
Credit: Pink Monkey Studios
Audrey Smallman stars as Gigi Cooper in the new UPtv original series Date My Dad. As part of a talented cast that includes Barry Watson and Raquel Welch, Audrey is gearing up for an exciting breakthrough year. We got the chance to speak with Audrey about her role of Gigi, starring alongside Bella Thorne in the new movie Midnight Sun, and more.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Audrey Smallman below.
What inspired you to get into acting? Was there anyone who influenced you?
I was inspired when I took acting classes in front of a camera, and I learned various techniques and acted out different characters. It was also during these classes that I learned I could actually be on TV and in film. Once I found this out, I asked my mom if it was something I could pursue. She then found me an agent so I could audition for TV, film, and commercials. I enjoy everything about acting, and my family really supports me!
What do you love most about acting?
I love improv! Improv is making it up as you go along. Most of the time, there isn’t a lot of improv when I’m on set, so I improv the emotion and connection with my character. I LOVE everything about acting – being on set, acting out the scenes with all the other actors, and connecting with the crew in between takes or setups.
Is there any other aspect of entertainment you would love to get into someday?
Hmm, that is a tough question. One thing that comes to mind is that I would really like to learn hip-hop dancing. I have four years of ballet and modern dance experience, but I think I would enjoy hip-hop better. I would also like to make stop-motion videos, and maybe one day be a writer or director.
Who would you love to work with someday, if you could pick anyone?
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to work with Jennifer Lawrence! She was so awesome in the Hunger Games movies, and she seems like she would be a super-nice person.
Can you talk a little about your role on Date My Dad and what attracted you to it?
OH! I loved the role of Gigi the first time I read the audition lines. I thought, I get this girl! Gigi is an 8-year-old brainiac. She is the youngest of the three daughters, super-smart, and kind. She loves her family a lot and really wants her dad to be happy and hopefully meet another wife. I was attracted to Gigi’s unique character. She makes me laugh!
What do you love most about your character Gigi? Do you think you guys are alike at all?
I love that she is so smart and funny! I do think we are similar in some ways. I think I am pretty unique and funny! I don’t think I am as smart as Gigi, but I am learning. Maybe if there more seasons of the show, I will become as smart as Gigi!

Credit: UPtv
What has it been like working with the cast? What are some of your favorite memories of filming?
Dan Angel, a producer of the show, somehow arranged for everyone on set to watch the first episode of Date My Dad before we finished filming all the episodes! So one day during lunch, we ate and watched it all together. It felt like watching it with your family since we were all a part of making it. Another favorite memory was getting to pet and play with John Wayne, Barry Watson’s dog. 🙂 He is SO CUTE and small!
Can you preview what we can expect from your role in Midnight Sun?
I play the younger version of Morgan, who is played by Quinn Shephard. I can’t say too much more at the moment. 🙂
How has the fan support been for you so far?
it’s been good so far. I only started my Instagram and Twitter accounts [recently], and so far I have connected with some awesome people. I’m really lucky to have some great followers!
What can we look forward to from you next?
I’m really hoping for a second season of Date My Dad, and to continue working in TV and film. Or maybe I’ll get really good at hip-hop and go on So You Think You Can Dance!
Thanks so much to Audrey Smallman for taking the time to answer some questions for us! We really appreciate it.
Be sure to keep up to date with Audrey by following her on Twitter and Instagram, and tune in to Date My Dad Fridays at 9/8c on UPtv! For more Date My Dad, check out our interview with Barry Watson.
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