StarStruck made its way to store shelves as a 2-Disc Extended Edition DVD on June 8, and I recently had an opportunity to ask the two young stars, Danielle Campbell and Sterling Knight. a few questions. My first interview was with Danielle Campbell, who at 15, is still a relative newcomer to the business. She starred in four episodes of Prison Break, and the film Poker House (2008), before landing the role in StarStruck.
When I spoke to Danielle over the phone, she was easygoing, happy to discuss this movie, seemingly still amazed by her still fairly new, Hollywood experiences.
Hi Danielle, thanks for taking the time to talk with me. What can you tell us about StarStruck?
You’re welcome. StarStruck is a movie with a great, little love twist. I play a character called Jessica, and the movie’s story is all about her falling for a pop star, played by Sterling Knight. I think the movie’s going to have everyone laughing because it’s funny and it’s really, really sweet.
How would you describe your character?
Jessica is really down to earth and sweet. She’s not obsessed with fame, but her sister is. In fact, her sister is obsessed with Christopher Wilde–who is the pop star played by Sterling in the movie.
Do you live in Hollywood?
I live in Chicago, but I’ve been flying back and forth to L.A. a lot recently. Los Angeles is a really fun town. There is a lot to do there, so I’ve been enjoying seeing the sights and exploring the landmarks.
Would you ever consider moving to L.A.?
My parents are open to the idea, but we’ll have to see how things go. It would be hard to leave my friends, and school in Chicago, because I love it so much.
How much fun did you have working with Sterling Knight on StarStruck?
Sterling is a lot of fun. He kept everyone laughing the whole time he was on set and he has this great way of keeping everyone’s energy up. We bonded really well and we loved to tease each other.
Have you always wanted to be an actress?
I never really pictured myself as an actress. I just fell into the industry when I was 10 years old.
How did you get your big break?
I was getting my haircut in Chicago when someone approached my mom. They asked me to audition for an agency and it all started from there. I hadn’t even performed in any school plays or anything like that, so it was pretty amazing to be picked up like that.
One last question…StarStruck revolves around a pop star. Are you a singer, and is it something you’d like to pursue?
No. I’d never thought about it, but I don’t really sing.
At 21 years of age, Sterling Knight has been working in Hollywood for the past five years, best known for his role as Chad Dylan Cooper in the Disney Channel teen sitcom Sonny with a Chance.
Hi Sterling. Describe StarStruck for me.
StarStruck is a fun-filled romantic comedy. The story is about a ridiculously famous pop star who meets a normal girl and they end up on an adventure together. They learn a lot about each other and a lot about themselves along the way.
What can you tell us about your character in StarStruck?
Christopher Wilde is the most famous and successful pop star on the face of the planet. He has a skewed perception of reality because that’s what his life is like, but he’s a good person underneath it all and he works hard to do his job properly.
Have you ever met anyone like Christopher Wilde in real life?
Zac Efron is dangerously close to Christopher Wilde. He doesn’t have as many cars as Christopher, but he is hardworking and he is genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
Have you ever been starstruck before?
I don’t usually get starstruck, but I met Sir Paul McCartney randomly on Sunset Boulevard a few years ago and I lost it! I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think and I didn’t know how to speak. It was crazy. He was nice enough to talk to my family and me for 10 minutes, but I remember babbling away about nonsense.
Who would you love to meet, but have had the opportunity yet?
John Mayer; I’m a big fan of his music and I think he’s great. Like I said, I don’t usually lose my cool when I see a celebrity – but I’d be impressed if I got to talk to John Mayer. It would make my day.
One last question…What was the best part of filming in Hollywood?
It was especially cool to film in Hollywood because Danielle–who plays Christopher Wilde’s love interest in “StarStruck”–had never been to Hollywood before. She’d never seen any of the landmarks and she was really awestruck at the handprints in the concrete at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. It added a great element to the shoot.
