Netflix released it’s newest series this Thursday. That 90’s show, a reboot and tribute to the iconic series that was That 70s Show. The show follows Leia Forman while she spends her summer at her grandparents house and befriends a fun group of kids. Gwen Runck being one of those kids, is played by the beautiful and ever so talented Ashley Aufderheide. We sat down with Ashley last week to chat about the show.

Tell our readers a bit about yourself.

I’m 18 years old and grew up predominantly in Connecticut and for a few years in LA. I was very energetic when I was young. I went through a heavy neon phase. I looked like a highlighter all the time. An ‘80s type of vibe.

When and why did you start acting?

When I was two years old someone saw me in a store and told me and my mom that I should model. Once I became a child model, I also started doing TV commercials. I got my first lead role in film when I was in second grade. Ever since then television and film has been such a huge part of my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

What is your favorite part of acting?

I love having the ability to become such different characters in various genres—it’s exhilarating. I’m not Ashley all the time, and that makes life interesting. My life isn’t always my life. Also being able to travel to different places and experience new environments with different people is incredible.

Do you remember your first role you ever played?

I do! I played Faith Stuart in “Infinitely Polar Bear.” She was feisty, yet sweet and funny. Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana played my parents and I was so fortunate to be able to learn so much from them in my first project. It also premiered at Sundance, which was the perfect environment to get even more inspired.

How did you find out you were cast?

I found out when I was with my cross country team. My mom came to practice and surprised me. I started crying and all of my teammates circled around me and gave me the biggest hug. I felt like I was on Cloud 9.

What was your first day on set like?

I remember being so excited to meet the cast in person. We all sat on the basement set together, overwhelmed with nervous excitement. We all ate lunch together in what we ended up calling the “choreo room,” because we practiced a choreography there once. All of us clicked immediately. It was amazing!

What was it like working with such iconic actors on this project?

It was such an incredible experience. I mean, they are legends. Such funny and talented actors. Their timing and delivery is unmatched. They took us in with open arms. They introduced us to a special tradition from That ‘70s Show, where we all put our hands in the center before each live show and shout out our favorite line. It was great working with them.

Tell us about your character Gwen.

Gwen is a rebel. A riot grrrl. She’s bold, confident, and a leader. She's multidimensional, which really draws me to her. Throughout the season, you come to discover more of her sweet, vulnerable side. She’s a protective friend and sister. And I love her style. Playing Gwen is so much fun.

In what ways do you feel like you relate to Gwen?

I am an extrovert and really outgoing. I’m also very straight up—if I’m thinking something, I’ll say it. I think Gwen is just the same. When I was auditioning, her character description was a “petite powerhouse with pink hair.” I’m not petite and I don’t have pink hair, so the role evolved as I poured more of my own ideas and traits into the character. Like Gwen, I am a protective friend. So we definitely do relate. If we were in school together, I can see us listening to music together in the hallways and eating lunch together. I can definitely see Gwen getting along with my other friends too - I’d definitely want to be friends with her.

What advice would you give younger Ashley?

Being an actor can be difficult at times because nothing is guaranteed or certain. You never know when the next role will come, if the show will get another season. It is a lot of hard work, especially with school and everything else that comes with being young. But it’s not for nothing. Through the disappointments I would remind myself to always remain optimistic. I would reassure myself that yes, acting is right for you!

Where can people keep up with you and your endeavors?

On my Instagram, @ashleyaufderheide

Meet Ashley Aufderheide

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