Rene Olstead

56A CHAT W ITH RENEE OLSTEAD

Actress and singer Renee Olstead has just released her new single "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and I had to get an interview about the new music. You may know her from her breakout role playing Madison Cooperstein on ABC Family?s hit show The Secret Life of the American Teenager or from the big screen in the People's Choice nominated movie 'Unfriended'.

Written by Ella Audrey RaePhotography by Dylan Lujano

What made you want to pursue acting as a career choice?

RO: "I got started really young. I?ve always loved the idea of looking at the world through another person?s perspective."

How did you get the breakout role on The Secret Life of the American Teenager?

RO: "It was a long lead up! Working on The Secret Life of the American Teenager was especially wonderful because I got to work with my best friend Camille Winbush. Camille and I first met on a project when we were ten. I booked CBS?s Still Standing around the same time she booked Bernie Mac, so we spent about four or five years working on the same lot together. We became really good friends. Secret Life came in as an offer, so when we were at dinner later that day, we both started talking about how we had just booked an untitled pilot. It wasn?t long before we realized we were not only going to be on the same show, but playing best friends. To say we were excited would be an understatement."

What is your favorite on set memory?

RO: There are too many to count. I?ve been very lucky to work with such wonderful people.

You also do music, primarily jazz. What made you fall in love with the genre and when did you discover your voice?

RO: I do! I love all kinds of music. Old Billie Holiday records, Dolly Parton, Etta James. I started singing when I was really young but I discovered the American Songbook/ Jazz when I was around 11 or so.

What is a pro and con for you as a celebrity?

RO: I?m not sure if I?d call myself a celebrity, but there are a lot of perks to being me! I?ve been very lucky. The entertainment industry has opened a lot of doors.

What is your advice to a young fan who may want to get into acting and/or singing?

RO: Use the Internet to your advantage! You don?t have to try to get a record deal or on a show. If you?ve got the talent, you have everything you need to build a career in the entertainment industry. Lean on your talent!

What is something you learned while being in this industry?

RO: There?s a lot of people that will try to tell you what they want you to be. You?ll never be fulfilled until you?re doing what?s true to you.

What is your favorite fan moment?

RO: When I meet fans that really love my music. It means so much to me. :)

What is your go to spring outfit?

RO: Anything vintage, fuzzy, or leopard print! That?s basically all I wear!

Rene is currently gearing up to release her third studio album, which she describes as ?alternative country.? No set date has been made. This new single will defently hold her fans over until the release.