When you’re talking about Ava Ro, the phrase “triple threat” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
This year, the 18-year-old actor/singer-songwriter/producer/multi-hyphenate is taking on a new challenge: protecting our planet.
Thanks to her new web series, Lila Goes Viral, Ava’s bringing conversations about environmental activism and sustainability into the spotlight. The Youtube show—which was created by Lion Forge Entertainment and Sinking Ship Entertainment in partnership with The Climate Initiative—follows quirky teen Lila, played by Ava, who becomes Internet famous overnight after posting a song she wrote about climate change.
While Ava herself has been in the industry since she was only eight years old (“I’ve been playing the long game,” she laughs), Lila is pretty, ahem, unprepared for instant celebrity. Luckily, she has a goofy dad, a ride-or-die bestie and a cute Australian crush (yes, with the accent and everything) to help her figure it all out.
Aside from fronting Lila Goes Viral, Ava’s putting out her own original music (her latest EP, Overwhelmed, dropped in April), gearing up to perform live in Toronto and still making time to hang with her BFFs. We sat down with the highly-relatable-yet-highly-accomplished star to talk about her biggest summer yet.
Girls’ Life: What’s the biggest similarity between you and your character, Lila?
Ava Ro: There are so many! We both love music. Both of us really care about our friends. But we’re also very similar in that we’re just regular teenagers. A lot of people don’t know this about me, but I went to “normal” high school. Most of my friends aren’t actors. I was able to immerse myself in regular teenage life, you know? Like going to school, parties, things like that.
GL: And the biggest difference between you two?
Ava: I feel like Lila is a lot more awkward than I am. I’m a pretty confident and outgoing person, whereas Lila just kind of got thrown into fame and doesn’t quite know what she’s doing. She went to bed one night with, like, ten subscribers and then woke up the next morning with over a million. And in Lila Goes Viral we get to see her dealing with the pressure of all that.
GL: 10% of the show’s earnings goes towards organizations supporting the environment. What’s your personal relationship to that cause?
Ava: I feel like I’ve learned so much from this show, because I’m definitely not a climate expert myself. What really drew me to Lila Goes Viral is that it’s not your typical “environmental show.” I see a lot of content online about the planet and it can be really sad, almost depressing. Our show really isn’t like that. Lila isn’t a climate expert, and we know that our viewers probably aren’t experts either. But you don’t need to be an expert to make a small difference. And we hope our show can inspire teens to do their part, no matter how big or small.
GL: That’s really cool. And how does the music on the show play into that?
Ava: Lila Goes Viral brings a lot of fun and joy, especially through the music. A lot of the songs Lila writes throughout the season—and in the episodes coming up—are about the planet, but in this cool, more subtle way.
GL: What’s one thing even superfans of Lila Goes Viral might not know about the show?
Ava: One really fun fact is that parts of Lila Goes Viral were filmed in my house. My real life bedroom is the set for Lila’s bedroom. Oh, and the girl who plays Sophie is my first cousin! We had never been on a series together, so that was so fun.
GL: It seems like you’re really into producing, too. Is that something you’d want to do more of in the future?
Ava: For sure. I’ve been acting for more than a decade and being able to watch so many talented people in the industry, I’m like, I love acting, but I’d also love to be on the other side of it. Getting this first taste of producing and being able to have my ideas on the show as an 18-year-old was awesome.
GL: Any advice for girls who want to pursue their creative passions like you have?
Ava: This is going to sound a little cliché, but you should never give up. I’ve done thousands and thousands of auditions, and you’re going to hear a lot of “no”s before you hear that big “yes”. You’ve got to keep going even if you get rejected the first few times.
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GL: I want to talk a little bit about your original music, too! When did you start writing songs?
Ava: I started diving much deeper into writing and recording about two years ago. I’ve built up so many demos, I think I’ve written over 40 songs now. And releasing my EP, Overwhelmed, was really exciting for me. Sharing my words with the world is something I’m definitely going to continue doing.
GL: So, we can expect new music soon?
Ava: My next single may or may not be coming at the end of June…it’s a long distance love story!
✨ A few fast faves with Ava Ro…✨
Dream musical collab? “Audrey Hobert. I love how relatable and raw she is in her lyrics.”
One item on your summer bucket list? “I want to visit Montreal. There’s a huge music festival there I’d love to go to!”
Go-to fashion vibe? “I’m really into jorts with a colorful or striped tank top. Throw a pair of flip flops and some big sunnies on, and I’m good to go.”
Watch Lila Goes Viral HERE and follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more celeb updates!
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