Star Value

In recent years, teen stars have been in very high demand by some and under the awfully harsh scrutiny of others. Young actors work their way to popularity by playing roles that appeal to teen audiences, and these “stars” are arguably very similar in one way or another. They are (most of the time, anyway) an embodiment of poor acting skills, unrealistically good looking, and way too old for their role. However, there are some rising stars who are exempt from these stereotypes. Ashley Rickards, the 20-year-old who plays the quirky Jenna Hamilton on MTV’s hit show Awkward., shows that it is possible to play a regular teenage girl without setting impossible standards for young viewers. Her comical facial expressions and the flat tone of voice she employs while playing an authentic high school girl (not overdressed or too made up, either) hilariously illustrate the true issues that kids go through during this very, well, awkward, phase of their existence. The young actress not only impresses with her genuine performance, but also with her remarkable intellect and philanthropy. A member of Mensa, Rickards graduated high school at age 15, and is involved in a cause against human trafficking. Quite a list for a college application.