When I read the script for Twenty-Two, I knew I wanted to be involved. The opportunity to tell the story of this young, wounded veteran coming home broken, suicidal, and searching for reasons to go on was a gift for me to make an impact and bring awareness.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ava Cantrell.
Ava Cantrell has been in movies and television since the age of 7. She’s worked on Nickelodeon shows, Young Sheldon & Warner Bros horror hit Lights Out. She has always had a passion for acting, dance and giving back to causes that speak to her. Now at the age of 20 she is starring in the film Twenty-Two to bring awareness to the tragic statistic that twenty-two US veterans commit suicide each day. Ava recently won best actor at a New York film festival for that role to add to her numerous acting awards.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
As a very young girl, I was a competitive dancer and loved the performance and storytelling of the song. My dad thought I would enjoy acting so he found a top in Los Angeles that could get me opportunities to pursue a professional career in TV and movies. To this day I am still with that same agency. Thanks, Nicole and Milton at AEFH talent!
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
On Young Sheldon, I got to guest star with Jason Alexander, and he was so sweet and funny. Off set we talked about acting and karate (he’s a black belt) and on set the director just let us improv and change things up. That hardly ever happens on TV shoots but if you are going to hire Jason, you should always let him riff. Keeping a straight face while acting with him was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
This is the time of your life that you should dream big and go for it! Don’t be afraid to fail, just go after your passions. Also, the path to success has many twists and turns, so don’t get too set on where you are headed. Embrace the detours!
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My parents impact my life most of all. They are the reason I have the opportunities to pursue my dreams. They have also instilled an entrepreneurial spirit inside me, as well as a charitable heart. We have always lived lifeless traveled, and they have shown me not to fear that. As long as you have the drive behind talent then you can succeed. I love their success even though they haven’t worked 9 to 5 for decades. There need to be more entrepreneurial spirits in the world.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
When I started to find success in Hollywood my parents balanced that with charitable work we could participate in as a family. Over the years it became near and dear to our hearts. In my latest film, I’m striving to bring awareness to the high rate of suicide in our veterans. I feel that issue doesn’t have enough light on it. The more research I did for the role, the more my heart broke and the more I don’t understand why there isn’t more help for veterans.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
When I read the script for Twenty-Two, I knew I wanted to be involved. The opportunity to tell the story of this young, wounded veteran coming home broken, suicidal, and searching for reasons to go on was a gift for me to make an impact and bring awareness.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
The film has yet to be released but every day 22 of our beloved US veterans take their own life. This issue affects all of our military families.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
The first thing people should do is if you know a veteran that is in crisis, please get them help.
The second thing people should do is become educated on the issue. There are several programs available to help. A good place to start is here — https://mission22.com/
The next thing you can do is get involved. Donate time, money, or resources, even if it’s just opening conversation and bringing awareness to the issue. Hopefully, you will be inspired to find a cause that speaks to you as well.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
You will be rejected 90% of the time, maybe more. You need to love the process of finding a job not just doing the job. Have your own unique voice. Streaming services will dominate. Take a vacation and don’t worry about the things that happen while you’re away.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I’d love to see a change in social media. There is so much negativity and bullying it would be an enormous change for the better if people would post more positive content and commentary. The only real way to make a change is to start with your own accounts. I try my best to keep it all positive. I would like to see more really listening to one another and compassion to everyone around us, even if we feel that we can’t relate. We need to learn from each other.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you. I never had a big group of friends but I’m lucky enough to have a couple of really great ones.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Meryl Streep! I could say that I’d love to learn her process, even though she’s talked about that many times. I would just like to talk with her like friends over breakfast and coffee. I have so much respect for her. Meryl is the queen. Make it happen Authority Magazine!
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Ava Cantrell Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.