Click here for Marisa Quinns interview
 Photo via. Josh Stevenson |
Young Adult: What was it like growing up and living in Senegal? How’s your life like now, living in America?
Amadou Ly: I love Senegal. Senegal is a very beautiful and peaceful country. I am grateful that I was born in Senegal because it taught me how to be humble and appreciative of the life that I now have in America. I had a job by the age of ten, and I believe growing up in Senegal gave me the proper training for my life now. My life in America wasn’t always perfect, but I love progress. I’ve made tremendous progress since living in this country. I went from living on the streets, to on my own, and then to being part of the biggest movie franchise in the world.
YA: Why did you choose to become an actor and enter the world of fame?
AL: I am still trying to figure out why I entered the world of fame. I guess I am making up for the lack of attention I never received as a kid. I chose to become an artist because I wanted used my pain and paint a beautiful picture
YA: Prior to receiving the role of Henry, had you read the books in The Twilight Saga? If not, have you read them now? And if so, what do you think of them?
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AL: Team Henri
YA: What can you tell us about Henry, the character you portray in Breaking Dawn?
AL: Henri is part of the French Coven. During Breaking Dawn part 2, the Cullens go to different countries to recruit vampires, and they come to France to recruit Henri and Yvette. The movie will show you whether we’ll join them or fight against them. Either way, Yvette and Henri are both very powerful.
YA: What’s it like to have a part in such a successful, widely-known movie franchise?
AL: I feel really bless to be part of this franchise. I started acting 4 years ago and I am just really grateful to have twilight as my first Hollywood film. I couldn’t hoped for a better film. And having the opportunity to work with people I always admire in this business is a dream that become true. I love Bill Condon and everyone in the cast.
YA: What was your favorite part of filming Breaking Dawn? Least favorite?
AL: My favorite was when Judi Shekoni who plays Zafrina threw a birthday celebration for me. I remember leaving set early and speeding to New Orleans to join the cast. I love Judilicious. That’s her nickname. She is amazing. My least favorite part was not doing my own stunts. We had amazing stunt doubles but I have such a high energy and drive that I wanted to do everything on my own.
YA: Now that Breaking Dawn is done filming, what’s next for you in your career?
AL: I am excited for future projects. I am working with Jessica Goldberg who is a great friend of mine, and this time I will be playing a Sudanese immigrant facing deportation. I am also looking forward doing foreign films because of my ability to speak French and other languages.
YA: Do you have any advice for people that are aspiring actors?
AL: Work as hard as you can and make sure you’re making tremendous progress each and every day. You have to want success more than anything else in the world. The acting world is very unpredictable but eventually your day will come and when it’s here make sure you’re ready.