As you guys know Young Entertainment is a huge fan of Pretty Little Liars. Lucky for us we got a chance to chat with Kara Royster (aka Yvonne Phillips) about her unbelievable role as Spencer Hasting’s new rival.

 

Young Entertainment: I like all the backstory Yvonne’s been getting and how much tension there is between Yvonne and Troian Bellisario’s character, Spencer Hasting’s.

Kara Royster: Yes, me too. I find it very interesting, considering they are very similar.

 

YE: What is your favorite part about playing Yvonne, what makes her different than other characters you’ve played?

KR: I love playing Yvonne! I typically play the “mean” girl, which is always a lot of fun. Yvonne is so different though, she is strong, kind, and classy. We also have similar style, so I really enjoy playing her.

 

YE: What has been your favorite scene to shoot, and why?

KR: I loved shooting my first scene with Keegan (Toby) and Tyler (Caleb). It was just starting to set in that I was REALLY working on Pretty Little Liars and I was so excited.  I think it was a great way to introduce my character, showing my relationship with Toby and friendship with Caleb. Also I was having fun, chatting and hanging out with the guys between takes.

 

YE: Where does Yvonne fit into the story? Will we ever actually see Yvonne’s mother (would be fun to see how Mrs. Hastings and Yvonne’s mother interact, and if it’s anything like their daughters)?

KR: Yvonne is there to love Toby and challenge Spencer, both politcally and personally. I don’t want to give anything away you’ll have to keep watching.

 

YE: Does Yvonne show up in the mid-season finale? What can fans expect from her?

KR: They can expect Yvonne to be getting ready for the election. Also to take notice of Toby’s relationship with Spencer. For the first time ever, she starts wondering were his love lies.

 

YE: Did you watch PLL before you became a part of it, what were your thoughts?

KR: I was a huge PLL fan! When I got cast, I couldn’t beleive I was breaking up spoby. My mom, sister, and I always got together to watch and discuss our theories.

 

YE: Fans are so loyal to this show, what has the fan experience been like? Has there been love for Yvonne and Toby or have fans given you a hard time because they want #Spoby back?

KR: PLL fans are like no other, they are so amazing and devoted. As a fan myself, I knew the hate would come and totally got it. However, everyone for the most part have been very respectful to separate Kara from Yvonne. I have also been really enjoying the #Yvoby fans, they are so fun and sweet!

 

YE: Did you know that Yvonne had an abortion before playing her, or was that a surprise for you? And does that change your perspective on who this girl is? Do you have to keep that part of her in your mind when playing her?

KR: It came as a surprise to me. At a table-read,  I was talking with Marlene and she says “oh, we just started writing about your abortion, but we’ll get to that.” and then she had to go take care of something, so I just stood there confused, haha. We later talked about it and it did change my perspective on her, but not in a bad way. This part of her past shows, that even though she is bubbly and sweet, she is very strong and has gone through a lot. I do keep it in mind while playing her because, like this show has taught us time and time again, everyone has their secrets.

 

YE: What would you like to see happen to Yvonne?

KR: I would like to see Toby and Yvonne stay together, I ship them! I think so much has changed that their relationship works now, especially since Spencer is with his best friend. I also wouldn’t be opposed to seeing her be a little…suspicious.

 

YE: Which couple would you like to see get back together?

KR: Ezria, for sure! I like Aria and Liam too, but the love between Ezra and her is undeniable. They have gone through so much and remained strong, so we’ll see.

 

YE: Do you know who ‘Big Bad’ is?

KR: I have read the script for the season finale, so I know a lot. With this show though, nothing is what is seems. I really have no clue…plead the fifth, haha.

 

YE: Any cool behind-the-scenes special effects that you got to experience (on PLL or another show you’ve been on)?

KR: On PLL, I got to see “someone” get into a full head mask of an old man , which was crazy looking. Also on K.C Undercover, I got to work with a lot of green screen and even a full helicopter! I just got to see some of it,  it looks so amazing and real.

 

YE: What’s down time like on PLL? Any fun stories you can share?

KR: All of the cast is like a family and they were very welcoming, so we would sit around chatting and laughing. I have this game we would play called “Pet Peeves” where you go around in a circle and name something that bothers you, but you don’t know why. It’s a fun way to break the ice and get to know people.

 

YE: Besides for Yvonne what other projects do you have in the works?

KR: I will be recurring on K.C Undercover on Disney Channel playing K.C’s (Zendaya) cousin and will also be back on Faking it on MTV playing Brandi. I just got done filming Mono a hilarious “coming of age” movie and am currently filming Before You Say I Do a movie of the week on PIxL.

 

YE: If you were to be in any Film/TV Show throughout time (Past/Present/Future), which part would you play and why?

KR: In the future I really want to be in an action-adventure  franchise, a Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) type of character. I would love to portray a fearless, sexy, and strong female lead. I took stage combat in high school and would love to do my own stunts.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON ‘BIG BAD’ BEFORE TONIGHT’S MID-SEASON FINALE: CLICK HERE

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