I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend and super talented actress/musician Renee Olstead currently on The Secret Life Of The American Teenager!

AK: First off tell us how you were "discovered" and how your acting career
all started!

RO: I grew up in Texas and came out to California for the first time when I was very young. I was fortunate enough to start working young but I booked my first log running series at 12, "Still Standing". I definitely consider that my big break!


AK: When you were a kid was acting something you always dreamed of doing?

RO: When I was young I didn't really know any other way, but by my teen years I really grew to love it.


AK: I can't act to save my life so actors always really interested me, I'm
very drawn in by someone's ability to do what you do! Is it hard... or
does it come naturally?

RO: It comes pretty naturally! It's definitely a dream job. The more complicated the scenes are the more prep work is required though!

AK: Who is your dream actor to work with?

RO: Hmm. Johnny Depp? Brad Pitt? Angelina Jolie? :)

AK: How would you describe your personal style, I love it! To me your the
perfect mix of vintage beauty glam and rock and roll. Where do you
pull your inspiration from?

RO: Thank you! I love your style and am a loyal Tokyolux shopper :) My other influences include Dita von Teese & 70s rock n roll :)

AK: Favorite designers?

RO: Jeffery Campbell, Chanel, Patricia Field, and you of course!

AK: You're a singer as well, Is music something you see your self getting
more and more into in the future? Would you ever tour?

RO: Yes I am! I put out two albums on Warner Bros a few years ago but I've been super busy with Secret Life & movies (I'm shooting "The Midnight Game" right now!) but yes, there will be more from me for sure.


AK: Do you have any hidden talents?

RO: I love writing! I've been working on a YA novel lately, plus I'm also writing for the Huffington Post! :)


AK: If you could be any animal which one would you be and why?

RO: A kitten. So I could model for your line! :)

AK: Sometimes the entertainment industry gets a bad name due to
cattiness... Have you found that's true, or so you have a lot of
friends in the industry you have met on sets?

RO: I'm lucky enough to have a fantastic cast that I get to work with on Secret Life. Camille Winbush (Lauren) has been my best friend for almost a decade now!

AK: Do you ever get shy or uncomfortable in front of the camera while
filming a scene?

RO: Not yet! I'll let you know if I ever do though!

AK: Favorite movies?

RO: Casino, Reservoir Dogs & Casablanca.


AK: Five things you can't live without?

RO: My boyfriend and my four dogs.


AK: Is acting something you see yourself doing forever?

RO: Absolutely. I realize it's a very fickle industry, but I'd love to do this for as long as people still wanna cast me!

AK: What's in your ipod at the moment that you can't stop listening too?

RO: Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, the Beach Boys etc.

AK: Give us 5 facts about you people may not know.

RO: Hmm. I'm vegan, have four rescued dogs, I grew up in Texas, I love to write & my favorite show is "RuPauls Drag Race".


AK: What's the best and worst thing about being an actor?

RO: Shooting in a really cool locations for weeks at a time, away from your friends and family for long stretches of time. :) / :(


AK: Your a huge animal lover life me! I know you have a handful of dogs,
did you adopt?

RO: I did! I have four beautiful rescues with my boyfriend Tommy.

AK: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

RO: Hugo's New American veggie burger! :)

Be sure to catch The Secret Life Of The American Teenager Monday's at 8pm!

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