When watching television shows such as "Full House" or "Modern Family" we often overlook the fact that many of the actors on these shows are children. In the industry, it is often difficult to accept young children as professionals because they seem as if they are just being themselves on screen. However, that is exactly the art behind their job. We so willingly accept characters like Michelle on "Full House" as kids yet stumble when it comes to accepting them as professional actors.
Peculiar as it may seem, these children are professional artists just as much as any other adult on the show. They uphold the same responsibilities such as memorizing lines, rehearsing scenes and going on auditions.
Child actors, Reagan and Savannah Grella, face the same issues as they work professionally on the award winning Showtime series "The Affair" at only seven years old. The Grella Twins opened up on what it's like to be professionals in the industry while still being, well, kids.
COSETTE: What is your favorite part of playing Joanie on The Affair?
REAGAN: My favorite part would probably be riding horses and doing stunt training because I had to fall off. When I fell off the horse, there was a wrangler there to hold the horse. For one scene, I had to walk on monkey bars so [the team] put an invisible box in case I fell, but I was good enough so they took away the box.
The Affair, 2016
SAVANNAH: When it was Joanie's birthday on The Affair, we got to eat real cake. That was probably my favorite part.
The Affair, 2016
COSETTE: What is a something that makes you and your character Joanie alike?
REAGAN: We both like to play dress-up. She loves furry, soft coats and loves to have fun like I do. It's like we're the same person!
SAVANNAH: We're both sweet and kind, and we would both be kind to our family. Also, she likes monkey bars and I do too.
The Affair, 2016
COSETTE: When did you first start acting?
REAGAN: [I started acting] when I was four years old. We got called for a Bandaid commercial and we met Tammy, our manager.
Late Show With Stephen Colbert, 2017
COSETTE: What has been your favorite job that you have done?
SAVANNAH: Actually, The Affair. Everything is nice there and even if we aren't working we get to travel. Now, we are filming Season 4 in Montauk and then going to LA in October. And I am so happy to be acting there for the next season.
The Affair, 2016
COSETTE: How long does it take you to memorize your lines?
REAGAN: It takes about a few hours or so, sometimes one hour. I have to practice every day, it depends on how many lines I have to memorize.
SAVANNAH: Some people help us to learn them, our mom helps us with lines and our acting coach, Matt Newton.
COSETTE: What is your favorite part of acting?
REAGAN: My favorite part is when they start the camera and say "Action!". I like that you can start talking and make new friends in the scene.
The Wizard of Lies, 2017
SAVANNAH: We get to discover new things and make new friends. Last year, we learned how to do the monkey bars and did stunt training for horses.
COSETTE: Who is your favorite actor to work with on The Affair?
REAGAN: Probably Cole, known as Joshua Jackson, because he is very nice and funny, and likes to play a lot. He's nice to work with because we became friends.
SAVANNAH: Catalina [Sandino Moreno], who plays Luisa, because she plays with me after set, and it's really fun. She is our second mom in The Affair, and she loves to hang out with me. Sometimes, she spends her free time playing dolls with me.
COSETTE: What is it like being on a professional set?
REAGAN: Real acting is kind of hard, but you get to have some fun. Sometimes, I like to make up new lines, like improv. When you're on set, you have to listen and pay attention, and you can't fool around. If you don't like it, you just have to bear with it.
SAVANNAH: I love being a professional because I feel like I'm special and I get to have a good time, but it can be hard!
The Affair, 2016
COSETTE: How do the other actors on The Affair act towards you?
REAGAN: They are all actually really nice. Once you get to know them you start liking them, but at first, you don't think you're going to like them that much, but they're actually really nice. Joshua Jackson, Ruth Wilson and Catalina are all so nice.
COSETTE: Do you want to continue acting when you are older?
REAGAN: Acting is really fun and I want to keep acting. Besides, I like to dance, draw and sing.
SAVANNAH: I want to continue acting because it is a thing I have been doing since I was four years old, and I want to keep going. It's my passion.
Watch Reagan and Savannah Grella as Joanie on The Affair Season 4, premiering later this year on Showtime!
