Bratz Heaven

Janel Parrish: What A Doll!

By: Robyn Barnette

And what a doll indeed. She's cute, she's charming, she's talented....

Did I mention that she's cute?

Whether she's one of many "Heroes" saving the world, or whether she's singing about a "Rainy Day," actress/singer Janel Parrish is climbing a ladder of success in her young life. Parrish has emerged as one of the brightest stars to shine in Hollywood's sparkling crown jewels, and all she did was express herself and let it all hang out in "Bratz: The Movie," her first role in a major theatrical motion picture.

But this lovely young phenom had dreams and aspirations long before she became the successful star that she is today.

Born in Oahu, Hawaii, Janel Meilani Parrish began her career on the National Touring Company and received her first acting and singing role in the Broadway production of "Les Miserables." Later, Parrish earned a minor role in the four-part television miniseries "Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke." She also made appearances on several television series, including "Baywatch," "Zoey 101," "The Bernie Mac Show," and "The O.C." Parrish's most recent television appearance was on "Heroes," one of the highest-rated and most critically acclaimed dramas on television, where she collaborated with fellow Hollywood actress Hayden Panettiere.

However, it was in "Bratz: The Movie" where Parrish established her newfound fame in Hollywood. The movie is based on the popular doll brand by MGA Entertainment, Inc. In the movie, Parrish brings to life the character Jade, a "fashionista" with an unbridled fashion sense who is also a genius at math and chemistry. From conducting Bernoulli effects in a chemistry classroom to teaching mathematics using a football playbook, Jade demonstrates an intelligence that's as amazing as the actress who portrays her. But it is during the high school talent show toward the end of "Bratz: The Movie" where Jade expresses her passion for fashion — and her "Brattitude."

Parrish's talents are not just limited to acting: At age six, she began playing piano; and at age 14, she appeared on the 2003 remake of the renowned talent show "Star Search." It was only a matter of time before these two special elements would prove beneficial to her career: In 2007, just a few months after filming and production of "Bratz: The Movie" concluded, Parrish signed a recording contract with Geffen Records and is hard at work preparing material for her debut album. The album is scheduled for release in 2008, and the first single off her debut album, "Rainy Day," is featured in the original motion picture soundtrack to "Bratz: The Movie." In addition, the music video to "Rainy Day" can be seen in the closing credits of "Bratz: The Movie," as well as on the "Bratz: The Movie" DVD.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Ms. Parrish, where she explains about her participation in "Bratz: The Movie," as well as who she is and her future endeavors. Interviewing Ms. Parrish was so much fun, and I sincerely believe that she will have a very bright and prosperous future ahead of her. She is such a sweetheart.

THE MOVIE

Robyn: Okay! So let's talk about "Bratz: The Movie." And Janel, let me be the first on record to say that I absolutely loved the movie. I was expecting a dumb, cheesy teen movie like many others I've seen in my lifetime. However, I got a lot more out of this movie than I thought I would, and for that, I have to congratulate you, Nathalia Ramos, Logan Browning, Skyler Shaye, Chelsea Staub, Stephen Lunsford, Ian Nelson, director Sean McNamara, producer Avi Arad, Isaac Larian, and everyone else for a job well done in the filming and production of "Bratz: The Movie"!

Janel: Thanks so much! I'm so glad you loved the movie. It really is a great movie for all ages...great music, great messages, and a food fight too!

Robyn: Wow, that was a lot of names to remember! And the food fight scene was certainly one of the highlights of the movie! Anyway, you portrayed the character Jade in "Bratz: The Movie." Can you explain what you did in preparing for the role?

Janel: Well we were very fortunate that we got to meet with the woman who created the dolls. She told us her visions for each character, and we took them and embelished on it. We took the dolls and brought them to life by adding some of our own personalities into it. It was a great experience.

Robyn: Jade has always been the type of character who has been regarded as a "fashionista," someone who is always one step ahead of the game in fashion and style. In what ways do you identify with Jade? Do you consider yourself as super smart as she is?

Janel: Oh noooo! haha Jade is like a genius! I wouldnt go so far as to say that for me! And I haaaated science and math. But she is very much like me in other ways. We're both biracial, very outgoing, outspoken, and creative. And just a little rebellious!

Robyn: Do you own any of the Bratz Jade dolls? Which ones?

Janel: Oh yes! I own 5 of them! I have the passion for fashion, bratz sleepover, bratz the movie doll, bratz diamonds, and one more, but I can't remember right now. I hate when that happens!

Robyn: Janel, I'm sure that you had plenty of favorite scenes in "Bratz: The Movie." Which one was your most favorite? Hopefully, it is the one in the beginning of the movie where you "express yourself and let it all hang out"?

Janel: No that scene was hard for me! The director kept telling me to shake my hair sexy, and I felt like a dog shaking off after a bath. It took a few takes me for to get that one right. My absolute favorite scene in Bratz was the food fight! It was sooo much fun, and we actually had adults encouraging us!

Robyn: And that "Brattitude" musical number at the end of the movie — tell us about your experience in filming that scene?

Janel: We filmed that musical number over and over and over and over...but I LOVED It every time! Singing and dancing have always been two of my favorite things, so to be able to combine that with acting and perform on a stage all day was the best!

Robyn: What was it like to film this movie with Nathalia (Yasmin), Logan (Sasha), Skyler (Cloe), and Chelsea (Meredith)? Have you kept in touch with them after filming for the movie ended? Have you become BFFs in real life just like the characters you portrayed in the movie?

Janel: Oh yes! All of us bonded instantly. We became best friends on the set. Chelsea is part of the Bratz pack too! She plays a mean girl in the movie, but in real life, she's the sweetest. We had such a great, light hearted, fun set. It as a pleasure to work with such great, talented girls.

Robyn: If there is a sequel planned for "Bratz: The Movie," Janel, would you like to see a new character included with the Bratz? Perhaps Meygan?

Janel: Sure, that would be great! Bring on all the Bratz!

Robyn: And Gwen Stefani can be a producer for the sequel! She's a big Bratz fan, too! Perhaps she can elevate Jade's fashion passion (yours) to a whole new level and then some?

Janel: Oh gosh, I LOVE Gwen Stefani, and so did my character! I had a big poster of her in my secret closet in the movie. Gwen's style definitely had a big influence on Jade's fashion sense.

THE GIRL

Robyn: All right, Janel, so now let's talk about you. Until now, you have had some smaller parts in television shows, but nothing to the level of a lead in a feature film, so how are you now able to handle this newfound fame of yours? Do people walk up to you and say, "Like, OMG, you're Janel Parrish! I saw you in 'Bratz: The Movie'!"?

Janel: Sometimes, and I'm overwhelmed and thrilled everytime! It's unbelievable to see myself on the big screen!! I'm just excited for every little thing that happens. The Bratz, you see, in real life, we're the goofiest girls. We have each other to keep ourselves grounded.

Robyn: And I recently read your biography....you're from Oahu, Hawaii. Do you have friends and family back home?

Janel: Yes, I was born and raised there, and lived there til about 5 years ago. All my chinese side of the family still lives there, along with all my lifelong friends, so I visit as much as possible. I miss you guys!

Robyn: Would you like to see a Bratz collection based on a Hawaiian Luau theme? If so, let's tell MGA Entertainment (makers of the Bratz dolls) that we want to see such a collection! Seashells, coconuts, pineapples, pink flamingos, ukuleles, tiki statues, polynesian drums, Samoan fire dancers....all that good stuff. We'll call it "Bratz Island Fever."

Janel: LETS DO IT! I want to see my doll with a grass skirt doing the hula!

Robyn: What inspired you to pursue an acting and singing career? What would you be doing if you chose to live a normal, everyday life just like any teenage girl?

Janel: When I was 6 years old, "The Phantom of the Opera" musical came to Hawaii. I remember sitting in the audience and thinking, I want to be on stage! If I chose to live a normal life, I would still be in living in Hawaii, going to college, and spending every day on the beach. Sounds wonderful! But I'd much rather be here living out my dream.

Robyn: And you are definitely living out your dream. Do you have any hobbies outside of acting and singing?

Janel: I'm a pretty thrill-seeking person, so I love anything that gives me the thrill! ROLLERCOASTERS, I seriously think I have a problem. I'm addicted. Whenever my sister is visiting, we go crazy on the rollercoasters!

THE FUTURE

Robyn: I also understand that you have embarked upon a music career. Can you give us a little insight about that? When is the release date of your debut CD?

Janel: Yes, and it happened so unexpectedly! I wrote a song about a year and a half ago and little did I know it would end up in the Bratz movie and in the soundtrack! After I recorded it, Geffen signed me! I'm currently writing and will be in the studio soon. My CD should be out sometime next year! I still can't believe it.

Robyn: Oh, and yes, Janel, I immensely enjoyed watching the music video "Rainy Day" during the end credits of "Bratz: The Movie." That is such a lovely song, and I learned that the music video was directed by Billie Woodruff. How was it working with Mr. Woodruff?

Janel: Bille was the best! He's so fun and sweet, and really had a great eye for my vision of how I wanted the song to be portrayed. I love the way he directed my video, and would love to work with him again in the future!

Robyn: You are now currently starring on the hit television series "Heroes," with actress Hayden Panettiere. Tell me what it's like to work on a television series such as "Heroes" and has your participation in "Bratz: The Movie" helped you in your acting for this series?

Janel: Definately. You learn from every experience, and being in one show always helps you prepare for the next. I was so thrilled to be on Heroes because I've always loved that show! And Hayden is one of the best young actresses, so to be able to work alongside her was amazing.

Robyn: Finally, anything special you want to tell your fans?

Janel: Only that I love each and every one of you! Thank you so much for your love and support, and keep an eye out, cuz you haven't seen the end of the Bratz! We'll be back!!! =)

Robyn: Well, that concludes our interview. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview....

Janel: Thank you so much for having me!! It was a pleasure!

Robyn: And, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season and a fabulous new year! I truly believe that you will have a very bright future as an actress and singer. Best of luck in everything you do, and I hope to see you in many more television shows and movies — including that sequel to "Bratz: The Movie"! Maybe they'll call it....like, OMG, "Bratz: The Sequel"! TWBSS (That Would Be So Stylin')!

Janel: Thanks so much, and same to you! And yes! TWBSS sounds great! I'll call up the producers right now! =P

Special thanks to Ms. Parrish, Matthew Hirsch, MGA Entertainment, and the crew at Lions Gate Entertainment for making this possible. You guys rock!

P.S.: Isaac Larian, show that "other" toy company who's boss: Release that Bratz Hawaiian Luau / Island Fever collection!

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