Jenna von Oy has been on two hit TV shows, “Blossom” and “The Parkers.” But lately, she’s been concentrating on a different venue other than acting – singing. The actress and musician sat down for an interview to talk about her life in the public’s eye.
Q - You’re most known for your roles on “Blossom” as Six and “The Parkers” as Stevie. Although you’ve been acting pretty steadily, you haven’t been a part of a big series since “The Parkers.” When you go into a project, how often do you have the feeling that this one will be a hit?
A - One truly has nothing to do with the other… Not having been a part of a series since "The Parkers" is, in part, by choice. Having been on two long-running shows afforded me the ability to take a bit of a break to work on my music, and to give my personal life some deserved attention! As for the second part of the question, my assumption or expectation is never that a show is going to be successful. The odds are truly stacked against getting on a long-running series, so I have been unbelievably fortunate to have been on two already! I just try to keep a positive attitude, and enjoy it while it lasts… however long that may be!
Q - What project are you the most proud of and why?
A - I think the project I am most proud of is my album, "Breathing Room." (Which I released in September, 2007). After many years of playing characters, it was very cathartic to finally allow people to see the real me. I was able to have my hand in every portion of the process, as I wrote and co-produced the project as well. Ironically, it felt very freeing to wear my heart on my sleeve, despite the vulnerability. I am also extremely proud of my next album (no release date yet…), which is titled "Coffee & Men: An EP For Childish Adults." The EP isn’t intended to be a follow-up to the first album… in fact, it isn’t even country music! I wrote and recorded it specifically for film & television use, so it’s quite a bit quirkier & sillier than my first album. I like to say, "It sounds like Feist meets a really warped Norah Jones, with a little Betty Boop thrown in." It’s a fun combination… Please look for it on iTunes soon!
Q - You started acting at a very young age. Was entertainment something you always wanted to do with your life?
A - Without question. I began begging my parents to help me to pursue an acting career at the ripe old age of three!
Q - When you are involved in projects that don’t have the success that you are hoping for, how difficult is it to keep a positive attitude about acting and entertainment?
A - It comes with the territory! I just enjoy the process of what I do. Disappointments exist in every profession. I suppose I do the same thing everyone else does… I pick up and move on to the next thing!
Q - Your role as Six in “Blossom” had one stand out feature – talking very fast. How did that come about in your character?
A - In the very first episode of "Blossom," there was a typical “Six”-like, page-long speech. Even in the audition, I powered through it. I guess the producers loved it, and it sort of stuck!
Q - We see a lot of child actors not in the business or in trouble with drugs, etc. How did you keep focused and dedicated to the profession?
A - My love for my work is what has kept me focused… that, and a VERY strong support system around me. My family and friends are amazing, humble, and honest people. We all keep each other grounded.
Q - You recently recorded an album called “Breathing Room.” How did you get involved with music?
A - I have actually been singing and writing music for as long as I’ve been acting. It has always been my passion, and an important part of my life, but it had to take the back burner while I was filming "Blossom" and "The Parkers." With the long hours I kept, it was a bit tough to pursue music whole-heartedly until more recently. I was, however, able to travel back and forth to Nashville during my weeks off, in order to continue working toward making an album. Once my shows ended, I began writing and recording full-time.
Q - With singing and acting under your belt, what’s the future hold for you?
A - Hopefully more of the same! My past success in television and music doesn’t mean I want to move on to a new career and leave those behind! My career is a constant work in progress. I hope to continue working in both fields, and I am looking forward to whatever projects come my way. Perhaps, at some point, I will have an opportunity to merge the two careers. It would be ideal to do a television show where I get to write & sing my own music!
Q - Do you still have a crush on Joey Lawrence?
A - Oh goodness, no. Thankfully, I left my Joey crush behind in my teenage years!
Q – Is there anything else?
A - What would an interview be without a shameless plug? If anyone is looking to check out my music, please visit my website www.jennavonoy.com. I also have other fun merchandise available on the site store! (www.jennavonoy.com/store.php). You can go to iTunes to download my CD digitally.
BYLINE:
Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous."
2 comments:
Now Joey Lawrence is a "whoa" type actor. There's nothing he won't do for your love baby.
I always had a crush on her as Six. I think it was because Blossom was so ugly.
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