Playing the troubled and sometimes spiteful Caroline on Army Wives is just the beginning for promising young actress Ella Wahlestedt. Having made her mark in the fun zombie short BFF Zombie, Ella has a passion for adventure that goes far beyond acting. In fact, she’s excited to one day be able to do her own stunts!

 

Photo Credit: Riker Brothers 

YA: When did you decide to become an actor, and what inspired the decision?

Ella Wahlestedt: I’ve always had a love for acting – and I was lucky enough to turn what was a hobby into a career!

YA: What drew you to your role on ARMY WIVES?

EW: Caroline can be described as mean, but she is struggling with difficult issues in her life and lashes out at the people she loves most, which we are all capable of doing at one time or another. I was drawn to her because I liked the challenge of channeling someone so different from myself.

 

YA: Tell us more about the role you play. What makes her different, and where does your inspiration come from?

EW: Caroline is unlike any character I’ve ever played. She is outspoken and comes across as a brat sometimes, but she is so much fun to play. I get my inspiration by tapping into my own anger, and maximizing it by ten.

 

YA: What makes this show so distinctive?

EW: Army Wives depicts the lives of several women who are either serving in the U.S. Army or have husbands who are. These women and their families must cope with the hardships of this lifestyle, and the show is an inside look at what real people around the country are facing as well.

 

YA: Any funny stories that happen on set, off camera?

EW: I always manage to spill or knock something over! I am such a klutz!!

 

YA: You were in a popular short film last year called BFF Zombie. Are zombies the new vampires, in terms of popular YA material?

EW: Sorry Twilight fans, but zombies are definitely the new vampires. I am a die-hard Walking Dead fan; it’s my favorite!

 

YA: Who do you dream of working with in the future?

EW: I have to go with Leonardo DiCaprio. He is truly talented and all the characters he plays are so diverse. I would love to see his process and learn from him!

 

YA: What can you tell others pursuing the same career?

EW: Perseverance is key. This business can be discouraging at times, but you can’t let that stop you. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s true.

 

YA: What’s next for you?

EW: I am starring in a Disney film called ECHO, which should be released sometime later this year or earlier next year. It is such a fun movie, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!

 

YA: What else are you passionate about aside from acting?

EW: I LOVE adventure sports! Zip lining, rock climbing, maybe even sky diving? I swear, if I ever get to be in an action film, I am doing my own stunts!

 

YA: When you think of the term ‘young adult’, what comes to mind?

EW: Someone who is coming into his/her own as a person. They are just starting to become independent and understand what it is really like to be an adult, but they don’t yet have the insight that comes from life experiences.