Interview: Aria Brooks, Age Is Just Definitely Just a Number for This Gifted Young Actress
Actress, Aria Brooks, currently stars in the Nickelodeon reboot comedy sketch series, All That. Aria sat down with Glitter to discuss her role on All That, her favorite sketch, her Instagram show, Ask Aria, and what she’s up to next. Read on to also find out her thoughts on the state of the nation and how she crushes the isolation game.
GLITTER: What would you say was your big break?
ARIA: I think All That was my big break. It was my first series regular role and Nickelodeon is a big deal.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about the Nickelodeon sketch series, All That? Is it a reboot of the original sketch show?
ARIA: Yes, All That is a reboot of the sketch comedy show from the ’90s on Nickelodeon. It is full of hilarious characters and sketches. It’s often referred to as the “Saturday Night Live” for kids.
GLITTER: Favorite sketch that you’ve done so far and why?
ARIA: My favorite sketch that I’ve done is The DJ Salad Story. I got to play Rihanna. The hair, makeup, and wardrobe were my favorite part. I loved the transformation and it was extremely funny.
GLITTER: Did anyone from the original cast give you any advice before the reboot started?
ARIA: A lot of the original cast has come back to be on the show. Since they were in our shoes at one point, they have given us a lot of advice on how we can improve. They specifically have helped us to stay calm and be sure to not get overwhelmed.
GLITTER: What’s it like behind the scenes?
ARIA: We are always hanging out and joking behind the scenes. When we aren’t rehearsing or doing school, we are making TikToks and having fun together. We are really close on and off set.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your Instagram Live show, Ask Aria? Who have you had as a guest on your show so far?
ARIA: Ask Aria is a series where I interview people in the entertainment industry and give them an opportunity to “Ask Aria” questions as well. I have had Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), Faithe Herman (This is Us), Chantae Cann (Vocalist/Recording Artist), Luca Luhan (Danger Force), Jcksn Ave (Vocalists/Recording Artists), and Ryan Kilgore (Former Saxophonist for Stevie Wonder).
GLITTER: What other shows have you guest-starred on?
ARIA: I also guest-starred on an episode of Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. I was featured in the Cracker Jack episode as “Nola”.
GLITTER: How do you stay grounded in this business?
ARIA: I remind myself of the importance of family and friends. Although my followers are supportive of me, my family has been in my corner since day one and they will always be.
GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?
ARIA: Nothing is official yet, but I am writing a lot of music. I would like to release an album this year. I would also like to release a short film as well.
GLITTER: Who is your dream collaboration with?
ARIA: My dream collaboration is with Zendaya. I have looked up to her for years now and I aspire to be like her. She is a versatile actor, a great singer, and an amazing dancer.
GLITTER: What’s a day in the life for you like in isolation?
ARIA: I get my school work done as soon as possible. Then, normally, I’ll do some content for social media for a while to stay active. In between, I make sure to take breaks to watch TV and play with my sisters.
GLITTER: Favorite ways to find your Zen?
ARIA: I have been doing guided meditation. I simply focus on breathing and imagine my happy place. I also like binging TV shows. It takes my mind off of everything else. One of the best things for me is to unplug. I’ll go color or read a book.
GLITTER: First place you’ll go when isolation ends?
ARIA: I am going to Waffle House. When I was in California, I was unable to go and I planned to go when I came back home to Atlanta. As you can probably tell, that did not work out.
GLITTER: What are your thoughts on the current state of our nation and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement?
ARIA: I am angry and scared at the same time. Living in a world where you can be punished for something you can’t even control is so sad. I do think that the support from everyone around the world is encouraging. It makes me feel like we can actually change what’s going on. For years, the Black community has been affected by the unfair treatment towards us. Now it is time to do something about it. By using our voices and social media, we can make our voices heard.
GLITTER: What can others do to show support?
ARIA: People can educate the public by helping them better understand the situation. We can sign petitions and make donations to organizations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. People over 18 can vote to put people in important positions who, not only stand with and support the Black community but also who want to make a change that is best for EVERYBODY. There are so many things that people can do to support. Just do something!
GLITTER: What is one thing your fans might not know about you?
ARIA: I wrote my first book in second grade. I was a part of a program at my school and my book was officially published. It was called “Suzy and Sammy Ran Away.” I also did the illustrations.
GLITTER: Favorite fashion brands?
ARIA: I like Nike, Zara, H&M, Vans, and Converse.
GLITTER: What’s your skincare routine consist of?
ARIA: I wash and moisturize with a sensitive skin face wash and moisturizer from Neutrogena. Then I add Revealu Face and Body Gold. I keep it simple and consistent because my face is used to it now. I also drink A LOT of water.
GLITTER: Favorite brands and products for your natural curls?
ARIA: I use Shea Moisture and Olive Oil products mainly. They tend to keep my hair moisturized for long periods of time.
GLITTER: If you weren’t an actress, what would you want to do instead?
ARIA: I would be a writer. I would write scripts and even novels. Although I do write now, I would focus a lot more on writing if I weren’t an actor.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, what does self-love mean to you?
ARIA: Self-love is being confident in every aspect of yourself. It’s when you are able to accept that what you have to offer is unique and you are just as amazing as anyone else.
GLITTER How can fans follow you?
ARIA: You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook at itsariabrooks. •
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