Discovery Girls

As promised, we spoke to iCarly star Jennette McCurdy last week, and asked her many of the questions you posted as comments to this blog. Enjoy your interview!

Why did you get into acting?

I was inspired by Star Wars, actually. Harrison Ford was my biggest influence. He made me want to become an actor.

How did you get your part on iCarly? What did you have to do for your audition?

I had worked for the producer before, so I went in to audition and talk to them, and I was so excited. But then I found that the project was on hold, which was really disappointing. About a month later, I went before the network. That was nerve-wracking--it was just me and a bunch of people sitting around a big table. So that was on December 8, and on Dec 10th, I found out I got the part!

Do you get nervous at auditions?

I used to. I'd get so nervous, I would just pant...you know, like a dog! But now I just feel like what's meant to happen will happen. I'm a lot calmer now.

How has your life changed since you've been on iCarly?

It's changed way more than I expected. Every person under 15 comes over to me when I go out--it's just so wild! I've been surprised at the age range, actually--adults recognize me too! I think it's the nicest thing how many people come up to me. There's been such a positive response from the show. At first it was, "Oh, Sam, oh, Sam..." But now I hear, "Jennette..." It's kinda trippy. I expect it to be someone I know calling me, but instead it's a kid who wants an autograph.

What are the pros and cons of being famous?

The pros...I get to meet so many cool people--and they're so supportive of the show. I never would have gotten to meet so many people without it. And it's the biggest compliment to be a role model for girls. The cons...there isn't anything, really. The only thing I can think of is, if you're running late and people come up to talk to you, then you're going to be even later. Oh, also, you always have to watch how look, because you never know when someone is going to snap your picture and it will end up on the Internet. You can't, like, go to the grocery store in your P.J.'s anymore because someone will catch you for sure.

Are you friends with the stars on iCarly?

We're all really good friends we get along really well.

What is it like on the set?

It's pretty hilarious. Jerry Trainor, who plays Spencer, just keeps us laughing all the time. We get tired and everything, because, well, it's a lot of work--it's harder than you'd expect. Jerry is awesome to have on set, he's just so funny all the time.

Do the actors ever play funny pranks on each other on the set? And if you ever did, what was the best prank anyone pulled on you or you pulled on them?

We play pranks all the time! Jerry does the most. But one time I went up to Jerry's dressing room and knocked on his door when he was sound asleep, and I said he was needed downstairs right away. He jumped up and went running out all panicked-like before he realized it was me--it was so funny. I just cracked up.

Have you ever had any friendship problems? How did you deal with them?

I've had my feelings hurt by a friend, but I realized at the time that she just didn't understand how I felt. She didn't really mean to hurt me. Sometimes you have to realize that maybe the friendship is worth more than one little argument.

How do you balance your acting life and your school life? Is it hard?

We have schooling on set so I can keep up with everything. We get taught for five hours Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on set. Thursday and Friday are shooting days. I do a lot of homework in the car because I spend about an hour and a half going up and two hours going home every day--my mom drives me. I do lots of writing on bumpy roads, so I've gotten really good at that! It is hard to balance everything, but doing well in school is super important to me.

What is your most prized possession?

My figure skates. I always find the time to skate because I love it so much. Lately I've been having trouble breaking in my new ones--they're still kinda stiff--but if someone tried to get them away form me I'd fight for them for sure!

Have you had any really weird run-ins with any fans?

I was at the ice skating rink and this girl just started crying hysterically, which I thought was an interesting reaction. I was like..."Um...it's just me, c'mon." And one time I was walking past a school and all the kids were out for recess. One saw me and then they all ran over. They were screaming and they started poking papers and pencils through the fence, so I was signing all these autographs. I was so afraid the bell would ring before I got them all. I didn't want to leave anyone out--I would have felt so bad if I'd missed anyone!

Do you have any advice for girls who want to get into acting?

First, you have to work so hard. You have to love it, and it has to be your first priority. You also have to have great support from your parents. Your parents have to be behind you a hundred--no, a thousand--percent. You can't do it without them. Sometimes I think girls get the wrong idea about how easy it is.

How did you get your agent?

After I harassed my mom for a few years, she looked on the Internet, and then she sent out headshots and we interviewed with a bunch of agents until we found one that wanted to work with me and that we liked. It took a long time and it wasn't easy at all. This is just the hardest business. On the other hand, I didn't have any connections or anything, so it can be done.

What is the craziest video that has been sent in to iCarly?

There was a guy who had milk squirting out of his eyes. We've had some really talented kids send videos too, though, singing and playing guitar. And there was a girl doing rhythmic gymnastics that was really cool. We've been really impressed by a lot of them.

Thanks, Jennette! We love your show!