Exclusive Online Interview for The Official Morgan York Website
4/14/07

1) What do you do on a typical day when your on location to film a movie?

It depends on the movie. For Cheaper by the Dozen, I would usually hang out with the other kids. Sometimes we'd all go out to dinner or play ping pong at the hotel. We'd go places together and see the sites. For Pacifier whenever I was bored on set, I went to the hair and make up trailer. It was always so much fun in there!

2) How many auditions do you go on in a month?

It varies from month to month. When it's pilot season, I've got auditions left and right, usually three or four auditions a week, which would be about twelve or sixteen a month. However, sometimes when things are very slow, I may get no auditions for a month. It really depends on what time of year it is.

3) What future projects have you got in store?

Well right now I'm busy working on Hannah Montana as a recurring character, and that's going really well because it's so fun and in a very convenient location for me. I am in fact going back to shoot a sixth episode next week (the week of April 16). Also, be sure to watch for me during the "Freshman High-Five" week on Disney Channel (which is the week of April 23)--I'm in two of the episodes!

4) You say you are writing a book. What is it about?

I'm actually mostly just brainstorming ideas right now. I have this great idea at the moment and I'm busy writing notes for it, and I'm also hoping it'll blossom into a whole story. It'll definitely be a fantasy novel with some romance mixed in there if I ever publish it. By this I mean I can't promise anything. Writing a book takes a lot of hard work and dedication, so the possibility that I will publish it is a "maybe".

5) What kind of things do you draw, and what kind of poetry do you prefer/write?

I am best at drawing people, especially the faces. I love depicting different expressions. Usually I draw people I know or people from my beloved, favorite series, Harry Potter (fanart). I usually don't add color but I've just recently started doing that. Sometimes I draw Japanese style art, such as anime, as well. As for poetry, I often prefer writing descriptive poetries with lots of similes and metaphors, or poems that tell a story. I also love poems that express myself, and I prefer that they rhyme.

6) What was it like working with Steve Martin and Vin Diesel?

They were both very different experiences. At first I wasn't starstruck or anything, because I was only ten (or on Pacifier, eleven) and I hadn't the foggiest idea who either of them were. Steve is hilarious on and off screen, great at playing the banjo, and very professional. He's experienced and doesn't act as if he's the greatest thing in the world. Vin was the nicest guy, and though he was less experienced, I learned a lot from him.

7) How do you prepare for a role in a movie?

To prepare for a role, I try and get into the character's head. I think about their past (or possible past if there isn't much about it in the script) and their attitude. Then I try and act like them once we start rehearsals. I try and think about what I would do in a certain situation, and what my character would do. If my character has a personality similar to mine, that makes it easier. However, if they act much different from me, I really need to use my imagination and life experience. I have to think: Have I met anyone like her? Have I seen a movie about someone like her? Then I act as much like my character as possible.

8) Will you attend a movie premiere in France one day?

I don't know--if I am invited to a premiere in France and my family isn't low on money, perhaps I will!

9) Is it easier to work in television or film?

I enjoy them both the same, but it's a bit more convenient to work in television, such as Hannah Montana. It's usually in LA or somewhere close to where I live, which is easier on my family and me. The shooting also gets done quicker and I can go home to my own bed when I'm finished for the day, instead of a foreign hotel room. I also don't feel like my school life or anything is very interrupted, because I'm not leaving the country for three months. But I do enjoy movies, they're just a little more difficult.

10) What do you like most about acting?

I am glad that I am getting something that I love to do. I love performing and making people laugh and seeing their reactions. I'm also glad that I can make so many new friends through this business. For example, I just saw Forrest Landis from Cheaper by the Dozen today for the first time in about a year or two--reunions are great! It's also an amazing feeling that you can influence other people's lives through your actions. The fact that I can go to charity events or donate money to good causes is wonderful. I'm also glad that I can inspire others, such as fans, to do the same, and that I can make a difference in this world.

11) How were you "discovered" for Cheaper by the Dozen?

My second movie audition was actually Cheaper by the Dozen. I remember the call back vividly: my dad, my sister, my brother and I were all waiting in this large room with many other girls and their families waiting for my turn. I remember being their for at least two hours. Finally, I walked into the room and met Shawn Levy, the director. I acted out some lines and he told me to change some of my deliveries to see how well I could take direction. He was apparently impressed, because after I was finished he told me to read for another one of the characters! This meant that he wanted to see how I would act with a completely different personality. A few months later, I got the part, and I was ecstatic!

12) Are you as funny in real life as you were in "The Pacifier"?

I'm not sure. I love to make people laugh and I'm constantly cracking jokes or saying funny phrases to get a giggle out of people. That's also a way I make an impression on people. I joke around with my friends and siblings all the time, and I love doing improvisation in front of my drama class at school. Coming up with comedy on the spur of the moment can be so rewarding.

13) What's your favorite Harry Potter book?

My favorite Harry Potter book is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, which is the sixth installment of the series. It used to be the third book because of the complex plot and the time traveling, but the romance in the latest book won me over. I'm a sucker for anything romantic between Ron and Hermione, my all time favorite characters. You might not want to get me started on this, because I could go on and on forever!

14) What kind of music do you like?

Admittedly, I'm a little into pop/rock music. I am a huge fan of Aly and AJ and have just about every song they've written on my iPod. I also enjoy some of Avril Lavigne's songs, such as "Complicated", "Keep Holding On" and "Girlfriend". I've also grown attached to "I Could Get Used to This" by Everlife. I enjoy some old stuff as well, like Bruce Springsteen. I know many people my age aren't into this kind of music, but I don't really care if people think I'm strange because of it. :D

15) Do you have a boyfriend?

Yes I do, and I won't reveal anything more! :)

16) Do you on plan on continuing your acting career as an adult?

Yes, I'm hoping that when I grow older I will still be successful and still be enjoying the business. If that doesn't work out, however, I'm definitely interested in writing and singing. Those are three professions I'm seriously considering at the moment.

17) What does happiness mean to you?

To be happy is probably when you feel like you've got a lot of love in your heart. If you're surrounded by people you love and feel accomplished or good about yourself, then you're happy. Love for yourself and for the people most important in your life is key. You don't have to be famous or rich or popular to have happiness in your life. You'll also feel happy if you do good deeds, because it makes you feel like a better person who has contributed more to this world.

18) Any tips on how to become a successful actor/actress?

You've just got to stay dedicated and it would definitely help if you enjoyed doing it. First, consider why you want to get into the business. Is it fame you're after? If that's the case, you probably should reconsider your decision, because you may not like the business (it is a hard and sometimes cruel business) if you aren't passionate about what your doing. Just try your hardest and listen to experienced actors who give you advice. You may even want to go the library and see if you can find any books about it.

19) Is it true that you improvised some of your lines, such as "Land!", in "The Pacifier"?

Yes, as I said before, I love making people laugh and coming up with lines on the spot. If I think of something funny that fits the scene, I try it out and observe my audience's reactions. If they laugh (or even once, they clapped) then I know I made a good decision. If the director tells me not to use it, or that it wasn't right for the scene, then I'll feel good knowing at least I tried.

20) Has there ever been a role that you wanted but didn't get?

Definitely. I sometimes wish I were older, British, and had been acting when they'd been casting Hermione for Harry Potter. That would definitely be my dream role! But I'm too young, and even though I can do a decent British accent, J.K. Rowling doesn't want American kids in the movies. There have also been roles that've come across every now and then, such as a regular on a Disney Channel show, that I would've liked. I very desperately wanted the Hannah Montana role, and I'm glad that was one part I got!

21) Does your sister still audition for TV shows and movies?

Yes she does, but auditions are really slow for her right now. I get the feeling that there aren't very many parts being written for kids in her age range at the moment. Hopefully some more auditions will pop up for her at sometime.

22) What's the hardest part of being a celebrity?

Coming across things like gossip and rumors are sometimes hard to deal with. I'll see something someone who doesn't even know me wrote that isn't true, and I get a little upset. But I've learned that these are little things that people write just to bother you and I should simply ignore them. Impersonators can be harmful too, but I have to learn that those are usually just people who either don't feel good about themselves or who want attention.

23) Is responding to fan mail fun or difficult?

It is both at the same time. I love seeing what people write, and responding to them is even more fun, but it requires a lot of time and effort. Sometimes my hand cramps up or I get tired, so I have to stop. I can go for hours and hours answering all the mail. It is definitely enjoyable and I'm glad I have fans who write me, but I've just got to find a time when I'm willing to spend four hours answering the same questions over and over again sitting in the same spot.

24) Do you, Wendy and Thomas ever fight?

Of course, we're siblings and siblings always fight once in a while. However, we are all very close and we're best friends. We find it much more fun and a better use of time to get along rather than fight. But we do have our little disagreements at times, and we get over them quickly. We never hold grudges against each other and we would never intentionally try and hurt each other very badly.

25) Is it hard to balance school and an acting career?

Sometimes it can be hard, because I miss out on lectures in class and I might not know what we're doing when I come back to school. I also have fan mail and homework responsibilities that collide, but since education comes first, I have to put off the fan mail until I have enough time to answer it. However, the tutors on set are great and I get lots of help from them so I don't fall behind.

26) Would you ever want to act alongside your sister?

That's one of my dreams! We aspire to be somewhat like our role models Aly and AJ, and we would love to work together. We've even auditioned for sisters before, and once we got to audition together at the same time and in the same room. It would definitely be a great experience for both of us because we're best friends and we'd probably connect very well on screen. We would have a believable relationship as sisters since we know everything about each other.

27) Do you like Hannah Montana?

Yes, I enjoy it very much! Working on it is fantastic, and it's fun to go home and watch the episodes they shot while I was away. It's funny to watch it and say "They shot that the week I was cast as Sarah!" For my episodes, I know most of the lines and I sometimes bring out my script and laugh as I reminisce. The show makes me laugh and it's fun to watch the show gradually become more and more popular.

28) Will there be a Cheaper by the Dozen 3?

I honestly doubt that that is happening. I haven't heard anything about it and I don't believe they'd go any further than one sequel. I would be very surprised if they did, and I'd hope they'd shoot it here at home like the first one. But as of now, there will be no third Cheaper by the Dozen. Sorry to disappoint you!

29) What is it like to play different characters in different films?

It's fantastic, and that's exactly why I originally wanted to be an actress: to "play pretend" that I was many different characters. I love the idea of living in someone else's shoes for a while, especially if you admire or are fond of that character. It's also a great learning experience about how much different people's personalities can vary.

30) Do you like the Beatles?

Yes, I enjoy their songs very much. In fact, when I was eight, I would listen to their "One" album every day on the way to school.

31) What do you do on a typical day when you aren't in a movie?

I get up at 6:30 to go to school, and I come home around 3:30. Then I usually have a snack, take a small break, then do my homework. Then I have some leisure time. I go on the internet, read, write, draw, socialize, or play with my sister and brother. Then once night arrives, I go to sleep (usually pretty late--I'm a night owl).

32) Are you close to the actors on Hannah Montana?

I've become friends with them since my first episode. They're all so sweet and made me feel so welcome! I'm also glad to hear I'm missed when I'm not in an episode, since I miss them and the set just as much!

33) Did you take acting classes when you were younger?

I remember my mom trying to get me into acting classes, but I wasn't satisfied: I wanted the real thing. She tells me I went a lot but I only remember going once. My dad used to be an actor/director, so he really taught me a lot of what I know. He helps prepare me for auditions and teaches me little tactics for acting. He gives great advice too!

34) Had you ever met Liliana Mumy before Cheaper by the Dozen?

Nope, the Cheaper by the Dozen table reading was the first time I'd ever met her. I was very surprised that my twin had red hair!

35) What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is a small British pub by my house called Robin Hood. I always order chicken drumsticks and french fries. Other foods I enjoy are fruits (strawberries and watermelon), vegetables (broccoli and artichoke), and sirloin steak, though I don't order these at Robin Hood. For desserts I love cake and chocolate mousse!

36) How tall are you?

I'm 5'2", and still growing!

37) How was it working with Bonnie Hunt?

She is an amazing person. She takes care of all the kids on set and gives the most wonderful advice. She really is like a second mother, and on top of all her kindness she's the most hilarious woman on earth. She has really been a great influence in my life and I definitely want to be like her when I grow up.

38) What's your favorite subject in school?

I have two: English and Musical Theater. I obviously like Musical Theater because I love performing and seeing people's reactions. I love English because of my passion for writing and the English language itself. It's a rather confusing and odd language sometimes, but I still love it to bits. That may sound somewhat nerdy, but that's just me!

39) How many headshots have you had?

I've taken three: one when I was nine, one when I was twelve, and one when I was fourteen.

40) Would you ever come to Australia on holiday?

I'm not sure. I would love to, but not anytime soon, since my family hasn't got the time or money. That would be quite an adventure, though!

41) Have you ever seen the original Cheaper by the Dozen? How did you like it?

No, I've never seen it, though I probably should at some point. I'll put that on my to-do list.

42) How did you get into acting?

Ever since I was about four, I asked my parents if I could be an actor. They always said no, because they knew of the dangers of the business and they didn't want me to start doing drugs or getting a big head. They also didn't know how important it was to me. When I hadn't stopped asking by the time I was nine, my dad finally said yes. My dad had connections to a casting director who had directions to an agent. I auditioned for them, and they liked me enough to hire me as their client. I was thrilled that I was actually on my way to following my dreams. However, my dad warned me not to become conceited. Now I always say thank you to crew members who help me out, and I hang up my wardrobe after each use.

43) Do you go to a normal school?

Yes I do. I've never liked the idea of being home schooled full-time; I like being around others that are my age. Plus, school is an environment I've gotten used to, and not to attend one would feel very strange indeed.

44) At your school, how do people treat you?

Sometimes people stare at me as I pass, or they approach me and ask if I was on TV. It can sometimes get awkward, but I try to act friendly and outgoing whenever it happens. I remember once someone asked me to cross my eyes like I did in The Pacifier. I said, "I can't, I'll be late for English!" It was very funny.

45) What books have you been reading lately?

I'm currently reading the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini. They're quite good, although nothing can beat those wonderful Harry Potter books. :D

46) Are you ever coming to India?

I'm not sure. It's the same with the Australia situation: my family doesn't have the money or time right now. Maybe someday, because that would be quite an experience!

Okay, I answered as much as I could! Thank you!!

This interview may not be copied. See Terms of Use.