Exclusive Interview: Yara Shahidi from “Imagine That”

A few days ago I had the opportunity to chat with Yara Shahidi from the upcoming movie “Imagine That”. The film comes out tomorrow, June 12th, and stars funny man Eddie Murphy. Yara was so much fun to talk to and she is one sweet and talented little girl!

We talked about everything from her doing print ads for Disney to her movie “Imagine That”. I can’t wait to see what else she does in the future.

Disney Society: I read that you have been acting since you were 6 weeks old. That’s amazing! What kinds of jobs did you do at such a young age?

Yara: Well, at six weeks old that’s when I started print jobs and then at about 2, I started commercials.

Disney Society: I also read you did some work for Disney. Did you do commercials for them?

Yara: I did print for them. I was their Cinderella, Jasmine and Tinkerbell.

Disney Society: I bet that was a lot of fun getting to dress up as those characters.

Yara: Yes, it’s one of my favorite jobs.

Disney Society: So, you play Olivia in “Imagine That”. What was it like auditioning for this role?

Yara: It was really fun auditioning for the role because I got a new script every time and learned more about the movie. And it was kind of like just talking about an imaginary world.

Disney Society: How many times did you have to go back in to audition?

Yara: About 10 times.

Disney Society: Tell me a little bit about your character Olivia.

Yara: Well, she can be a little sassy sometimes. She’s very creative, like that time she made pancakes in the movie. She’s also very honest. If someone promises her something, she makes sure it’s done, that they keep their promise.

Disney Society: I saw that pancake scene on the previews. Was that fun?

Yara: Yes, I really enjoyed that scene.

Disney Society: What was it like working with the hilarious Eddie Murphy? Did he make you laugh on set a lot?

Yara: Yes, he made me laugh a ton. During a lot of the funny scenes, I never really knew what he was going to do and he was always hilarious. You just never knew…I laughed so hard.

Disney Society: Can you tell me about your most favorite scene in the movie?

Yara: The pancake scene in the movie was my favorite. Olivia and her dad get to make pancakes and I get to put a ton of condiments on the pancakes and I get to make a huge mess with them.

Disney Society: Did you make Eddie Murphy eat those pancakes for real?

Yara: No, He didn’t have to eat the pancakes, but instead he would throw the pancakes over his shoulder and pretend like he ate them.

Disney Society: Have you seen the movie from beginning to end yet?

Yara: Yes, I did get to see the movie from beginning to end and I thought it was really good.

Disney Society: Will you get to go to the big Hollywood premiere?

Yara: I think so! I am really excited.

Disney Society: You are also in the ABC series “In the Motherhood”. What can you tell me about your character on that show?

Yara: Well, I play Esther and my brother is in it with me. He plays my brothers and his name is Bill.

Disney Society: So the acting business is kind of a family thing isn’t it?

Yara: Yeah, it is.

Disney Society: I read that you were also cast in the film “Salt” with Angelina Jolie. What can you tell me about your character in that movie?

Yara: I play Cleo, Ms. Angelina’s neighbor.

Disney Society: Have you filmed any of the scenes and met Angelina yet?

Yara: Yes, I did get to meet Ms. Angelina and she’s really, really nice and I’ve already filmed all of the scenes I am in.

Disney Society: Do you like doing commercials, movies or televisions series the best?

Yara: I like them all.I like doing everything!

Disney Society: Besides having an amazing acting career so young, what kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

Yara: I love to travel. I love doing Karate. I’m a yellow belt green tip and the next promotion I’ll go up for a green belt and then brown tip.

Disney Society: What’s one of your favorite places that you’ve visited?

Yara: I love Italy and I love New Zealand.

Disney Society: Are there any other movies, besides the ones we talked about, that we will see you in soon?

Yara: I’m in the Unthinkable and I play the daughter of Samuel L Jackson and my brother’s in that one too, playing my brother.

Disney Society: Do you like working with your brother?

Yara: Yeah, it is really really fun getting to work with my brother.

Disney Society: Do you have a certain actress that you look up to?

Yara: I like Queen Latifah. I really like the movies that Queen Latifah has done. She’s pretty much my favorite.

Disney Society: A lot of Disney Society readers want to be an actor or actress. Do you have one tip you could give them about auditioning for roles?

Yara: Just laugh and enjoy what you’re doing. If you don’t enjoy it, then don’t do it.

Thanks Yara! Don’t forget to go see “Imagine That” in theaters opening this weekend. Check out some more photos of Yara Shahidi in “Imagine That” plus the movie trailer.

Image Credit: © 2009 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.