Interview: Ashley Tisdale from High School Musical 3
The High School Musical 3 cutie on shopping, singing and Sharpay…
You dance, sing and act in High School Musical 3 – but which of the three do you prefer?
Ashley Tisdale: I’m definitely not a dancer. I can move well, but it’s more about the acting and the singing for me. Acting and singing are completely different, so I can’t say which one I love better because I love them both. I love acting because I get to play different characters. But I also love my music because I get to portray me. My fans can get to know me better through my music, which is something I really like.
What music do you listen to at home?
Ashley Tisdale: Personally, I love eighties music. If I’m at a party and someone’s got an eighties compilation CD, I am the happiest person alive! Apart from that, my favourite artists to listen to include Michael Buble, Billy Joel, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. I love all types of music.
Do you like to party?
Ashley Tisdale: Oh, sure! Who doesn’t like a party? Mind you, I’m not the biggest party animal in the cast of High School Musical. That honour goes to Corbin. He really knows how to start a party! He’s so outgoing and he loves to dance – he’s always the first person on the dancefloor.
What’s the best thing about working in showbusiness?
Ashley Tisdale: I love my job! I really enjoy singing and acting, so a role in the High School Musical movies has been a dream come true.
Are there any downsides to being a successful actress?
Ashley Tisdale: The fame side of the business is a downside when it intrudes into your life. We’re passionate about what we do and we love what we do, so I don’t regret anything – but I can’t stand the paparazzi.
Are the paparazzi a pain?
Ashley Tisdale: The paparazzi are completely annoying! They camp outside my house, which is really upsetting. Even if I just pop out for a coffee, they will follow me. I love this industry and I love what I do, so I guess this is just one thing you have to learn to put up with.
How tough is it in the spotlight?
Ashley Tisdale: You know what? I look at people like Britney Spears and I don’t know how she coped with fame at such a young age. She was 16 when she got her success, but I can’t imagine being 16 and in the spotlight like she was. I’m so glad that this all came later on in my life because it’s tough. I’m 23 now, so I’m older than she was – but I’ve no regrets because I’ve worked hard to get where I am. Fame is just one of the downsides to this business.
Is it difficult to see your false gossip written about you in the press?
Ashley Tisdale: It’s got to the point where I don’t really think about things like that anymore. You just have to block out the negative and think of the positive. People are always going to say stuff about you and there are always going to be crazy rumors out there, but as long as you know the truth, you’re fine.
What advice would you give to people who want to follow in your footsteps and become famous?
Ashley Tisdale: I would say stay true to yourself because there is a lot of fakeness in this industry. Work hard and follow your dreams, but never forget where you came from.
Were you excited to work on High School Musical 3?
Ashley Tisdale: Shooting this movie was amazing. The choreography was harder and the musical numbers were a lot bigger, but it was a lot of fun. We had a really great time filming it.
Do you like Sharpay?
Ashley Tisdale: Well, I love playing her! She’s a drama queen who rules the school and that was a lot of fun to portray on screen. Sharpay was dramatic and off the wall in High School Musical 2, but in High School Musical 3, she’s even bigger. I’ve always had a lot of fun with her.
Are you anything like Sharpay in real life?
Ashley Tisdale: I’m nothing like Sharpay! I was never the popular girl at school, although can probably relate to her because of her passion for performing. I love to perform, so that’s probably the one and only thing we have in common.
How would you describe yourself?
Ashley Tisdale: I’m definitely a dreamer. I dreamed of being on TV shows and movies ever since I was a little girl. In fact, I’ve been in this business since I was three. I’m driven and I’m always honest, although sometimes I can be very blunt. I guess I’m one of those girls who can be too honest about things for my own good, but I expect it back. I expect people to be honest and blunt with me, too.
How would your friends describe you?
Ashley Tisdale: They’d say I’m very headstrong and I know what I want from life. I listen to peoples’ opinions, but a lot of the time I’ll trust my own instincts. I’m also really clumsy, so I’m always getting hurt.
You’re a dancer, a singer and an actress… Is there anything you’re not good at?
Ashley Tisdale: Ha ha! I’ll let you into a secret… I’m someone who can’t lie at all. I’m the worst liar in the world!
Do you still enjoy meeting fans?
Ashley Tisdale: Meeting fans is so cool! It’s great to be able to touch peoples’ lives. We actually had a boy come over to us and explain how he got the courage to audition for a school musical after watching our movie. He was a basketball jock who ended up getting the lead in Peter Pan!
Are fans the same around the world?
Ashley Tisdale: Well, the High School Musical fans are very passionate wherever you go – and they have exactly the same screams. They have so much love and so much support, so we’re very grateful. I got to visit Paris and Madrid promoting the third movie, as well as Munich and London, so I saw quite a number of fans. It was really exciting to travel the world but we only got to spend two days in each place, so there wasn’t enough time to really explore.
Where would you most like to visit on your next trip abroad?
Ashley Tisdale: I like to visit tropical places on vacation because I love the beach. I love the water and doing loads of water sports, so anywhere next to the ocean will suit me. I also love shopping, but I can find something to buy wherever I go! London is great for shopping, as is Los Angeles and New York – but I can find a good shop in the middle of nowhere!
Interview By: Emma Loggins
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