Actress Ayva Severy On Industry Representation And HBO Max’s “The Garcias”

This young actress is truly incredible!

At just a pre-teen age, actress Ayva Severy is already capturing our attention on the screen. You may recognize her from her breakout role as ‘Andrea’ in the popular HBO remake ‘The Garcias’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Ayva about the original series, funny moments on set, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

A: “I think I really realized I wanted to pursue a career in acting, after shooting a few commercials.  With shooting the first commercial, everything was so new. I was still getting used to being on set. But, a few shoots later, when I was told to draw, dance or play, that was when I realized, I  was really “working – acting”. This was a real thing! I saw the whole process, from start to end  (from auditioning to shooting to seeing it on tv) and I loved every part of it. I told my mommy  afterwards, “this is really fun! I wanna do more.””

Tell us about your character in the amazing HBO Max series “The Garcias”.

A: “The Garcias is a great family show. It’s about a big extended family that goes on vacation to  Mexico. The Garcias have loads of experiences together and learn a lot about each other. It’s a  great show for the whole family (all ages) that has tons of laughs and a few cries. It’s now streaming on HBO Max!  

I play the role of Andrea Huh Garcia. She is the youngest of The García Family. She is very smart and she loves science, and just like her Tío Larry, she dreams to be an astronaut. She loves her family very much and wants to make sure that they are taken care of. She is very wise for her age and sees life as an adult through a kid’s eyes.”

Do you think you have anything in common with your character ‘Andrea’?

A: “I do have some things in common with my character Andrea. She comes from a mixed race family, and so do I. Andrea loves her family a lot, and so do I. And I admire how she protects her loved ones, and listens and gives good advice. I would say I do the same too.”

When you got the role, did you go back to watch ‘The Brothers Garcia’? Did you enjoy  it? 

A: “I watched all the episodes I could find on Youtube. I loved the show! I loved that I got to see the  “OG” (original cast) as children, and they were good actors. It is also so cool to see them as adults, all grown up now with the new generation of Garcias (me, my set sis and cousins). I also love how The Garcias, brings back story lines from the original Brothers’ Garcias. For example,  I love the connection with Larry’s failed space adventure when he was younger, and Andrea’s rocket scene.”

Do you have any funny stories from being on set? 

A: “The “mordida” scene in episode 1. A mordida is when you or someone smashes your face into a birthday cake. It was Trinity (my set sister) and our birthdays, and we did a mordida and the scene was done in just 1 take. I had cake all over my face, in my nose, and I even opened my mouth to take a big bite. It was so much fun! 

Another scene that was super fun to film was the food fight in episode 7. It was filmed all in 1 take too. We really did throw food at each other. There was food all over the set, on our clothes, and in our hair. Then, the amazing team of hair, makeup and wardrobe magically transformed us back to normal in less than 10 mins. They made us look like nothing even  happened, so we could finish filming the rest of our other scenes.”

How important do you think diversity is on the big screen? 

A: “I think diversity is super important. Like for me, I’m mixed race, and I don’t get to see a lot of kids like me on tv. On the Garcias though, I love playing a kid who is mixed race like me, and hopefully, maybe other kids like me who watch, will be able to relate or be able to see someone  like themselves.”

If you could star in a movie with any actress (or actor), who would it be and why?

A: “I love comedy and one of my favorite comedy actors is Will Ferrell. I watch Elf all the time, even if it is not the holidays, and I always am super happy watching it. I would love to work with him.”

What are some of your favorite things to do when not working on your next role?

A: “I love to hang out with my family and friends during my free time. I love to go biking and play sports outside with my big brother. With friends, I love to go swimming or go to the beach. I  also love going to the mall and shop, or watch movies with friends. I am total foodie and love trying out new restaurants. I also love to dance, and play basketball too.”

Is there anything you want to say to your growing number of followers?

A: “Thank you for going on this journey with me and for your support.  

And for those in the business, please don’t give up. I learned that you have to keep at it,  despite the no’s you may hear. Don’t Give Up! Stay Strong and Believe in  Yourself. My mom always told me, “Doors will open and doors will close in this industry. You  cannot let it get you down.” If you do not get a job, there will be other opportunities in the future.  Keep learning new skills and keep at it!”

Where can we follow your amazing journey? 

A: “(Friendly reminder: My name spelling is unique. I spell my name with a “Y” — so, it’s a-Y-v-a.)”

Instagram — @ayvasevery  

Tik-Tok — ayvaseveryandmom  

IMDB — Ayva Severy.

Catch Ayva on ‘The Garcias’, only on HBO Max.

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.