Mandy Musgrave Interview, January 2010
SouthofNowhereOnline.com
would like to thank Nancylee Myatt and Matt Cohen for
their assistance with this interview.
What have you been doing since the show?
Just relaxing for the most part, enjoying my life and
going home to see family, I flew home more times this
past year than I ever have since the day I left.
What are you doing now?
I have been doing some guest spots on other shows like
Eli Stone, The Middle, 90210 and shooting a film GIRLTRASH,
For those who don’t know, do you have
public Myspace, Facebook, and/or Twitter accounts? If
so, what are they?
I did have a Twitter and a Myspace but I deleted them.
There was just too much drama for me. I love fans and
I hope they are never EVER afraid to approach me. But
sometimes the online stuff gets out of hand. I will
start a Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter up again someday
soon.
What was it that made you want to be a part
of South of Nowhere?
I was in love with the character, the story line and
the people involved. I just wanted so badly to be apart
of something that mattered, Something that would mean
more to people than fancy clothes and a big house (lol
aside from Ashley Davies) and knock off storylines.
South Of Nowhere was a one of a kind series. Many WILL
TRY to copy it... but it cannot be done. Tommy Lynch
did what no one else has done. He made a series that
not only had A gay story line, but made a SERIES about
a gay couple. Not only that but, he made it appropriate
for teens on a teen network.
Did you worry at all about the possible negative
effect playing a lesbian character could have on your
young career especially, given that there're so many
people who oppose homosexuality?
No, I didn't, I was too fresh in the business to even
understand that. And when I did, it only made me want
to do it more. I mean... SOMEONE has to stand up for
equal rights! Why not be the case of SON?
Obviously not now, but when you first started
working on South of Nowhere, was it strange playing
a gay/bi character when you yourself is straight?
It was only as strange as any other role where I would
have to kiss someone. Making believe that you are in
love with someone you are not is a challenge. But I
love a challenge and I LOVED our little South Of Nowhere.
In my interview with Tom, he had really nice
things to say about you! For instance, when I told him
that you were going to be on 90210 he said, “Fantastic…Awesome!”
I actually read that interview! Tommy is so sweet;
he has always been such a kind and wonderful person
and a positive influence in my life in general. There
are few people that are remembered in this industry
when you work with them (I feel) especially for the
better. But Tommy Lynch is one of the few.
Tom went on to say, “Mandy Musgrave is
without question, is the reason I made South Of Nowhere…
When I saw her read for that show, the whole show made
sense for me…When I saw her playing the role of
Ashley, it just crystallized in my mind, like oh my
God, this is fantastic.” What’s your reaction
to Tom’s kind words?
I cried. LITERALLY! I called my family and told them
about it, then, I thanked Tommy himself. Then I just
sat there and tried to wrap those words around my brain
and try and believe them. How could ANYONE say such
a kind thing?! I remember hoping, and praying that I
was doing that series justice but I never would have
imagined anyone feeling THAT way! It was amazing and
I was immensely flattered to say the least.
If there’s ever a South movie, would
you be interested in being in it?
YES!!
What was it like having a rock legend like
C.C. Deville as your onscreen dad?
It was fun, he was a great blend of a true rock and
roller and a normal human being with a good heart. He
was extremely kind and a pleasure to work with. it was
funny because when we met, it was in a recording studio
and I felt nervous because it was his domain but he
would walk me through everything and play his guitar
and made me feel 100% comfortable. I genuinely liked
C.C. he is a good man with a great heart.
Was there anything you wish Ashley would’ve
gotten to do that she didn’t, or a part of her
life that you wanted to explore more of?
Not really... they did a great job with Ashley Davies
and telling her story. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What is the most moving story a South of Nowhere
fan, has told you about how the show affected them?
A brother has written me saying that him and his sister
had not spoken in 3 years because she had come out and
said she was gay. He then stumbled across SON and it
brought him to tears over what he had done. He then
called her and made a mends and they are closer now
than ever.
Do you have a Fan-Mailing Address?
No I don't... most fans just send things to my manager.
which is on my IMDB.com site
Fan Questions
What is it like to film a musical with the
GirlTrash Cast? – fmblankenship
AMAZING! The hours are long, the conditions are rough,
but the people are great and the energy is FANTASTIC!
How does it feel to know that even though South
is over, you're still a huge influence on people, and
even a hero to some? - Mrs_MusgraveTNG
When I just read that it made my heart beat so hard
that it hurt. I am not a hero. I only portrayed a character
that the REAL HEROES created. But thank you, thank you,
thank you.
What advice do you have for someone who wants
to be in the industry and do you need to be in N.Y.C.
or L.A. to break in? - mb168
I think it’s up to you. just choose where you
would rather live. LA or NY? But take acting classes,
don't go cheap on head shots, get an agent (don't worry
about getting a huge one, get one that truly believes
in you) and most of all make sure you doing it for nothing
else and no one else other than you!
If ever given an opportunity to either work
or travel in Asia, would you be interested in going?
btas12
Yes, I would be excited!
Besides GirlTrash are you up for any TV or
Movie roles at the moment? - AshFan92
I’m working on it... I will have an answer the
next time that is asked I hope! ;-)
Who is your favorite band/recording artist
and what songs are you currently jamming to? –
breathingx
Everything and anything, from Lady Gaga, to Kenny Chesney,
to Enya... I love it all!!!
Did you ever once question your sexuality?
- SGA_A – Twitter
No.
What is your all time favorite movie? - tomboy1908
Mansfield Park.
When filming a show or a movie, actors and
actresses sometimes find themselves losing the ability
to differentiate certain characteristics between the
characters they are portraying, and their every day
lives. Have you ever had a moment where, when you were
off set, you caught your character Ashley making an
appearance? If so, when did this happen and how did
you prevent it from happening frequently? Do you think
that because South of Nowhere had so much emotion, and
hit so many issues that affect , as well as influenced
people from all over the world, it made it harder to
live your life as Mandy Musgrave, rather than Ashley
Davies? - loveeeely123
As soon as I was finished shooting Ashley Davies I
was back to Mandy Musgrave. There were times where I
would dress more like Ashley, I just loved her style.
But I don't anymore. I have never really been stuck
in a character once I’m done shooting.
What was the last concert you went to? –
CaptainJaxHavok – Twitter
Kings of Leon.
Do you (or have you ever) read South of Nowhere
Fan Fiction? – aowheels1
I don't think that I have.
Have you set a date yet for when you’re
getting married? – lilitaliangrl
Yes.
Do you think you and Gabby will still be friends
in five years? - spencerFAN1
Yes.
Would you ever consider being featured in a
song with a musician? - RichiRIOT - Twitter
Yes, but I would be nervous to.
Do you have any final words for the fans?
Thank you for all your support and I hope that you
know how much you mean to me. Your kind words keep me
strong. I hope that you all stay positive and can see
the future of equality.
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