportunity to speak to young girls in such a beneficial way. I’m able to emphasize the facts—real teens aren’t perfect, flawless looking or falsely living a plush life. And on the other hand, I’m able to step outside of myself in this role. I’m very different than my character, and one of my favorite aspects of acting is the portrayal of many different types of people and characters. I get to do that with Jenna. 

You have been doing this show now for two seasons. How do you think your character has grown or changed through those seasons?

Well Jenna certainly has changed. In season one the show followed Jenna as she learned about who she was and how to be the best she can be. Now, in this season, she is learning how to be the best she can be in whatever life throws at her. She is learning about circumstance and decision making based on her own self-knowledge. And in a broader philosophical sense, exploring the idea that no matter what we decide or what life throws at us, that we can or will come out the other side ok or better because of it.

What do you think it is about this show that the fans love so much?

           

Well the show at its core is a dynamic force, purely because we try to be honest with Jenna. When fans see a real person, not a glamorized or cinematically pleasing person, they relate. And it’s this pull in, the honest portrayal and realistic circumstance, that gives fans something to root for. Because they are rooting for a possibility, not a fantasy.

You have managed to find yourself in quite the love triangle. What can fans expect to see come of that?

           

It’s probably a safe bet to assume that Beau will be shirtless a few more times. But otherwise, They can expect to see some incredibly introspective views on the potential with both boys. Because to love another, you must love yourself. To know another, you must know yourself. And neither of those two phrases are mutually exclusive.

Awkward is a pretty good name for any kid in their teen years, as everyone goes through awkward moments. Do you think fans can relate to someone in the show, whether it be you, or the “super popular kids”?

I absolutely think fans are relating to Jenna. That’s one of the big reasons that the show is a hit. Fans and viewers alike can recognize that most of the characters are very much an honest model of the average teen.

Do you and your character Jenna have anything in common?

As an actress, it’s my job to create a character with what’s given to me. Having things in common with any character I portray is mostly irrelevant in my line of work. It would be a crime to try to bring my own psyche into the ‘Jenna’ equation as I am not her. I did not live her life or her past. Therefore, it is only my job to imagine and build a whole life to then utilize and portray accordingly in as much separation from myself as possible.

What can fans expect as the last few new episodes air? More drama? Will there be a cliffhanger?

           

This season’s end is less of a ‘cliffhanger’ per say and more of a philosophical note. It leaves the audience wondering exactly what will Jenna do next season, what will she do with what she has now?

You’ve done many other projects, including playing Samantha Walker on One Tree Hill. What do you do to get yourself into your characters to make them believable?

I have to be very specific with the person I am portraying. I cement their style, philosophies, tendencies, being and ideals and then factor in their past and hopes for the future into their behavior in the script. It’s a thrill to delve into a whole other person with abandon.

Aside from Awkward, are there any other projects you are currently working on that the fans can look out for?

A movie I filmed recently, Struck By Lightning, will be playing in theaters very soon. I also just finished filming a new movie and as of right now and not allowed to discuss any further details other than the fact that I know you guys will love it!

For those who may not know, where can fans find you online?

I’ll be on twitter, hashtagging hashtags about hashtags under @ashleyrickards

We always like to end our interviews on a fun note. So here is a few of our infamous “Fun Questions”. If you could go on a road trip with any person, dead or alive, who would you choose and where would you go?

Definitely someone from Ice road truckers. I mean that would be incredible. Truckin’ on ice…

If you could be any flavor jelly belly (jelly bean), what flavor would you be and why? Feel free to make up a new flavor.

I’d be a flavor called “I’ll stop talking now.” Haha.

A HUGE thanks to Ashley Rickards for talking with us and giving us the inside scoop of what is to come on the last piece of this season of 'Awkward'. We look forward to following her on many more projects and onto the next season!