‘Gossip Girl’s Shari Abdul On Her New Role, JLo, And Her Love Of Singing

This breakout actress is making her impact!

Shari just debuted in HBO’s new reboot hit “Gossip Girl” as the lovable Maya. She’s has been our new favorite after being in everything from Netflix’s “Inventing Anna” to MTV’s “Nikki & Sara Live”.

We had the absolute honor of talking with Shari on her music journey, getting the role in Gossip Girl, and more!

Q: What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment field? 

S: “I think I always knew. When I was about 4 years old I remember my parents would work all day and in order to get their undivided attention when they came home from work I’d make them sit and listen to me sing for them. In school I had a music teacher that would sign me up for every single singing competition on the island. I enjoyed entertaining people. I was good at it. I’ve always felt like I had my future and my goals figured out at a very early age and I was aware that that doesn’t always come easy for people, so I embraced it. I don’t think I ever had an “aha” moment- I just simply always knew.”

Q: You recently were cast as Maya in the hit reboot series Gossip Girl. Can you tell us more about what that audition process was like? 

S: “Well, I wish I had a super exciting story behind it. I got the audition to self tape on a Friday, it was due the following Monday and about two weeks later I was booked!”

Q: Can you tell us more about your character Maya in the show? 

S: “Sure! Maya was described in the character breakdown as a receptionist who makes handmade jewelry and works at a high end salon- since the costume department didn’t include jewelry in my wardrobe, on set they switched the line last minute to “handbag line” instead. Maya is definitely intimidated by Obie’s mom and doesn’t want to disrupt her appointment but also… she needs that free jewel-I mean- handbag promo so on she goes with the sneakiness!”

Q: Were you a fan of the original Gossip Girl series? 

S: “When I moved to New York from Puerto Rico the show was in its final season, and I didn’t know it existed when I lived in PR. However, I immediately felt the Gossip Girl influence on my new city friends and got right to watching it! I really liked it! Team Blair!”

Q: If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would you choose to play you? 

S: “Is it sad that I think about this alot? I still don’t know. I don’t think it would be difficult to find a mixed-latina that looks similar to me but I would prefer someone who embodies my personality and essence the best. JLo!”

Q: Who is your biggest acting inspiration? 

S: “Honestly, my biggest inspiration are the actors that work consistently and make a decent living mainly from acting- the ones you see on a movie or show here and there but can’t exactly recall their names, and you’re just like “Oh yea! that guy!”. Sounds weird but that’s my ideal situation! Although, when it comes to strictly acting techniques I draw my inspiration from the iconic actors that immerse themselves in roles, the ones that everyone knows and love; Denzel, Leo, Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, Johnny, Viola, Meryl, Angelina, Rachel Mcadams, Penelope Cruz and so on.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about being in this industry? 

S: “I love being on set so much! The energy is incredible. Everyone has a very specific task that they’re running around trying to get done as quickly as possible, it’s all a bit chaotic which adds to the excitement. You really feel like you’re a part of something important.”

Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors/actresses? 

S: “If you’re just starting out, meaning you have no tv/film credits yet, then my advice would be as Nike says, “Just do it”. Take small steps and start right now! Join a class, get headshots (they don’t need to be crazy expensive), join a free casting website and work on student films/ independent projects and build your confidence as an actor. The beginning is the fun part, there’s so much that can be done to get you moving! And hey, you’re already an actor because you decided to be an actor!

If you’re like me, the other type of aspiring actor who has already done most of the initial grunt work, is auditioning pretty regularly and is working towards booking regularly, what I’m constantly reminding myself and others is to have a life outside of being an actor! This shouldn’t be the only thing on our minds, losing a booking shouldn’t be the end of the world, a punch to the gut where we feel stressed and empty. We are human beings with many interests, we are valuable and complex! Let’s have a life where we can draw experiences from and maybe even use them for roles- travel, pursue different hobbies and activities, put effort in meaningful relationships with family and friends. Have an identity beyond what you choose to do for a living. I believe this can help us become better humans and even greater actors.“

Q: Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? 

S: “I just booked a guest star role on Law and Order: SVU! Not quite sure when it airs since we film next week, but since SVU works pretty fast I assume the episode is out next month in December! So excited!!!”

Q: Where can we find you? 

S: “I’m so basic with user names, Ig, Twitter, YouTube and anything else, they’re all my name “Shari Abdul”!! Currently I’m deactivated from Ig and Twitter- hey we all need a detox, but I’ll be back soon! Thank you for this interview and fun questions!”