Francia Raisa
Introducing Francia Raisa, who plays Adrian on ABC Family's new show, The Secret Life of the American Teenager. We caught up with this rising star to learn more about her and her new role on what's sure to be this summer's big hit.
The Star Scoop:
What is The Secret Life of the American Teenager about, briefly?
Francia Raisa:
The show is about the relationship between teenagers, and dealing with teen pregnancy, and how it affects the lives of your friends and family
The Star Scoop:
You play Adrian in the show. What is she like, and how does she fit into the story?
Raisa:
Adrian is a very confident, smart young girl who knows what she likes and wants, but at the same time she is a young girl seeking someone to care for her. In the show, Adrian is dating Ricky, the guy who gets Amy [the lead character] pregnant. I don’t want to say too much, but basically she loves Ricky however she will never let him know. Adrian has some secrets of her own!
The Star Scoop:
Who does “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” appeal to?
Raisa:
I would say everyone in middle school and up. The show is about situations that happen everyday, and the show talks about conversations that are brought up between teenagers everyday. It is good for adults and for kids to watch, I think it makes it easier for adults when it is time to start talking about sex with their kids.
The Star Scoop:
Why should people tune into The Secret Life of the American Teenager?
Raisa:
It is an entertaining show because of the drama that happens, but I think it is important for kids and parents to tune in because it addresses issues that are dealt with everyday. I think it has a good message and concept. There is a twist and a back-story to every character and I think people can relate to each of them.
The Star Scoop:
We know it is a cliché question, but your role in this show might be the first time people are introduced to you as a rising star. So, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Raisa:
My life has been a rollercoaster. I was born with literally nothing, my parents could barely afford an apartment so we had no furniture and we slept in a tent in the apartment. My parents couldn’t afford milk, so they gave me water with sugar as food. Slowly throughout the years, my dad started succeeding in his career, so we moved from the apartment into a 3-bedroom house in Van Nuys. By the time me moved there, my sisters were born. From there we moved into a 6 bedroom home in Northridge. Ever since then, my dad has been training me for this moment in my life. He put me in every type of dance class, karate, ice skating, accordion lessons, everything! Now I am living my dream and a lot of it has to do with my parent’s support and training, and the way they raised me. Even though I was involved in all these activities, they never pushed me into acting. I was a normal kid, going to school, and hanging out with friends. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I started acting and that was because I was ready to take on the challenge.
The Star Scoop:
We have to ask: what is it like working with an icon like Molly Ringwald?
Raisa:
I was so excited when I found out that Molly Ringwald was on the show, but unfortunately I have not had any scenes with her yet! I did get to talk to her and hang out with her once and it was awesome. She is a really sweet person and very down to earth. And she has the cutest little girl!
The Star Scoop:
These days, so many stars do more than just act. Do you have any special talents or interests/abilities beyond acting people might not know about?
Raisa:
I am a dancer and I am hoping to be on stage someday showing my stuff! I am finding a new love for makeup that I discovered about 4 years ago when I was 16, so I would love to have my own cosmetic line someday. I am obsessed with having nice skin, so it will have to be makeup that is healthy for your skin.
The Star Scoop:
Your dad is Latin radio personality “El Cucuy.” Since he’s a hit disc jockey in Los Angeles on 97.9 FM La Rasa, has he been helpful to you as you’ve developed your career over the years? Does he give you good advice?
Raisa:
My dad definitely gives me advice and he is very supportive and he does an amazing job promoting my projects on the radio. He tries to stay out of it and let me do my own thing, but it’s hard. He wants me to do this on my won, and I appreciate and respect that. I want to make it in this business with my talents, not because I am someone’s daughter, and he feels the same way.
The Star Scoop:
Do you have any other projects you are working on? Where can fans see you next?
Raisa:
I am still working on the show right now, and after we finish up I have to go to Spain to finish a project I started last year. When I come back from Spain, hopefully I will be starting on season 2 of The Secret Life of the American Teenager or working on a film.
The Star Scoop:
To your fans that are reading this, what would you like to say?
Raisa:
It is so crazy to say fans; it still blows my mind to know that I have fans! But, I would have to say thank you for all the support and the love they have given me since day one. I really appreciate it, and I will continue to work hard on entertaining and inspiring them in some way.