After making her way from Nashville to Hollywood, Heroes Reborn's Gatlin Green is breaking more ground in the industry and helping heroes save the world.
The 18-year-old is currently starring in Tim Kring's Heroes Reborn, which has been doing well in the ratings. She was cast as Emily, a genuinely caring young woman who romances Robbie Kay's Tommy/Nathan and helps him find the confidence he needs to try to save the world.
Before nabbing one of the lead roles on Heroes Reborn, Green worked opposite Cody Simpson on Finding Cody and has had roles on Liv & Maddie and Criminal Minds.
Thankfully, Green had some time for me when TheCelebrityCafe.com caught up with her to talk about the new hit series, her character and the path of her career thus far. Coming from a diverse family where she has three Ethiopian siblings, Green also opens up about that part of her life.
TheCelebrityCafe.com: How did you score a lead role in Heroes Reborn? What was your reaction upon hearing the news?
Gatlin Green: I got an audition appointment from my agents and manager like I usually do, except this time I was very sick and couldn’t make it to the audition. I was super bummed, thinking that I missed out on getting to audition for such a big show like Heroes…but thankfully, my agents and manager called and said they got a reschedule! I definitely made it to that one, and ended up getting called a few days later with news that they wanted me to do a network test/chemistry read with Robbie Kay! That was so cool, and so much fun. The next day my brother, Cooper, and I were actually performing at The House of Blues, and I got the call that I booked the show 5 minutes before walking on stage! It was insane, and I was beside myself excited.
TCC: After playing Emily, have you found comparisons between your personalities?
GG: Yeah! I think Emily and I are pretty similar! I mean, I hope I’m like Emily! Emily is obviously a very sweet girl who really cares about her friends. She’s brave, empathetic, funny … all qualities I would love to be known for.
TCC: How did you like working with Robbie Kay?
GG: Robbie Kay is great! Super talented, and so fun to work with! We had a blast.
TCC: What was it like being on the set with costars like Ryan Guzman? Jack Coleman?
GG: The whole cast was phenomenal. Getting to work with such talented people on such a great show was surreal. We were like family from day 1, so it was really just so much fun to be a part of.
TCC: What was your experience like working on Finding Cody?
GG: Lucy in Finding Cody was such a pivotal role for me as an actresses. A lot of the process of filming that movie was new to me! I learned so much. Plus, it was really fun working with Lia Marie Johnson... We got to do a bunch of cool stuff together. I also made some really good friends because of that movie! My new friends Haley and Tori were actually Cody Simpson fans in the crowd for the concert scenes, we connected, and have been friends ever since! So this movie was a really memorable experience for me, for sure.
TCC: Tell us about your hometown. Are there places there you love that you can't find anywhere else? Like for me, I can't find a Wawa out West. My brother can't find a Claim Jumper out here in Pennsylvania.
GG: Ahh, yes. I love my hometown. I grew up in Franklin, Tennessee… If you haven’t been there, it’s probably the cutest, most charming little town you’ll ever see. Now that I live in Los Angeles, there are definitely little hometown gems that I wish could make their way to California.
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants is a place called Garcia’s. They had the best fajitas, and queso (cheese dip). I REALLY miss that place, because queso like that literally doesn’t exist in LA. I’ve not found it ANYWHERE. Thankfully, I found a recipe online, and can now make it at home. There’s also a great Asian restaurant called, Koi, that I really like. If I remember right, they’re kind of an Asian fusion restaurant. They have Japanese food, Vietnamese food (like Pho- one of my favorite Asian soups), and even Thai food! One of my absolute favorite things to get there was their Garlic Edamame. That stuff was SO good. Franklin, and Nashville have a bunch of awesome restaurants to check out. Definitely a bunch of comfort food that makes it a place you want to call home. I’m a foodie, if you couldn’t tell. [Laughs]
TCC: Since you are musically talented as well, which craft do you enjoy more or are you a double threat? Are there other talents you want to share with us?
GG: You know, I really do love both music, and acting! I think the difference for me is that I feel more confident in my acting. I pretty much know that I can tap into a character, or emotion, every time without a doubt…but there’s no telling when my voice might crack when I'm singing on stage! Ha! Other than that stuff, if you can call this a talent… I tend to be just “okay” at a lot of stuff. Like, I found out that I can play ping pong on an equally just “okay” level with both my left, and right hand! I’m just “okay” at knitting, riding horses, playing instruments. So, if you need someone to be just “okay” at something, I’m your girl!
TCC: How did you feel growing up with three adopted Ethiopian siblings? What's your outlook on it now?
GG: It is funny how it really does feel like they’ve been here forever, even though it’s only been almost 5 years! I am so thankful for them. Bennet, Kaleb, and Kali, are just the sweetest kids you will ever meet. It’s crazy to think that three little kids who grew up in Ethiopia could end up being such a perfect fit for our family. I’ve learned so much from them, and am so blessed to have them in my life. I just love them to death. #ProudBigSister
TCC: Who did you learn from on the set of Heroes Reborn? What was your biggest takeaway?
GG: Everybody! I mean I was working with some serious pros! As the saying goes… "You learn something new everyday." I definitely did.
TCC: Have you had time to date? How do you juggle being a young girl living life and starring in hit shows?
GG: Thankfully, I found my man before HR, and am so glad I did. Austin, my boyfriend of coming up on a year and a half, has been SO supportive of everything I’m doing with the show. It definitely hasn’t been easy AT ALL with me having to be in Toronto for seven months while we filmed, but we made it work, and are better for it! Austin is also an actor, which is so great, because there’s a different level of understanding and empathy for whatever our careers throw at us. I do have to say, even though I had a blast filming… I am so glad to be home with friends and family.
Be sure to tune into Heroes Reborn if you have not done so already. The series just aired its fall finale. If you are a fan of the show like me, then you will enjoy my interview with the young and talented Gatlin Green. Take a look and drop some feedback.