The TV Chick

Only a few more days left until the big ABC Family spring premieres! The Secret Life of the American Teenager (or Secret Life for short) picks up after summer vacation, with the whole gang back in school. There are some new relationships, some old ones burning out and possibly even a marriage. When I caught up with Daren Kagasoff (who plays Ricky), he had a lot to say about his first big acting role, Amy and Ricky’s relationship and the big premiere.

What has been your favorite part about playing Ricky?
Every part of it. The writers do such a great job with my character that every day when I go to work, I just can’t wait to perform and just act. It’s a dream job for me.

Do you have a favorite moment from filming the show so far?
Yeah, I think it was actually when we wrapped last season. It was really depressing. That was my favorite moment because it really hit me like “Wow, this is my life. This is my family here.” So it was my best moment. And I think the best moment now is coming back and shooting. We’ve got 24 episodes coming so I guess that’s the best moment.

And what can you tell us about the big premiere?
The big premiere is going to be a big, big, big premiere. That’s all I really can say. I’ll give you a little hint of what happens in the first episode: We all kind of come back from summer vacation, and I get tested for STDs and I’m clean!

That’s good to hear! How is Ricky and Amy’s relationship going to progress as the season goes on?
Hopefully [it will be] pretty good. We’re definitely working on things. We’re trying to raise a baby together. But Ricky has his ways, and she’s still young.

Do you think Ricky is going to reform at all or will he dabble in his old ways?
I think Ricky is definitely going to change. Definitely. For sure. But you can’t really change a person completely, so I think he’s always going to be Ricky.

Secret Life tackles some tough issues and important issues for teenagers. What has it been like being a part of that?
It’s been great because I don’t think our show glorifies teen pregnancy at all. It just kind of shows you cause and effect. And I think it’s great. I think kids really watch the show and I think parents really watch the show for that. I’m thrilled to just be a part of it.