“Girl Meets World” pilot star Rowan Blanchard has landed the role of Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga’s (Danielle Fishel) daughter, Riley Matthews, in the Disney Channel pilot spin-off of “Boy Meets World” – and she’s still reeling with excitement over her job – especially since meeting her onscreen parents.
AccessHollywood.com caught up with the 11-year-old, where she dished on some of her Hollywood favorites (crushes too!), how she plans on decorating her trailer and what advice she’s received since landing her plum role.
AccessHollywood.com: Have you met Danielle Fishel or Ben Savage yet? What did you talk about?
Rowan Blanchard: At the most recent audition, Danielle and Ben were there and I got to read a scene with them! I was so excited because, I mean, they ARE Corey and Topanga! We talked about “BMW” and school and “GMW.” It was really cool to meet them.
Access: What was the audition process like for this role?
Rowan: I auditioned literally 10 times! At the first audition, [the producers] told me I was perfect, only that I was too young. I went into the car and cried! Haha! Luckily, I was called back the next week.
Access: Have you seen any of the old episodes of “Boy Meets World”?
Rowan: Actually, a few weeks before I got the call for “Girl Meets World,” my sister and I started watching “Boy Meets World” in the mornings. It wasn’t until I read my sides that I realized they were even connected.
Access: Who is your favorite actor/actress? Who would you love to work with one day?
Rowan: I absolutely love Audrey Hepburn. She’s just so classy and talented. I also love Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman. I have a lot of respect for them because they both went to college and are very serious about their craft. My favorite actors are Tom Hanks and Humphrey Bogart – I know, Humphrey Bogart. Haha.
Access: What was the reaction from friends and classmates when you got cast?
Rowan: All of my friends were really excited and couldn’t contain their excitement. I tried not to talk about it in school because I don’t want to be treated differently. My best friend Raegan came over that night and brought me an Audrey Hepburn picture that is dated the day [my casting] was announced.
Access: Describe to us how you will decorate your trailer or dressing room.
Rowan: I will probably put up too many Audrey Hepburn posters! I will probably put up some Billy Joel and Judy Garland posters as well. How those two got together – I don’t know!
Access: Once you’re old enough, who would you cast as your on-screen boyfriend?
Rowan: Daniel Radcliffe, not only because he’s cute, but because I respect him as an actor.
Access: Who is your young star crush?
Rowan: Dakota Goyo from “Real Steel” and Colin Ford from “We Bought a Zoo.”
Access: Any Disney Channel idols that you look up to? Miley, Selena, Demi?
Rowan: I think Selena Gomez is very smart at acting and has made good choices in her life. I am literally counting down the days until “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex.”
Access: What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten on handling fame?
Rowan: Staying grounded and appreciating EVERYONE on the set, from the grips, to wardrobe. Also stay with your education and keep it a priority in my life.
If the “Girl Meets World” pilot is picked up, the series could land on Disney Channel’s 2013-14 schedule.
— Jesse Spero
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