Child actress Rory Nicole Ogden has accomplished more since November 2012 than many artists twice her age. In winter 2012, she made the decision to fulfil her dream of becoming an actress and before she knew it, Rory was auditioning for (and getting) small roles in films. Then came a short film called “Just a Kid,” a delightful story about a young girl (Julie) who tries to cheer up her brother after his heart is broken. Rory landed the role, and that began a trend that continues to now.
I fell in love with the idea of being in the movies and TV when I was young. I thought the movie Transformers was so incredible I felt like I had to be in that life. I kept asking my Mother but she thought it was a phase. I never stopped asking so my Mom talked to a friend that is an actress in LA. The friend said to put me in classes and when I realized how much work it really was I would most likely change my mind. The classes were two hours away and once a week for 12 weeks my Mom would drive me down there and sit in her car and wait for me. I discovered that I loved it more than I thought, even with all the work it really takes.
I just finished up a project for Cartoon Networks Adult Swim that will be airing in Nov or Dec. It was such a unique experience. They did a 3D scan of my body so they could make an exact replica of my body. Than they made silicone molds of my face to reproduce my face for some neat things they did in the project that I can’t say yet! What other 13 year old gets to do such cool things? Cross your fingers I get to go back and do more.
Lowest Point
A student film that I did very early in my career. It was a bad production done in a house with a dog that could be smelled 20 feet away and cats and more dust and cobwebs than a Halloween house. We would get there 10 minutes before our call time and the team would show up 45 minutes later. It’s why I very rarely do student films.
Hardest Thing About Being an Actress.
Do you make enough money from acting, if not, what else do you do?
I have saved some money up for College from acting but I also like to spend it :) I plan on attending NYU or UCLA. To study acting and film making. My passion is gong around to Jacob Whitesides concerts and getting VIP tickets. It’s a good thing my Mom likes Jacob!
Best and Worst audition.
Just a Kid which was my first audition. I had so much fun with the Director Michael Scotti Jr. He was so fun to work with and Immediately felt the character was perfect for me. A week later I was offered the role. The Director later told my Mom the part was down to two people and when he was deciding he got a Thank you Note from my Mom and that sealed the deal!
Worst
I had two worst auditions. Once was for someone I had worked for before who I loved but I went to the audition coming right off the plane from Florida with a case of sun poisoning. I was having trouble talking and I didn’t know why I actually went to the hospital after and my tongue had swollen up with the sun poisoning. Needless to say I didn’t get the part.
The other bad audition I had was the student film I did that was a nightmare. I was put on the spot to tell an embarrassing story and I told a story of my mothers and I could see her turning red while I told it. I don’t think she wanted it told. I must have babbled for 15 minutes. I never expected to get the part but I did.
Advice for other actors.
Make time for all your dreams don’t just make time for acting. Play sports, go to dances and do all the things other teens do. In fact I don’t tell my classmates I act but sometimes it comes out. One time in Computer class we were learning how to use Google and the teacher had us Google the person next to us and my classmate freaked out and began telling everyone when he saw my website and IMDB. Also if you really want to act start with training it’s the most important thing you can do.<
What is the most important thing for actors to do to improve their career?
I think you have to keep learning and doing different stuff. Like I prefer comedy its a lot more fun but I have been doing other stuff so I can show that I can do anything. I don’t want CD’s to look at me and pass on me because they only think I can do comedy.
Role Models
Selena Gomez- I have a lot of respect for her. I always thought she was a good actress. I grew up watching her on Wizards of Waverly Place. It became my favorite show. Selena is also a great singer another passion of mine. Recently she disclosed she has Lupus and it makes me realise what a strong woman she is to be able to do all of the things she does even when she is sick.
Funniest Thing that happened on Set
While filming my first film just a kid I had to ride my bike down the street. The DP, Director and Producer were in a van following me down the street filming me. A person saw this and called the police thinking I was going to be abducted. The police came rushing to the scene. After questioning me and them they realised it was only a film.
I’ve worked with Rory in the past, and she’s just as active as this interview shows – this only scratches the surface! I’m convinced she’ll be a household name within a year or two.