Celebs We Love
Catch up with total cutie, Christopher Massey, star of the hit show Zoey 101! Find out what he has to say about his little bro Kyle, school and more...
How would you describe your relationship with your little brother, Kyle Massey?
It’s very cool. We are competitive at sports and riding our motor vehicles, but not with show business.
In the That’s So Raven episode “Five Finger Discount,” you acted alongside your brother, what was that like?
That was cool because I was the dumb character trying to get Kyle to do something that was wrong. It was perfect for siblings.
You won 2002’s Outstanding Young Performer in Live Theatre. Which do you enjoy more, acting on stage or on film and why?
Stage is more difficult because you have one chance to get it right because it’s live. On film, you have several chances to get your performance to where you are comfortable with it. I like them both though!
You received an Emmy nomination in 2005 for Zoey 101, how would you describe that experience?
It was so awesome! That year my brother and I made a little TV history because both our shows were nominated for the same category. That's So Raven and Zoey 101 were both up for outstanding children's programming. Neither of us won though.
(Christopher and his little brother Kyle).
What’s your favorite part about acting?
Just doing new things each week, traveling and meeting new people.
Your character Michael on Zoey 101 is big jokester. Are you as funny as your character on the show? In which ways are you similar or different from your character?
Yes, I’m a lot like my character because I’m a pretty neutral guy. I have fun and I get along with everyone. I’m a great mediator.
You played Simba in Disney’s 2003 stage production of “The Lion King” in Los Angeles. What’s the biggest difference between acting on stage and on a television show and movies?
Acting on stage you have to deliver a bigger performance, so that it translates to the entire audience. Live is bigger. In TV or movies, less is better. It is a big difference.
You starred in “The Lion King” live version, but what’s your favorite Disney movie?
Definitely The Lion King, Aladdin and Remember The Titans.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I ride my motorcycles and go-carts when I’m in Atlanta. I also like to make beats and write music.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Science and math!
BLOG ABOUT IT: What is your favorite Zoey 101 episode? Which star sibling do you prefer, Christopher or Kyle? Talk about it below!
BY ANDREA T. ON 12/12/2007 1:53:28 PM 320 COMMENTS
We got the chance to catch up with the super-talented Olesya Rulin! Of course, you all know her as Kelsi Nielsen in High School Musical. Find out what she has to say about saving the planets and saving pets!
What was your favorite part of filming High School Musical?
My favorite part of filming HSM was getting the opportunity to work with great people, our wonderful choreographers Bonnie and Chucky, and also Kenny Ortega. It is with this movie that I got to express myself and learn to dance in a creative way.
Are you like your character Kelsi Nielsen in HSM?
I was a little like Kelsi in high school because I was shy. I also had a diverse crowd of friends and was able to navigate through out the groups. I am a little more outgoing then Kelsi and I love doing crazy spontaneous things.
I hear that you're a trained ballet dancer. Do you still practice ballet?
I danced ballet for years and still take adult classes in Santa Monica. It's a great work out and I love having the strength in my legs when I go on point.
You were born in Russia, so do you go back there often to visit friends or family? When did you come to the U.S.? What do you miss most about Russia?
I do go back to Russia frequently about twice a year. I hate the flight but it’s worth it. My parents have a home in a little village of 12 houses. It's not on any map so unless you know it’s there you wont find it. Nothing works there; no Internet no cell phone and the land line only works sometimes. It’s great! I get to escape reality for a couple of weeks and return to the "real" world grounded and refreshed.
I came to the Unites States with my mother and older brother when I was seven years old. I turned eight in the US. It was a huge culture shock and becoming "Americanized" was a process I will never forget. We had a lot of good and bad times as a family but bonded closer through them. My whole family other than my father mother and brother still live in Russia and it can be difficult because I miss them all.
The thing I miss about Russia the most is what is called "black bread" its rye bread and everyone eats it. I slice mine up and put sunflower oil and salt on it.... the best thing ever. It was like a little treat for me when I was a kid. 
Where is the weirdest place that a fan has recognized you?
In an airport bathroom when I was coming out of a stall she was right there inches from my door. It was funny and weird cause I couldn't get past her.
You've worked on both T.V. and movie sets. What do you like and not like about each? How are they different?
They are both so different. I feel like movies are more like a family and you get really connected with your personal character. You also have more creative freedom in the sense that once a movie is written then the actor has the ability to create quirks for that character and reasons for their behavior while on TV shows the scripts change week to week. The two are great opportunities to grow and learn and that's what I'm trying to do.
What was it like to work with Jessica Simpson on the set of Major Movie Star?
I had such an amazing time filming Major Movie Star. I loved everyone in the cast they all brought their own spirit to the film and I hope that is what will be seen on screen. Jessica is by far one of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only is her work ethic strong, but so is her sense of humor and drive. I'm really happy I had the chance to work with her.
I hear your nickname is "conservation girl." Why are you so passionate about this issue? What are some everyday things that people can do to conserve?
I have a lot of nicknames. That one in particular came up after I hosted the Disneymania! Concerts for Conservation Tour this summer. I've always been involved with nature from an early age. I think when people feel that the world is too large to damage yet thanks to humanity and globalization the planet is actually very small. I hope that future generations can reduce their effects on our home and not repeat the mistakes our parents and their parents made. We simply can't afford to. One simple thing that everyone can do is not litter. It's as simple as throwing your trash away in the proper place and not outside where it gets into habitats of not only animals but people too. We all have seen the trash on the beach, by the road and in parking lots. It’s disgusting. The obvious things, like recycling your plastic bottles and paper. We can all save thousands of trees, stop the building of new plastic factories, and save energy, not to mention reduce the amount of chemicals in the air and water from those factories. The most important thing is to be aware of the damage that one person can make and take action no matter what. At least you're putting an effort in change and progress.
You're also an advocate for animals and a "foster parent" for dogs. What inspired you to take this on?
I love animals and I love dogs. I think they are the best companions. They can't lie and cheat you out of anything and no matter how bad you look, smell or feel they are always ready to give you love. In some ways they are like children always wanting love and attention. That's why they tend to capture my heart. I've fostered five dogs for the Best Friends Program, which is an amazing no-kill sanctuary for animals as well as a greyhound named Natasha from the grey hound rescue. All of my fosters have taught me great lessons like patience, nurture, and responsibility. My last foster dog was a Cocker Spaniel and I couldn't let him go I adopted him!
BLOG ABOUT IT! What is your favorite scene featuring Olesya in High School Musical? How do YOU plan to do your part to save the planet? Have you ever adopted a pet? Talk about it below!
BY ANDREA T. ON 12/12/2007 1:14:42 PM 97 COMMENTS
Get the 411 on iCarly's Jennette McCurdy! Check out her celebrity crush, her cool converse collection and more!
GL: Tell us a little bit about iCarly. Your character. Are you anything like your character in real-life?
Jenette McCurdy: iCarly's a show about kids who run a webshow together. Sam is the toughest, fiestiest, most adventurous, and craziest of the bunch. I'm like Sam in a few ways...I'd say I'm pretty adventurous and I've also got a bit of toughness in me. We're really different in a few ways, too...Sam can be very lazy, and I constantly have to be doing something! Also, Sam hates school and has no interest in learning. I love the opportunity to learn something new! Sam and I both like food, although I think Sam enjoys more of the eating aspect and I enjoy more of the cooking aspect!
GL: What’s it like on set? Have any onset embarrassing moments? Working with Nathan and Miranda?
JM: I have a blast on set. It's great working with the awesome crew! There are so many great folks behind-the-scenes that no one really knows about...Jana, Jacob, Tyler, Rick, and Paul are all like big brothers and sisters to me! As for embarrassing moments, I've had about a bajillion, but probably my most embarrassing one was when I toppled down the stairs in the lot during the middle of a big scene! I just slid all the way down the first flight of stairs and knocked down a bunch of stuff as I went!
GL: Who are some of your fav actresses? Role models?
JM: I LOVE Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon. I think that they're both phenomenal actresses! My role model is defnitely my mom...there's no one like her!
GL: Do you have a celebrity crush?
JM: Johnny Depp!!!!!
GL: Give us the deets on a day in the life of J.
JM: On a typical Friday, my mom will wake me up around 7:00am (later than Mon. - Wed. cuz we only rehearse on those days...I have to get up at 5:00am then!!!) with a mug of hot cocoa or a piece of wheat toast! I'll work on some homework on the way up to the studio (which is quite far from my house). After getting my wardrobe, hair, and makeup done, I go straight to filming! I film, film, and film some more until lunch, which is usually at about 2:15pm. I have a half hour lunch, then I squeeze in about an hour of school before filming some more. I'll get off work at about 7:00pm and do more schoolwork on the way home. My mom makes a great dinner when we get home, then she drives me over to an ice rink from 9:30-11:30pm, where I do an hour of figure skating and an hour of ice hockey. After that, I'm pretty tired. I head straight to bed when I get home!
GL: Your resume is INSANE at such a young age?! How’d you get into acting? Is it true that you were inspired to go into acting watching Harrison Ford on Star Wars? Haha!
JM: Well thanks!!! I've worked very hard for a long time to build up my resume. And yes...it's true! I was inspired to go into acting after watching Harrison Ford in Star Wars!
GL: What’s it like being the only and youngest girl to THREE brothers? Are you a huge tomboy?
JM: I love being the youngest AND only girl in the family. My three older brothers are awesome! They're fun, supportive, and hilarious. Oh yeah, I'm definitely a tomboy! I love sports, hate dresses, don't own a single pair of high-heels, am not a fan of makeup, and I'm not afraid to get messy!
GL: Do you have any pets?
JM: I have two dogs... a jack-russell terrier named Musashi (which is Japanese for brave warrior!!) and a Morky (half Yorkshire Terrier/half Maltese) named Chewbacca! I also have two little turtles named Tootsen and Zeus.
GL: I heard through the grapevine that you collect hats. How many do you have? What’s your fixation with ‘em?
JM: I have a lot of hats, but the amount that I have probably can't qualify as a collection. But I DO collect Converse All-Stars and thimbles!
GL: I read that you do Karate in your spare time. Have you ever gotten a chance to kick some serious bum in real-life?
JM: Well, in karate class, you do this thing called sparring, which is where you improvise battle moves against a partner. So that accounts for some bum kicking! As for real life, I haven't had to whip out any moves...yet!
GL: Any other hobbies?
JM: I LOVE reading and writing. I write a 32-page monthly magazine called Original Girl! I'm really into cooking and baking, too. Also, I'm an avid figure skater, I'm on an ice hockey league, and I enjoy singing. Of course, watching movies or TV shows always fits time into my schedule!
GL: What’s next? Can you give us a sneak peek into your new flick?
JM: Proving Ground is a family film about two girls who battle each other...in outer space! It's kind of like Star Wars with kids!
GL: Sounds perfect since your passion for acting sprang from seeing Star Wars! Thanks for hanging out with us Jennette!
BY ANDREA T. ON 11/11/2007 4:54:27 PM 318 COMMENTS
Katie A. from GL got on the phone with Lyndsy Fonseca one sunny Saturday this fall. Not only was she sweet and polite, she shared her ultra-wise advice with us. We definitely wanna hang out with this down-to-earth gal (and her dog!). Hint: her life is nothing like Wisteria Lane.
GL: How are you and your character Dylan different?
Lyndsy: I think pretty much in everyway possible! We’re so different. I have a very healthy relationship with my mother and I don’t think Dylan does with her mom.
GL: Does that make your job really difficult?
Lyndsy: No it just makes it more fun
GL: Oh cool. What a good attitude. So who’s your favorite housewife?
Lyndsy: Um..that’s a hard question. They’re so different! The person that I really talk to the most is Teri Hatcher. I didn’t realize she’s involved in so many different things. She writes articles for Glamour magazine and she’s writing a book. Marcia Cross has talked to me a lot because she has a degree in psychology and my mom is a psychologist. My mom and I are really really close and she was like, “Oh my god. Tell me your secret.” She’s really sweet. Everyone else is very sweet to me but I just haven’t really been around them very much.
GL: If you weren’t an actor what do you think you’d be doing?
Lyndsy: I would really love to do the score for movies. Pick the music and work with composers. I don’t know if I’d be any good at it, but I love music.
GL: Do you play any instruments?
Lyndsy: I’m actually learning the cello for the show. My character is a prodigy cellist. I’ve been working with a private tutor now for a couple months, and it’s really fun.
GL: What do you do in your free time?
Lyndsy: I got a little dog and we go hiking.
GL: What kind of dog?
Lyndsy: He’s a Lhasa Apsa. Her name is Ronnie, and she’s a little fluff ball. She’s not, like, a little yappy dog. She thinks she’s a big dog.
GL: So other than hiking and playing the cello, what are you doing when you’re not working?
Lyndsy: I’m a tap dancer. I tap as much as I can. I have a boyfriend, and I’m with him a lot. And I hang out with my friends and stuff.
GL: Do you think you have a career in tap dancing too? Will we see you on Broadway in the future?
Lyndsy: Oh god I would love to do Broadway but I’m unfortunately not a very good singer. It’s not a natural talent, but I have been a dancer for my whole life. Dancing is just something that really inspires me I love it so much.
GL: So, do you read a lot?
Lyndsy: I do read a lot. right now I’m reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
GL: Wow. That’s really deep. What’s the craziest thing in your trailer?
Lyndsy: My trailer is um actually very sad and empty. Yeah, I like to keep it like very clutter-free. There’s really nothing crazy in my trailer.
GL: Have you learned anything that every girl has to know?
Lyndsy: My biggest lesson in becoming a women is to really, love what I've been given. I'm more I'm half Portugese, so I'm built more like a Latina girl. I don't think I'm fat. It's hard to be around sometimes girls that are so thin but you just gotta own what you’ve got.
GL: Your seem to lead such a balanced life. Do you cook all of your own food?
Lyndsy: OMG! I am the worst cook. I make a mess making a bowl of cereal…like I’m just such a klutz in the kitchen.
GL: Do you still keep in touch with like any of your friends from your neighborhood where you grew up?
Lyndsy: I don’t. I had moved to L.A. when I was 12. I didn’t really keep in contact with my friends from middle school. I had very nice friends and everything, but I always felt a little different. It was kind of like a small-town suburbia. I wanted to just break out of that kind of environment—I never really felt like I was at home there. When I moved to LA it was really when I was like, ‘OK, I’m home. This is something that I can be passionate about.’
CHECK IT OUT: Be sure to read Lyndsy's Celeb Embarrassing Moment in the December/January issue of Girls' Life magazine, on stands now!
BY ANDREA T. ON 11/7/2007 5:20:04 PM 179 COMMENTS