Nine-year-old Aubrey Anderson-Emmons made history at the age of four by becoming the youngest ever nominee and recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on the ABC show Modern Family. The hit mockumentary also stars Ed O’Neill, Sofia Vergara, Julie Brown, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet. The eighth season premieres September 21, 2016.
Recently, she donated a costume worn on Modern Family to the “Child Stars – Then and Now” exhibit that opens to the public on August 19, 2016, at the Hollywood Museum. Aubrey will be attending a specialAutograph Show that will be held at the Hollywood Museum on August 20 to benefit A Minor Consideration, a non-profit, tax-deductible foundation formed to give guidance and support to young performers, past, present and future. Aubrey is the daughter of comedian and actress Amy Anderson and Kent Emmons.
"I think it’s weird being famous. Sometimes it makes me nervous when I get recognized a lot, but I’m more used to it now than when I was little."
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Aubrey, what outfit did you donate to the "Child Stars – Then & Now" exhibit at the Hollywood Museum?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: The outfit that I donated is from an episode of Modern Family where one of my dads sends me to clown classes and I hate it, but I am afraid to tell him. So, it’s my clown costume.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Is this the first time you’ve participated in an event like this where you’ve donated personal items?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: Kind of. I donated one of my dresses that I wore to the Emmys, and it was auctioned off on eBay for a children’s charity called the Global Fund for Children.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): It’s quite an honor to be called a “child star.” What do you think about all of the fame that comes with it?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: I think it’s weird being famous. Sometimes it makes me nervous when I get recognized a lot, but I’m more used to it now than when I was little.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What grade are you in, and what is your favorite subject?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: I’m in 4th grade, and my favorite subject is English. I’m just starting to like to read more.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Have you had any acting classes?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: No, I don’t think so. But I went to musical theatre camp a couple of years ago.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Your mom is also in show business. Amy, please tell me about your career.
Amy Anderson: I started doing improve comedy in Minneapolis in the late 90s. Shortly after that, I tried stand up and I never looked back. I fell in love with comedy right away. I also did a lot of commercial work and theatre acting in Minneapolis and decided to move to LA in 2001 to pursue comedy and acting. I love it here, but the lack of quality roles for women, especially middle aged, Asian American women, is beyond frustrating.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Thank you, and good luck, Amy. Aubrey, how did you become involved in Modern Family at the age of four?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: Um, my mom’s agent saw they were recasting the role of Lily, and she asked me if I wanted to try out and I really wanted to. That’s it, really.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What have you enjoyed most about being on the show, and do you have a favorite episode?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: It’s fun getting to watch myself on TV a lot, and we get to go to lots of different places. I think my favorite episode was when I got to ride on the dry cleaning rack and also going to Australia.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What is your relationship like with Eric (Stonestreet) and Jesse (Tyler Ferguson)?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: They help me a lot to stay focused and help me understand the directors.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Lily is a headstrong girl and has a sassy personality. Are you two alike in any way?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: I can be a little sassy sometimes like Lily, but mostly we’re not alike at all.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Can you tell us anything about the new season?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: I can’t tell you anything, but we’ve shot some really funny episodes already.
Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): If you could write an adventure for Lily, what would it be?
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: Hmm, an adventure? Maybe like, she goes to rescue a bunch of dogs or becomes a horse jumper or something with animals. That’s what I like in real life.
© 2016 Smashing Interviews Magazine. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the express written consent of the publisher.
Related
Interview
« Lauren Holly Interview: "NCIS" Star Talks Hallmark's "My Summer Prince" and "Motive"
Melissa Rauch Interview: "Big Bang Theory" Star Talks Upcoming Season and "The Bronze" »
