Recently, I received an amazing opportunity to do a “one on one” interview with Olivia Holt, who performs the Disneynature’s movie “Bears” sound track “Carry On”. The 17-year-old actress is one of the stars of Disney Channel “I Didn’t Do It”. However, she is best known for her role as Kim on the Disney XD series Kickin’ It. I was surprised by how down to earth she was and I left the interview inspired.
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Imoni Joy: What inspired you to take on Disneynature’s BEAR project?
Olivia Holt: Disney approached me with the original song “Carry On” written by “Melissa Pearson Benwest” and as soon as I heard the song, I know I wanted to be apart of the project. It’s was such a beautiful song with lyrics that intertwine perfectly with the film and life in general. It is also a very catchy, heartwarming and inspirational. Also, I really wanted to be apart of it and to also take part in making sure everyone understands the message.
Imoni Joy: How does it feel to be the performer of Bears anthem “Carry On” compare to your Break out role as Kim?
Olivia Holt: How do I feel? Well they are two completely different things but also very similar, I have to throw that in there too. Number one, Kim and the song “Carry On” has a lot of confidence and encouragement. In my role as Kim, she was very confident and she is very encouraging. Then the song also has a lot of confidence and encouragement. Obviously the difference is one is a role and the other is a song however, I loved doing both very much and they both are very special to me.
Imoni Joy: You have accomplish so much, You are one of the Stars of Disney Channel’s “I Didn’t Do it” Plus, you done competitive gymnastic & cheer. What advice do you have for others when it comes to not giving up on their dreams?
Olivia Holt: Of course, there have been some very challenging days, for me. I am very blessed and fortunate for opportunities, I have had. But, on the days that are challenging for me I always keep my head high and keep a positive attitude which tremendously helps me get through those days. I also have a great group of people around who support me, that definitely is a plus.
Imoni Joy: How do you manage your work schedule and maintain your grades in the challenging gifted program at your high school?
Olivia Holt: That is also a challenge, it is very very hard to balance both but I manage to get it done. I care very much about my schoolwork, as well as, I do my work. For me, it is about having that perfect balance. I have to make sure, If I have to much work going on during the week and I don’t have enough time to get schoolwork done, I cancel a few things to be able to just focus on my schoolwork. Like I said, both are very important to me I want to make good grades and I want to succeed at my work. So it’s very, very challenging and it’s a struggle sometimes to sit down and learn a different langue or focus on math, science, or any type of subject. But, balancing time has definitely been my best friend through out this entire journey.
Imoni Joy: What outside interest do you have in addition to work and school that makes you feel like an everyday teenager?
Olivia Holt: That’s very easy for me growing up I was such an outdoorsy kid. Since I am a teenager now, I love sleeping in. I’m either going the extreme or do nothing at all. So I am either in my bed in, my PJs, on Netflix’s all day long or I am at like a theme park riding the biggest, craziest roller coaster. Also, I have great friends that I go out with and we will go see a movie or go shopping. When it comes to not working and just being a kid, they are really good at keeping me grounded and carefree.
Imoni Joy: With both of your sibling in acting how did that influence your decision to pursue an acting career?
Olivia Holt: Well, my sister is seven years older than me and she basically showed me the routes to go down on this journey. I mean, she is incredible, super talented, writes beautifully and really knows her stuff. She is very unique, I looked up to her as a kids and I still look up to her now. She is absolutely a huge mentor in my career and she’s helped me tremendously. If I ever have any questions, she is there for me especially, when it comes to things that are more dramatic since she is in the theaters. I am a little more on the comedy side now being on a sitcom. But when it comes to auditions for very dramatic films and also in music, she is definitely someone I go to for help.
In all it was an amazing interview. I thank Olivia Holt for her time and she even took some time to pose with Joy.
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Visit the website: Disney.com/Bears
Disneynature’s BEARS opens in theaters everywhere on April 18th!
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