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Ava Michelle was so undeniably perfect as Jodi Kreyman in Netflix's Tall Girl that you might have assumed the role was written just for her (hello, she's 6'1"). You wouldn't be alone in that assumption, but you would also be 100% wrong, apparently.

"So many people, after the movie came out, were like, 'Oh, they wrote that for you, right?'" the 19-year-old explains with a laugh. "No, I auditioned for like six months for that."

In fact, it was Ava's height that held her back earlier in her acting and dancing career. From the start, she was considered "too tall" for many roles. She was even cut from So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation after appearing in one episode (already 5'10" at 13, she literally stood head and shoulders above her competition).

"Before Tall Girl, no one would even take meetings with me because of my height. It was a real struggle," she says. "I think it was a little bit of manifestation—just hoping that my height wouldn't stop me from everything I wanted to do."

Turns out, the perfect gig was headed her way. Not only did Ava fit the "tall girl" mold, but she could personally relate to her on-screen counterpart's complicated feelings about her height, which helped her play the roll so convincingly. 

"As I read the script, I first questioned why Jodi is so insecure, because she is amazing," Ava shares. "And then I looked at myself and realized I'm insecure for the same reason. We are always so hard on ourselves." 

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Ava says the epic speech Jodi delivers during the movie's pivotal homecoming scene (where she proudly proclaims she's "more than just a tall girl" and owns how her height makes her unique) summed up what she's wanted to say her entire life. And having to repeat those words over and over while filming was "major therapy," helping Ava finally make peace with her body.

Ava will reprise her Tall Girl role for the sequel (set to premiere Feb. 11). And just as Jodi's confidence has skyrocketed in the second installment, Ava's self-assurance shines through in her real-life adventures, too.

From dyeing her hair brown last fall (something she says she's been wanting to do for a long time) to new new streetwear line (which was inspired by her late brother, Devon), Ava is fully committed to living her most authentic life. 

That also extends to manifesting her next dream job, which she says would be any role that would let her work with her personal tall girl idol, Blake Lively.

"There's great power to being tall, especially as a woman, once you learn to own it," Ava says of the confidence that's pushing her to dream big. "And I love stepping into that. It's a really special thing."

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Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/March 2022 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE. 

by Kayleigh Roberts | 2/11/2022