We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Hickey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
This career can be difficult because a lot of an actor’s success is dependent on things outside of their control. I can walk into an audition and deliver the greatest performance of my life, but if I am taller than the male lead that has already been cast, I may not get the role. This is an example of how little things can influence the casting process. This is why I have learned to focus on the things I can control, and celebrate all of my successes along the way. I am consistently learning and trying to get better so that when opportunities present themselves that are in my control, I am ready. I may not be able to change how tall I am or how many freckles I have, but I can put in hard work for my career every day. I can prioritize my mental and physical health. I can prioritize how much I am practicing scripts and getting in front of the camera in my own home self-tape room. LA is an extremely competitive market, and I understand how daunting it can feel when people around you appear more successful. Because of this, it is important that I set my own measures of success instead of competing with the person next to me. I remain focused on my own goals and celebrate them all both big and small! This has really helped me keep a positive outlook, and it also prevents me from burning out. The grind is real, and I make sure I am consistently working to propel my goals and dreams forward!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a born performer. Since I was a little girl, I have loved performing. My childhood consisted of acting out scenes from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Little House on the Prairie, and I Love Lucy. My sister and I would watch the episodes, and then we would perform our meticulously rehearsed scenes in front of my family while my dad videotaped us. My sister often refers to those days as “boot camp” because I would make us rehearse for hours until it was perfect. I continued acting throughout my high school years, and I was cast in my first college production while still in high school. I then won an acting scholarship to college, and continued honing my craft on stage. Two years ago, I transitioned from Theatre into Film, TV, and Commercials, and my career has really flourished! I won Best Actress Awards and the Best Supporting Actress Award at multiple film festivals. I recently made my Prime-time debut on the Critics’ Choice Nominated Show, Betrayed, in the Season 4 finale episode playing Dorothy Stone. I also made my Day-Time debut on the long, hit running show, The Young and the Restless, playing Liz. I was in multiple commercials and modeled product packaging for the international company, Bestway. It was really cool to walk into Walmart, Costco, and grocery stores and see myself on the shelves! These things fuel and sustain me in a way nothing else does! The highs of the creative career are well worth the efforts, and what more could you ask for out of a career?

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Honestly, I love so many parts of LA! The city is electric, and you can just feel the energy of everyone around you working to make their dreams come true. I would start with a delicious coffee from Erewhon. I was staying with a friend once who introduced me to this place, and I haven’t stopped going since! Also, a lot of actors shop at the one by CBS Studio so we might just get lucky at a celebrity spotting! I would then treat them to a fabulous lunch at El Coyote Mexican restaurant. It has a timeless, old, classic Hollywood charm, and the food is delicious! I am a Hollywood girl at heart so I would love to take my friend to Paramount, hike up to the Hollywood sign, watch the stars at night at Griffith Observatory, and drive up to Mulholland Drive. There is so much to do in LA that satisfies both the tourist in us yet keeps us among the locals!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It is hard to narrow it down to one because I have an amazing support team. My parents have sacrificed so much for me and have continuously supported my dreams. My dad took me to my very first audition after seeing an audition notice in the newspaper for “The Wizard of Oz.” Without having any professional acting credits or experience, he believed in me enough to encourage me to go. I tried out for the role of Dorothy, and it ended up coming down between me and one other girl. I didn’t get the role because I was too young, but the experience alone ignited a passion inside of me. After that, my dad accompanied me to all of my auditions. My mom never missed a play or activity I was involved in. She has always been there giving me the greatest support. If an award could be given for “Most Supportive Mom” she would win hands down! My husband is also another amazing support to me! He is always helping me get to the very next level of my career! My little sister is another big supporter who continues to motivate and encourage me to be the best person I can be while loving me for all of the ways I fall short. She believed in me before I believed in myself, and I only hope I make her proud!

Website: theandreahickey.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hickey-0aa08379
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreahickey24
Other: imdb.me/andreahickey

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