Actress Italia Ricci. Photo copyright of SBPR.
As an actor, it always helps to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to landing a role, and that was certainly true for Italia Ricci. The Canadian-born actress was attending classes at the University of Richmond, when a friend asked her to be an extra with him in the feature film American Pie Presents: Naked Mile. She never expected, however, for one of the writers to come up to her during a lunch break and offer her a feature role in the movie. Ricci accepted, and from that day on set her sights on a new career path.
After graduating from university, she deferred her acceptance to law school at the University of Toronto in order to focus all her energy on acting. Having subsequently appeared in the next American Pie film, American Pie Presents: Beta House, she went on to guest-star on such hit TV series as House, Greek and How I Met Your Mother. This led to a regular gig on Disney XD's Aaron Stone, followed by a lead role as Sasha in Comedy Central's Secret Girlfriend.
Ricci can currently be seen playing Margaret "Maggie" Winnock, the dry-witted, strong-willed and highly intelligent daughter of a CIA operative in the first live-action series for the Cartoon Network, UnNatural History. The show, which premiered on June 13th, centers on Henry Griffin (Kevin Schmidt), a teen with a diverse skill set, ranging from making potions to Parkour (or "freerunning"), who moves with his archaeological parents to Washington, D.C. and transfers to a high school that provides him with more than your typical academic challenges. UnNatural History also stars Jordan Gavaris as Jasper.
Despite her busy filming schedule, Ricci recently took time out to answer some questions for SciFiAndTvTalk about her work on UnNatural History and her acting career in general. Enjoy!
How did you first become involved in UnNatural History, and what first attracted you to the character?
ITALIA RICCI - I read the audition (sides) for Maggie and was immediately attracted to the independence of the character. She is a strong young woman and I was very excited for the chance to play such a great role model for girls.
How are audiences introduced to Maggie, and what were some of the acting challenges you first found stepping into the role?
IR- Audiences are introduced to Maggie in a classroom, and right off the bat she is strong, smart and challenges Henry. We then see how the trio's (Maggie, Henry and Jasper) chemistry begins. It was a bit difficult for me to go back to thinking about situations as a 16-year-old would, but Maggie has an older disposition and a number of qualities that I strive to maintain in my own life. It keeps things interesting.
What sticks out most in your mind about your first day of work on UnNatural History, and what were your overall impressions of shooting the pilot/premiere episode?
IR - My first day on the UnNatural History set was incredible. My cast mates and I instantly became comfortable with each other and sort of formed a big sister/little brothers' vibe. It's been like working with family every since.The experience was great, and because our characters are all so unique it kept every scene young and energetic.
How would you describe Maggie and what do you think audiences are going to like most about her?
IR - Maggie is a brain. She is so smart that it's sometimes startling. She doesn't act that way, though, and is not an outward snob. Maggie knows what she wants and what she believes, and yet is able to remain diplomatic in challenging situations. I think the audience will really respond to how well-rounded she is as a young woman, and how she is able to balance so many different characteristics of girls today in a refreshingly balanced way.
Can you talk a bit about some of Maggie's main relationships on the show and how they've developed so far since you began shooting?
IR - Maggie, Henry and Jasper are like The Three Musketeers. The relationships between all three of them develop slowly but steadily. They respect one another for the strengths and weaknesses they all carry. The development has been interesting as we see how they help each other get through obstacles individually and as a team.
What has it been like working with the show's cast?
IR- It's like working with family at this point. We have learned so much from each other and have been able to see the growth in each of us as people as well as actors. Our off-screen chemistry couldn't have been orchestrated better for the onscreen chemistry of our characters on the show. We goof around constantly and "fight" occasionally, but in the end we respect each other.
Do you have a favorite episode or even a favorite scene so far from UnNatural History that sticks out for you acting-wise and is/was, perhaps, especially memorable or challenging?
IR- Recently I did a scene with a 6" long Vinegaroon on my head. It's a large bug that is a beetle-spider-scorpion sort of looking thing. It was difficult to be acting like I had no idea that this thing was on my head, when I really wanted to jump out of my skin and run!
Did you always want to work in this industry while you were growing up or did you have other professions in mind? Also, what type of training did you go through when first starting out?
IR -I modeled when I was younger and got a mild taste for the industry in music videos and commercials. I went to university and graduated with a BAH in Drama with the intent to go on to law school and focus on entertainment law. I wrote my LSATS, got into my choice school, and then realized that if I wanted to try to do what I really wanted to do (act), then this was the time. I deferred my acceptance and gave myself two years to see what happened in Los Angeles. And here I am.
Can you tell me a bit about your first professional acting role in front of the camera and what that felt like for you?
IR - My first professional acting experience in front of a camera was in a music video for a Canadian artist when I was 17 years old. It was a blast. My Mom came and watched, and the artist was a great guy, so we all got along and it never really felt like work. And it still doesn't feel like work.
Can you talk about your experiences working on Aaron Stone and what you enjoyed most about playing that character?
IR - Aaron Stone was a very fun set to work on. It's actually interesting because we're using the same hallways from that show's high school for Smithson High on UnNatural History. I enjoyed playing Chase on Aaron Stone because she was the popular girl, but with a good heart. I like playing characters that I would have looked up to if I were watching these shows as a kid.
What makes a career as an actress rewarding for you so far?
IR - It's being able to inspire other people to live their dreams. No one said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
Steve Eramo
As noted above, photo courtesy/copyright of SBPR, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!
