Ashley Aufderheide
Ashley Aufderheide, an American actress, lives in Los Angeles, She initiated her career as a child model at age three and since that moment she started appearing in Ralph Lauren, Gap, Juicy Couture and more. Ashley is recognized for her roles in Infinitely “Polar Bear,” “Going In Style,” “AMC's Preacher” and “The Slap” on NBC. Currently she is seen in “That 90’s Show” showing on Netflix now.
Dress and gloves by J'amemme @jamemme
Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Tell us about your career?
When I was 3-years-old I started modeling. I spent years modeling for brands like Ralph Lauren and Juicy Couture. My agents then got me into guest appearances on several TV series. When I was seven-years-old, I was cast as a lead in the movie “Infinitely Polar Bear.” Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana played my parents. I walked my first red carpet ever with them at Sundance! To me that was really the start of my long journey to where I am now.
How did you get into the modeling industry?
It’s kind of the dream come true story. I was walking through a store in Manhattan with my mom when we were approached by a woman who worked for Ralph Lauren. She told my mom that she thought I’d be a great Ralph Lauren model. That same week my parents and I went to a Christmas event at a local boutique, and the store owner asked me to appear in the upcoming catalog for her brand. Soon after I signed with Ford Models and things just continued from there.
How did you end up being an actress?
It’s not unusual for young models to become actors. After modeling for several years, my agents started to send me out for commercials and then guest star appearances on TV. Then I got my first movie, then a TV series, and other movies and series followed from there. It’s fun to see other kids who started when I did become successful. I know how hard we all work, and how long it takes to go from modeling kids’ clothes to starring in a feature or series.
Left:
Dress by J'amemme @jamemme
Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Right:
Dress by Vincent Licari @vincentlicaricouture
How and when did you realize you had the passion for acting?
I’ve been in the business my entire life. Some kids do sports and start that at a young age and continue all the way through to college and beyond. My whole life has been about acting. It’s such a huge part of my identity, and I love the feeling of collaborating with others on a creative project. Being in a movie or series is like having a little family. We’re all cut off from the real world and committed for a few weeks or a few months to making this creative work. There’s nothing like it!
What would you advise yourself when you first started acting?
I started acting so young that my parents and my representatives guided my career. It’s not like at five, six, or seven I could make decisions for myself. Acting is about having passion and talent, but you also need a really strong team behind you to guide you and help you especially as a young actor.
What was your big break in your career?
I think I’ve had a bunch of big breaks. My first movie “Infinitely Polar Bear” was a big break because it was such an incredible script, and a great lead role for me with incredible actors. Also, being cast as Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter in “Going In Style” was such an achievement. I was really young at the time, so I didn’t realize just how iconic Morgan really is. But there was a lot of screaming in my house when my agent called and told me I got the role. And then, of course, “That 90 Show.” It is truly a dream come true. We have incredible writers, the most experienced and respected producers, and a fun-loving crew. The original cast and all of the new kids are talented, loving and fun. When I look at what “That 70s Show” did for Ashton, Mila, Topher, Laura, and Wilmer, the other kids, and I can only hope we will be as successful as they have become.
Which was the most challenging character you performed?
On “AMC’s Preacher,” I played Ruth Negga’s character’s younger self. I was only about 11-years-old and I remember my agent telling me I would need to smoke and fight in scenes in high New Mexico altitudes. I actually worked with the stunt coordinator to choreograph the fight scene. It felt like a lot to learn and try for the first time. That experience was challenging yet thrilling.
Left:
Dress by Bach Mai @bachmai
Right:
Dress by Vincent Licari @vincentlicaricouture
What would you recommend to a person who wants to start working in the entertainment industry?
Be resilient. Believe in yourself. Dedicate yourself to your acting and to your craft, but don’t make it your entire life. School is important to me. Having a social life with friends and family is important, and so is being able to travel and explore the world. I think I’ve been able to handle the ups and downs in the acting world because I also have a life outside of it.
What is your dream role?
My dream will be to play a character in the screenplay I will write. I’ve started writing, and I have ideas, but I haven’t formulated it completely quite yet.
Who is your favorite actor?
Right now, it’s every single actor on “That 90’s Show.” We support and love each other. We grow together, and we learn together. We’re a family.
What has been the most enjoyable performance of your career so far?
Sounds cliche but it’s all of them. Some roles are challenging and force me to grow. Some roles are whimsical and fun. Other times I am in awe of my scene partner. It’s just impossible to have one favorite.
Left:
Dress by Hialea @haleia at The Confessional Showroom
Right:
Dress and gloves by J'amemme @jamemme
Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love transforming myself into a character. I get the chance to leave the realities of my own life behind and delve into my character’s world. I also love traveling. I’ve had the chance to work in Ireland and London, in Los Angeles and on the east coast. I hope to be in projects that take me all over the world.
Tell us about your character Mia from “Emergence?”
Mia was a young teen coping with her parent’s separation and becoming a big sister to this girl who suddenly came into her family’s life. Playing Mia was one of the first times I wasn’t the youngest in a family or a group, but not yet a full-grown person dictating her own life. Playing Mia was the perfect transition between me playing young characters and now being the leader of the gang of kids on “That 90s Show.”
Tell us about your role in “That 90’s Show?”
I love my character Gwen Runck. She’s rebellious, a leader, she’s bold, and she’s a loyal and trusted friend. Gwen can call you out, but she’ll also be there to encourage you and lift you up. And Gwen wears the best clothes. I’m obsessed with her ‘90s look. I’m so excited to see where the writers take Gwen in season two. I’m hoping at some point we can see her fall in love and watch her crack that tough exterior and get really vulnerable.
Left:
Dress by Vincent Licari @vincentlicaricouture
Right:
Dress by Bach Mai @bachmai
What message would you want to give to your fans?
Now that we’ve announced season 2 is coming, my message is, Thank you so much for all of the support. Everything you all do to reach out, motivate, and encourage all of us is so appreciated. I am humbled by all of the enthusiasm that you all have for the show. But mostly I’d say to everyone, just like you, I can’t wait for season two.
What are your future career plans?
Most of all, I’m excited to continue on “That 90s Show.” I’m looking at some film projects and I’m interested in directing, producing, and screenwriting. Now that I’ll be spending more time in Los Angeles taping “That 90s Show,” I can continue to meet really great creatives who are interested in doing projects together. There’s so much going on in my life; I couldn’t be more excited.
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Ashley Aufderheide
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
Hair: Shanice Fields
Makeup: Eric Vosburg at Uncommon Artists
Fashion Styling Interns: Summer Safi, Angie Hines
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Julieta Guerra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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