Two years ago, we were introduced to Bella Shepard when she played Alice in Brat’s popular mystery series A Girl Named Jo, and a lot has been going on for the budding actress since the first season wrapped in 2018.
With a new Amazon Prime series on the way as well as balancing college classes and quarantine, Celeb Secrets sits down (virtually) with Bella to talk more about her acting career, how life has been since filming Brat’s A Girl Named Jo, if she’s ever up for a cast reunion and how she’ll be using her voice by voting in the upcoming presidential election.
Keep scrolling to read the full Q&A below and don’t forget to connect with Bella by giving her a follow on Instagram at @bellashepard.
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Celeb Secrets: What initially sparked an interest for you to make the move to Los Angeles from Michigan and pursue acting?
Bella Shepard: “After injuring my knee, I was no longer able to compete in gymnastics. I was a serious gymnast at the time and was homeschooled so I could be in the gym as much as possible. I was looking for something to fill my time and someone suggested I do some modeling in Chicago. I got into acting from there and fell in love with creating characters and bringing them to life.”
CS: Since making the move, you’ve landed roles on so many different TV shows and movies. Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on so far? If so, why?
BS: “I have been lucky to love all my roles! Meeting Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin on Grace and Frankie was very impactful for me. I was a young actress and had a small role, but they treated me with such respect and as an equal. It really impacted me as a young professional. I want to be that kind of cast mate to everyone I work with.
CS: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned while being a young actress?
BS: “Specifically about the business, I have learned it’s hard, but rewarding work. As an artist, I love the entire creative process, but it’s not easy! A lot of people ask me about getting involved and the one thing I tell them is it’s a business, it’s tough, you have to be committed. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else though.”
CS: A lot of our readers know you from playing Alice on A Girl Named Jo. What were some of your favorite memories from filming with the cast?
BS: I loved Brat and A Girl Named Jo. My favorite memories are all of my cast members. We were all very close and I look back with a lot of love for that project.
CS: Do you still keep in touch with Annie and Addison?
BS: “We all follow each other on Instagram and catch up when we can. Addison is one of my best friends, and we see each other all the time.”
CS: Would you ever be up for a cast reunion? And if so, what would it be like/what would you do?
BS: “Sure! I’d like to see Alice, Jo and Cathy get involved in juicy drama at college. Alice would definitely be up for some mischief. I think getting the whole cast back together would be fun.”
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CS: Quarantine is still somewhat in effect — how have you been keeping busy with the extra time at home? Have you picked up any new hobbies/worked on any fun projects?
BS: “I have been taking college classes, resting, cooking, painting, and playing around with my sewing machine. I also adopted a bird, an eclectus named Nobu.”
CS: Speaking of fun projects, what can we expect from you the rest of the year? Do you have any new roles that we should be on the lookout for?
BS: “Right before quarantine, I was able to film a show called ‘The Wilds’ for Amazon Prime which should be out before the year ends. I also just got back from filming a lead role in a SnapChat original series called Two Sides which should also be out in November or December. I was in Ohio for a month and it was great to get back to work. Add me on Snap @itsbdiddy and Insta @BellaShepard to stay in touch.”
CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets/fun facts about yourself that our readers (and your fans) wouldn’t know about you?
BS: “I love activism and plan to use my platform to continue call to action on things that effect my generation. I’m very motivated to see young people embrace politics and fight for what they believe in. Vote!!!”
