7 Questions with … “Awkward.” Star Jillian Rose Reed

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Image credit: Deidhra Fahey

Ah, the life if a high school princess. Who doesn’t dream of being forever 17, and pretty, and popular, and a cheerleader, and the school president, and really, really funny? Actress Jillian Rose Reed is living this dream as sassy resident redhead, Tamara Kaplan, on MTV’s Awkward.

Reed says, “I’m a little like my character and my character is a little like me. I’ve put a lot of myself into her but also have developed some of her habits over the years.” She also reveals ,“She’s really made up of me and people who are close to me.”

One of Tamara’s trademarks are her witty “Tamara-isms,” funny mashups and invented words that hilariously — and perfectly — describe a moment. Reed reveals, “One of my favorite Tamara-ism is “Big Fail Mary” which means something has gone terribly wrong!” But rest-assured, nothing’s wrong with Reed’s amazeballs responses to our “7 Questions.”

Awkward. airs Mondays at 9pm EP/PT on MTV.

1. If your TV carried only three shows or networks, what would you be watching?
MTV so I can watch Awkward. and our other shows; Bravo because I’m obsessed with mindless reality TV; and Nickelodeon because I’m a fan of Nick at Nite!

2. What are three things you have to have in your fridge or pantry?
I always have protein bars/powder for quick on-the-go meals. Definitely frozen veggies … usually edamame or spinach. Also, my Brita water jug!

3. Tell us about a time when you were starstruck…
Two years ago at the VMA’s, I saw Katy Perry walking in my direction on the carpet and kind of lost it. I tried to get a picture with her, but she was moving too fast … I ended up crying!

4. What has been one of your strangest of funniest fan encounters?
I had a really weird one at the gym. A girl told me she was a huge fan of the show, and then ended up asking me if the pimple on her forehead was big enough to pop. It was really uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to steer her wrong, so I told her to pop it.

5. Tell us about a movie you can watch over an over again.
I can watch The Holiday over and over! In fact, I usually watch it 2 or 3 times every holiday season! It’s such a feel good romantic comedy … I’m a sucker for those.

6. When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always knew I wanted to act. When I was really young I used to think about maybe being a teacher, but as I got older I knew that was just my second choice. Acting has always been my passion!

7. If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
I’m probably really typical, but I want to fly! That’s so cool! Also, in L.A., it seems like it would be the most useful!


Related: 7 Questions with … Greer Grammer from MTV’s Awkward.