Actress Italia Ricci

Here’s an exclusive interview with Unnatural History‘s Italia Ricci!

MissExclusive.com: Tell people who don’t watch Unnatural History what the show is about.
Italia Ricci: The show is about a young boy, Henry Griffin, who is sent to live with his Uncle Bryan and cousin, Jasper, in Washington, D.C. after being raised all over the world and developing an amazing set of exotic skills along the way. He now has to adjust to attending a regular high school that is attached to the Smithsonian and is part of the National Museum Complex. Not only does he have to figure out how to be a ‘regular’ high-school kid, but he, Jasper, and Maggie begin to uncover, and have to try to solve, hidden mysteries in the museum. It’s full of action, comedy, drama, and history. It’s very Indiana Jones/Three Musketeers/National Treasure, with a little bit of a history lesson along the way. I like to say “Unnatural History” is like chocolate covered broccoli because it’s the kind of show that you don’t realize is good for you because it’s just so good!

ME: You play Maggie Winnock… what is she like?
IR: Maggie is a brilliant girl who has a soul a little bit older than her peers. Until meeting Henry and teaming up with the boys, she was a little bit of an enigma. She tries to be the diplomatic one of the three, but is constantly challenged. Though she is the smartest girl in school, she isn’t a snob, but she stands her ground and sticks up for what she knows is right. Maggie can also speak about a dozen languages which definitely keeps me on my feet. She is so much fun to play!

ME: Are you at all like your TV persona?
IR: Yes and no. In high school I was pretty smart, always got good grades but never acted snobby about it. But I am absolutely not a vegetarian. I couldn’t do it, especially coming from an Italian family. I try to be diplomatic but don’t always succeed. She’s a great role model, I’m really proud of how she’s developing.

ME: You’ve been on both movies and television shows: do you like one better then the other?
IR: They’re both great. I like movies because it’s two or so months of one story. You know how it starts and how it ends and, for the most part, have all of the answers. With television it’s always a mystery, you never know what’s coming next. Both are equally interesting and exciting.

ME: Have you ever worked on any animated projects? How is voice over work different than being in front of the camera?
IR: I actually haven’t ever done voiceover work. It’s definitely something I can’t wait to have the opportunity to do though!

ME: What songs do you love on the radio right now?
IR: ‘Soul Sister‘ by Train is super catchy and I can’t get it out of my head.

ME: I love that song!! Do you have a favorite show that you’ve been on?
IR: I used to be obsessed with “House, M.D.“, so when I got a role on that show I had so much fun telling my family and friends and they watched it with me. It was a dream! I still love that show so much and watch it every week.

ME: What would be a dream role?
IR: I don’t think I have a single ‘dream role’ simply because I don’t know what’s out there since we’ve been shooting non-stop. I would love to play a villain at some point. I think being the bad guy would be so much fun!

ME: What are your plans for the rest of 2010?
IR: Wrapping up shooting “Unnatural History” and then hopefully another project in my off-season. Otherwise I plan to visit Europe for a little bit. I’ve never been and I think it’s about time!

ME: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
IR: If I play my cards right, in 5 years I see myself doing what I love, surrounded by the people I love, and happy as a clam. :)

ME: Love that! Thank you!! Check out Italia in Unnatural History on Cartoon Network!