Interview with Amanda Leighton

Amanda Leighton is best known for her role as Wendy on ABC Family’s Make It or Break It and can now be seen as Jake T. Austin’s love interest, Emma, on the ABC Family hit show, The Fosters. Want to know what she loves about playing Emma on The Fosters or what sports she enjoys? Then read on to find out about this talented actress.

Photo credit: Ricky Middlesworth Photography

GLITTER: What can fans expect from Emma’s character in the new episodes to come?

AMANDA: Emma’s gonna continue to be true blue to who she is. There will be a dynamic change in her and jesus relationship. They will be adjusting to the challenges of going from friends to dating. Which will be challenging especially her standing with her teammates on the wrestling team. She’s strong, assertive and knows what she wants….something Jesus is not used to in a girlfriend.

 GLITTER: What do you love most about playing Emma on The Fosters?

AMANDA: She’s a positive role model for girls. She’s strong, knows what she wants, can take care of herself,  she’s kind and tries to do the right things, and she’s not afraid to go for what she wants in life and be herself, even if it’s not the popular choice.

 GLITTER: On the show your character Emma is on the wrestling team. Is there a sport you enjoy playing?

AMANDA: I grew up in competitive dance so I didn’t get to do many sports in school besides the dance team. I run a lot for exercise and enjoy yoga these days. Wrestling on the show has been a lot of fun for me and I’ve been enjoying it and it’s challenges. It’s taught me to try new things that I didn’t think I could do before.

 GLITTER: How does Emma’s character differ from the other roles you’ve played?

AMANDA: She’s nice. Lol! She really does want the best for Jesus because she cares about him as a friend too. She’s fun to play because she’s a bit of a tomboy and can be silly at times, she’s also very assertive. She’s confident in who she is. She’s not about being the popular girl or worrying about what others might think.

 GLITTER: If you could act with anyone alive or dead who would it be and why?

AMANDA: Just one? That’s hard. Maybe Meryl Streep or Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Lawrence….I can’t pick. They’re all monsters! In a good way! You can just see it in their eyes. It’s amazing how still they can be yet convey whatever it is they need to in the situation with just their eyes. I love watching them.

 GLITTER: Who inspires you and why?

AMANDA: Talent and kindness. Those people who seem to be able to do it all. They have confidence and poise under stress. Lol! Those that keep it classy. You don’t see a lot of that these days.

GLITTER: Do you have a secret talent no one knows about?

AMANDA: I’m fluent in sarcasm. I’m also pretty good at editing videos to music. I used to do a lot of them when I was younger. It may be from growing up in dance and applying movement to beat, but I can just visualize it. I haven’t had time to work on them in a long time, but I’ve always found editing interesting.

 GLITTER: Now that summer is approaching, do you have any fun plans during the summer?

AMANDA: My family is going to get together and rent a couple houses on the beach this summer. It’s always a lot of fun to be with all my cousins and just hang out on the beach and have campfires.

GLITTER: Are you working on any new projects that you can share with your fans?

AMANDA: I just wrapped a film called The Better Half and have another film coming up towards the end of summer, a thriller called The Fifth Victim. I’m excited I’ll be playing a different character then I usually play.