The TV Chick

Photo Credit: Jsquared photography/Styling by Reinaldo Izarry/Glam by Bradford Rogne.

When I originally heard about the plot of Huge, I wasn’t sure about the show’s longevity because it focused around camp. It has been done before (Salute Your Shorts was awesome!) so I hoped for the best because I love ABC Family. What I didn’t know was that the show was about a lot more than a group of teenagers going to weight loss camp. It’s about friendship, love, discovering yourself and your body and a whole lot more. After the pilot episode, the show has really found its footing. One of my favorite actresses from the beginning was Hayley Hasselhoff. She may bare a very famous name but her talent is unquestionable. Her character Amber is one of the most interesting on Huge, often shy and soft spoken but somehow the most powerful of the girls at camp. I recently had the chance to chat with Hayley about being on a groundbreaking show, Amber’s relationships at camp (romantic and not so romantic) and what we might not know about Amber quite yet.

What originally drew you to the role of Amber?
My agent brought me the audition piece and at first, all I knew was that the character Amber was the skinniest girl at a weight loss camp. After reading the brilliant pilot, I fell in love with the concept of “Huge” and Amber’s character. I loved how honest Amber was with herself and how she knew exactly what she wanted to achieve at camp. I loved how I could relate to her character in overcoming insecurities and hoped she would too during the season.

Amber is a character with many layers — is there a lot to her that we don’t even know yet?
Amber shows her true colors as the episodes go on. You are always finding out something new about her. In the beginning, I think she showed her true self but then got worried about what others were thinking about her. But as time passes she gets more comfortable and realizes she should be herself because others will appreciate her for who she really is.

Are you anything like Amber?
I definitely relate to Amber’s loyalty to her family and friends. I went through some of the same insecurities as Amber when I was younger but definitely overcame them, which is beautiful to realize that I could think such negative things then, and be as confident as I am now.

Did you read the book that the show is based on?
I actually have not read the book “HUGE” by Sasha Paley because I don’t want it to affect my perception of Amber and the direction of the show. I bet it’s an absolutely wonderful book but we have such an amazing group of writers led by Winnie Holtzman and Savannah Dooley that I didn’t want to get their vision mixed up with the book.

Do you have a favorite moment from filming the show so far?
Every moment was my favorite! Going to set everyday was a dream come true not only because I’ve always been an aspiring actress but because the whole cast and crew became so close that it was such a delight to go to work every morning. It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to be around people who are all passionate about the same thing and to have such great friendships develop throughout the process of filming.

Has playing Amber been a challenge for you? What challenges you most about the role?
I think that every role an actor takes on should be a little challenging because it helps you to not only grow as an actor, but also dig deep to connect with the character’s emotions. Thankfully I was able to connect with Amber’s emotion quite easily. I really tried to connect myself to every detail of her life, the way she grew up and how she changed at camp. It’s amazing to see her transformation throughout the season.

How is Amber’s relationship with Will going to continue to develop in the upcoming season? What about her relationship with the trainer, George?
Amber’s relationship with Will is very interesting because at first she’s very timid and they have different opinions on weight and camp. But as Amber stays true to why she came to camp, Will’s perception starts to change and I think Amber begins to notice that and secretly admires her for changing her beliefs on the camp’s goals. Amber has always admired Will’s confidence and ability to stay true to herself. You are definitely going to see an unusual bond form between Amber and Will in the upcoming episodes. In a recent episode that aired, Amber and George ended up kissing. Of course Amber hopes her relationship with George will continue to flourish, but she also worries that she is not good enough or that she is not experienced enough for him. You’ll have to keep watching to see what end ups happening between George and Amber!

Huge is a show with a bit of a controversial and groundbreaking premise. Why is it so important to address this topic?
I think it’s so important for young teens and adults to realize everyone comes in different shapes and sizes. Huge is the first show to address that and bring up common yet significant problems teenagers face today. Finally there’s a show that that says it’s okay to feel the way you to do about your body. It completely represents loving yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

What kind of feedback have you gotten so far about Amber and the show?
I’ve only gotten positive feedback about Amber and the show. Fans are saying how it’s amazing to be able to relate to the characters in the show and that they are so happy to have plus size teens out there in the public as role models.

You come from a family of actors. What made you want to get into the family business?
Ever since I was a little kid growing up on my dad’s Baywatch sets I knew that I wanted to be in the entertainment business. I used to tell everyone how much I wanted to be an actress and singer when I grew up. As I got older my passions for both grew more and more.

You are a singer as well — will we ever see you sing on Huge?
I hope so, but that’s up to the writers and their vision for Amber. I feel like Amber would be more of a violin player than a singer. But in the future she may just discover a new passion at camp.

I’m already sold, but why should viewers tune into Huge?
Viewers should tune into Huge because it’s a fun-loving show that everyone can relate to. It’s the first show that encourages viewers to feel good about themselves. Through some tears and a lot of laughs Huge realizes how important it is to love yourself.

What is it like being a part of ABC Family?
It’s amazing. ABC Family has such a great following and a lot of really great shows that teenagers can relate to and learn from.  I love the whole team.

Can you give us a little teaser — I know you can’t spoil too much — of what’s coming up for Amber in the rest of the season?
There will be a lot of new sides shown from Amber throughout the season. She definitely gets more comfortable about showing who she really is, but also gets very secretive about her romance with George which kind of messes with her emotions. Tune in to see a lot more romance in the cast and a lot of new friendships forming.

Be sure to tune in tonight to ABC Family at 9 pm for an all new episode of Huge.