Star Power Vol.43

from the editor

HELLO THERE, READER!

In this Star Power issue, we got to chat with actress Sophia Hammons who plays Celeste in the new show Up Here on Hulu

We also got to have a #QuickChat with actor Zack Brooks, who plays Philip Leroy in the film adaptation of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams

YOURS TRULY,

Carol Wright

EDITOR IN CHIEF @ CAROL WRIGHT

Get to Know Sophia

I weirdly love airports and traveling.

My favorite color is purple.

I named my dog Larry after one of the monkeys in the song "One Dozen Monkeys" by They Might Be Giants.

Up Here made me fall in love with New York City, and now I’m obsessed.

I do archery in my free timeit's challenging and relaxing!

Sophia's Playlist

Frank Ocean // Pyramids

The Weeknd // Heartless

Lana Del Rey // Let the Light In (feat. Father

John Misty)

Mazzy Star // Fade Into You

J. Cole // No Role Modelz

Paul McCartney & Dominic Fike // The Kiss of Venus

Lizzy Mcalpine // Erase Me

Lana Del Rey // Cinnamon Girl

Mac Miller // The Spins

The Weeknd // Reminder

Sophia Hammons

Sophia Hammons decided to try musical theater after a teacher suggested it. Now, that suggestion has paid off, as she can be seen in the new musical comedy Up Here on Hulu. Hammons talked to NYOTA about her character Celeste, working with Broadway legends, and her advice for aspiring actors.

What initially sparked your interest in acting?

When I was 9, I was singing in my elementary school choir, and my teacher suggested that I try out musical theater. I loved it, and pretty soon, I was doing shows in regional theaters. Then I started auditioning for shows on Broadway, and I got really close to being cast a few times, but I was always too tall. So, I transitioned to film and loved it even more because the acting is so grounded and personal. Up Here is really a full-circle moment for me because it combines film and musical theater, and I got to work with Broadway legends.

What drew you to Up Here and made you want to audition?

When I read the character description for Celeste, it instantly caught my eye because she’s so unique and complex. She was initially described as nerdy and uncool, but when I started working with Steven, Tommy, Mae, and everyone else, Celeste evolved into a mature and assertive 13-year-old Also, some of the most talented people in the world were attached to the project, so that was pretty convincing!

Tell our readers about your character Celeste. What did you do to step into her shoes?

Celeste is Lindsay’s best friend from seventh grade. She lives inside Lindsay’s head, but Celeste is from 1983. So, I created a whole playlist filled with songs I thought Celeste would have listened to - Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush. I also wrote diary entries in a journal so I could create a motive for all of her decisions.

When you had to act as Celeste in her middle school form versus her being part of Lindsay’s consciousness, did you change your approach to the character at all?

I did! I think Lindsay remembers Celeste as cutthroat and kind of ruthless So, when I was playing Celeste as part of her consciousness, I tried to act more like the voice in your head always yelling at you versus your best friend who secretly has it out for you.

Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Stephanie Diani | Stylist: Jared Depriest | Hair: Benoit Moeyaert | Makeup: Juliette Perreux

A unique component of Up Here (outside of it having a main character with voices in her head) is that it’s a musical. Was it exciting to dive into that aspect of the show and learn the songs that would go along with certain scenes?

It was so much fun recording all of the songs in the studio and bringing them to life when we filmed. Kristen and Bobby and the whole music team were amazing! I listen to the soundtrack all the time.

Each voice in Lindsay’s head has such a distinct personality. Were you able to play off Katie Finnernan and John Hodgman a lot when filming?

It was so easy to play off Katie and John while filming because they're so funny, and they were always completely immersed in the scene. It felt so spontaneous and alive!

Mae Whitman has been acting in the industry since she was young. Did she share any wisdom on set?

Despite her experience, she was always very humble about it. She taught me not only how to be present in a scene but also how to be present on a set She always made sure that everyone felt appreciated like we were one big Up Here family. She's incredibly generous!

After Up Here do you hope to work on more comedies?

Yes! Comedies, comedy-dramas, dramedies - all the comedies!

Who do you consider your acting inspirations?

I think Natalie Portman has been an acting inspiration for me ever since I saw her performance in The Professional when I was 12. More recently, I thought Stephanie Hsu’s performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once was really moving What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

I think it’s very important as an actor, and also as a person, to learn about the world and the amazing diversity of people in it. Don’t dwell on the things you can’t control. And never give up.

Sophia's Top Picks

Movie: La La Land

TV Show: New Girl

Fashion Trend: Leather bomber jackets

Book: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

Zack Brooks

Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Candice Barley

Was there a certain television show or movie that got you interested in acting?

Well, I always loved using my imagination and pretending I was different people from the shows that I watched when I was little. I watched Iron Man on repeat and still to this day hope to work with Robert Downey Jr. When I first started; I was most interested in playing a superhero from the Marvel and DC shows I loved to watch.

The book Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. has had such an impact worldwide. Did you read the book to prepare for the film?

Yes, I did, actually. I read it twice. When I first heard of the book, I thought it was just a story for girls. But when I read it, it helped me to understand what girls go through and all the things they have to deal with in middle school. I really felt for Margaret and totally got into the story!

You play Philip Leroy, who is the heartthrob at Margaret’s school. Was it fun leaning into that character and playing up his not-sogreat qualities too?

In some ways, yes, it was. Like when I got to throw food and do other harmless troublemaking. But being rude to some of the girls is so opposite of my personality that we burst out laughing after the director would yell “cut” when I was trying to be rude. One of my favorite parts of playing Philip was the wardrobe I wore authentic clothes from the 70s that the costumer, Ann Roth, had shipped in from a vintage shop in New York City. They definitely had great clothes in the ’70s.

Your co-stars for this film were Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Abby Ryder Forston. Did you learn a lot from working with them?

Yes, I absolutely learned so much working with Abby. She is pretty much always in character during filming. That was a really fascinating thing to watch Of course, she was back to herself off the set but working with her was so easy because she’s so good. Sadly, I didn’t have any scenes with Rachel or Kathy but I’m very excited to meet them at the premiere.

Zack Brooks always imagined himself playing different characters from films and television shows, so his foray into acting did not come as a surprise. Brooks talked to NYOTA about reading Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret - connecting to the material, playing Philip Leroy, and hoping viewers feel seen after watching the film.

Do you hope younger viewers who are growing through the highs and lows of growing up feel seen after watching the movie?

Wow, that’s a great question! I really hope they do feel seen because this is a very strong story, and I don’t want them to feel ashamed of their bodies or who they are. No matter if they feel confused about how they are changing or the different perspectives they might hear about religion, it’s totally normal to feel confused about all of it.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

I would tell them not to give up and keep pushing through the auditions. Most people don’t understand that most of an actor’s job is just auditioning But that gives you a lot of opportunities to improve your craft.

"Most people don’t understand that most of an actor’s job is just auditioning. But that gives you a lot of opportunities to improve your craft."

STAR POWER TEAM

EDITOR IN CHIEF

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PUBLISHING

CAROL WRIGHT

CAROL WRIGHT

COVER

Sophia Hammons ACTRESS

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHER Stephanie Diani

PHOTOGRAPHER Candice Barley

WARDROBE CREDITS

Top & Pants: Cinq A Sept, Shoes: Marc Fisher (Cover)

Dress: Sandro, Ring: Ettika, Shoes: Sam Edelman (Cover, Pgs 3 & 6)

Dress: Sandro, Rings: Ettika (Pgs. 7 & 10)

Jumpsuit: Sandro, Necklace: Martha Calvo, Shoes: Nine West, Ring: Ettika (Pg 11)

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