Fashion 18

by Liz Henderson


Since the age of 6, Andrea Bowen has been an expert in showbiz. At 15, she’s starred in three major Broadway shows, been a voiceover artist, done a few movies and made numerous TV appearances. Now Andrea can be seen weekly as the super-responsible Julie Mayer on the hit TV show Desperate Housewives. We sat down with Andrea to chat about the show, her life beyond acting, and what she may be up to next.

FASHION18: How are you enjoying Toronto?
Andrea: Oh, it’s fun! I’ve walked around Yorkville a little bit. It looks like a really cool place. I’m from New York, and it’s kind of similar to that. It’s busy and there’s a lot of people traffic. I want to come back and spend a little more time here.

F18: How did you get the part of Julie on Desperate Housewives?
A: It was another pilot season; I was going out for a lot of different series, and it was just a regular audition. I was looking through the script, and I really loved it. They were looking for a 12-year-old brunette, and at the time I was a 13-year-old blonde, so I didn’t know if I was quite right for the part. I had to dye my hair for the show. I was really nervous. They called me back and said they wanted to screen-test me for the role. Then, two days later, they called me to tell me that I got the part. I was like, “Ahhhhh!”

F18: What’s it like working with Teri Hatcher, your TV mom?
A: She’s so fun to work with. She’s such a nice, funny, professional woman. She just makes being on-set such a joy. We have a really good relationship.

F18: Do you gush over Jesse Metcalfe the way we all do?
A: No! I know him, so I see him all the time. But all my friends do, believe me! They’re like, “Oh my gosh, I’m so jealous you get to work with Jesse Metcalfe every day!”

F18: I read that you started on Broadway at the age of 6! Is that true?
A: Yup. I’m originally from Ohio but moved to New York when I was 5, so I really consider that my home, and I started doing Broadway there. That’s really how I started in the business. I loved the feeling of doing live performances. I loved acting and singing. My first Broadway show was Les Misérables. Then I went on to do The Sound of Music and Jane Eyre. And I still love it.

F18: How did you get into acting at that age?
A: My five older siblings all act as well, and they really loved doing it. I went for a couple of commercials, then my agent told me there was audition for Les Mis. We already knew all the songs from it since we were big Les Mis fans. When I got to the audition, I was a lot smaller than everybody else. The other girls were around age 10. And there I was—a little 6-year-old. I had difficulties doing the part of Cosette because I had to carry this huge bucket, and it was about the same size as me! But it was one of the best experiences of my life.

F18: You have a beautiful voice. Have you ever thought about coming out with a CD?
A: I have thought about it because I love singing so much. I feel like it would be a smart thing and fun for me. If there’s ever a chance for me to go back and do Broadway, where I can actually use my voice, I’d love that. I think people would be surprised. Since people see me acting on TV, they don’t know that I have a singing and dancing background. I still go to my singing lessons once a week, so I’m continuing to train.

F18: Do you have any favourite singers or bands?
A: I love Alicia Keys, Elton John, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and any oldies. I listen to oldies radio all the time. I like songs that have good lyrics, a strong beat and talented singers.

F18: What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not on-set?
A: School. Well, I don’t it for fun, but I do like it. I love horseback riding and swimming. I like going to the movies with my friends and shopping.

F18: Do you have favourite places to shop?
A: There are so many little boutiques where you can find these great one-of-a-kind things. My wardrobe is basically made up of these knick-knacky kinds of jewellery and clothes, so I love that. It’s really unique and fun.

F18: Do you have any favourite beauty products?
A: I found this great lipgloss from Revlon. It’s called Super Lustrous. My hair always blows and sticks to my face, but this product isn’t sticky at all. For my face, I swear by Cetaphil [cleanser]. It’s been around for so long, and you can get it at a drugstore.

F18: What are your favourite movies or TV shows?
A: Right now, I’m really into Lost. I watch The Apprentice. I just saw the last episode of the past season of The Amazing Race, and that was all I’d ever seen of it. I wanted the people who won to win so badly. I’m watching it all next season!

F18: Do you have any advice for young people trying to get into acting or performing?
A: Never give up. It’s a cliché, but it’s so true in this business. You always have people telling you what you should be, rather than how good you are, so it can be a gruelling business to be in. I have a great family and such a strong support system that I’ve really been OK with it. You are always dealing with rejection, but you have to keep going if you really want to do it. Persistence pays off because this is a very exciting career. And also, make sure that your family is right behind you!

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