This is Me: Vincent Martella

Vincent Martella has been on your television screen for years. You might recognize him from "Everybody Hates Chris," or you might know him for his voice as he gives life to Phineas in Disney's "Phineas and Ferb." This newly 21-year-old is now on the hit show "The Walking Dead," and recently appeared in its season premiere last week which was already a dramatic turn for this new character (we won't share spoilers!).

So, we sat down with Vincent in Los Angeles, to discuss a little bit about everything.

Most people know you as the voice for Phineas on Disney Channel’s "Phineas and Ferb." Just because I’m curious – how do you audition for a voice role? What’s the story behind becoming ‘Phineas’? The creators and casting of "Phineas and Ferb" saw my work on another show I was on, which was "Everybody Hates Chris." They had me read for the voice of Phineas and ended up loving the voice I created for the character.

You’ve done plenty of live-action acting too, having had roles on "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide." Do you have a preference between doing live-action acting and voiceover acting? I don't have a preference between voice acting and live action acting. Both are really fun and great creative outlets in their own way.

You're in this fourth season of AMC’s "The Walking Dead." Can you divulge anything about your character? (We already know what happened to your character in the first episode!) I can tell you that I play a character named Patrick, who is a new character to the prison at the start of Season 4. Patrick ends up having quite an impact on the other survivors in the prison.

I’ve heard you done quite a bit of singing in the past. Is any more music in your future? Playing music has always been a hobby of mine. I hope to keep playing it in the years to come definitely.

You seem really into sports, judging by the comments on your Twitter feed. Did you grow up playing any sports? Who are your favorite teams to root for? I love watching sports I always have. I played a few sports growing up, like basketball. My favorite teams to root for are the Miami Heat and the New York Giants. I watch most of their games each week during the season.

Speaking of Twitter, what do you think of this busy platform? I love Twitter because it connects you so well with fans. It gives they and I a way to communicate that would have never been possible ten years ago. I enjoy getting feedback from people who enjoy my work.

What’s next for you? You’ve done film, television, voiceover, music. What other aspirations do you have?

I just want to keep working in the entertainment industry in whatever creative ways I can. I love acting in good projects, whether live action, animation, television, or film. I hope to have a very long career doing what I love.

Interview by Amanda Evans

Photographed by Roneil Chavez Grooming by Jeanne San Diego Styled by Lucia Tran

This is Me: Ashley Dyke

Ashley Dyke stars as Anna in Brad Pitt's oscar-worthy "12 Years a Slave." The story is based off of Solomon Northup, an African American in the mid-1800s who was born free but later kidnapped off the streets in Washington, and brought to slavery. There's nothing about this movie that isn't liked. The film is poignant, moving, and brings you sobbing for one individual who was robbed of his right to freedom.

We sat down with Ashley to discuss more about the movie, and about herself.

There’s a lot of political background in your family, with your parents both being lawyers. Did you ever want to have a career in law or politics, or has acting always been your passion? I have always wanted to be an actor. When I was little, I was more reserved. I loved expressing myself through “playing” other people, because it helped me deal with my shyness. I also find myself to be very sensitive to the emotions and needs of others. Even when those emotions and needs aren’t verbalized, I am able to put myself in their shoes and sympathize. Both of these traits have helped lead me to acting. With my parents being lawyers, and my father being a politician, it allowed me to understand that I had to work hard if I wanted to succeed and that work needs to be guided both by morals and creativity.

You grew up in Fairfax, Virginia. Los Angeles is definitely a vastly different place to live. How did you acclimate to the city? Do you feel you’ve changed any since moving here? What do your siblings do now? I moved to Los Angeles with my fiancé right after I graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in theater knowing that I needed to work really hard to develop my craft even further. Moving here with someone I love allowed me to fully experience the city with him, but at the same time kept me grounded – and that is important to me. With that being said, LA and the industry have changed me. I’ve learned more about who I really am and the kind of work I want to do. I don’t take my profession lightly; I understand the impact of the medium I work in. Telling the stories of other people isn’t something you do haphazardly. I honor that by staying true to myself. This industry has taught me that I have to protect myself and my work, because there are people here who have different agendas.

My siblings are possibly the most incredible and inspiring people I know! I really and truly mean that. We have all found success both personally and professionally on our own paths, mainly due to our family’s role models and work ethic. My brother is a lawyer with two children, my older sister has three kids, is a therapist with her own practice and, in her spare time, teaches Zumba, and my little sister has a baby boy and is a public relations executive.

You attended the famous New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Did you debate between moving to Los Angeles and staying in New York? What do you find different about the acting scope in New York? I studied at NYU’s Stone Street Studios. I loved living in the city…probably a little too much. When I graduated, the choice between LA and NYC was a hard one. My mentor at the time, my acting teacher, Richard Warner, suggested I move to LA, and I trusted that advice. It felt right. I do believe acting is different in New York. The thing that I love about New York is that yes, there are a lot of actors, but the fact that you are an actor doesn’t fully define you. In LA there is a lot of stigma and importance that comes with being an actor, both of which don’t interest me. I have developed my own community here which has allowed me to love what I do and the people around me.

Steve McQueen, who is the director of "12 Years a Slave," is flourishing as one of Hollywood’s elite filmmakers. Were you nervous when auditioning for the movie? Yes! A million times, Yes! Nervous and honored! When I read the script that Steve and John Ridley had written and Steve was directing, I knew innately this film was something I needed to be a part of. It felt like the story was a part of me. It connected to who I am and what I am made of, and what my ancestors were made of.

Steve is brilliant, honest, and dedicated in his work. I knew working with him would be one of the greatest honors of my career - so basically, I was scared to death! I worked with my incredible and fearless acting coach, Iris Klein, and put the audition on tape. We insisted on exposing Anna with all her honesty and vulnerability. I knew Steve’s work, the level at which he operated, and that I could only do Anna justice if I operated on that level. After another audition via Skype, and before I could really process everything, I was on a plane to New Orleans…still scared to death.

The film is getting a lot of Oscar buzz. Are you excited or worried about the attention that you’ll receive from being part of such a prevalent film? What do you want this film to do for your career? I am most honored that Solomon Northup’s story is being told and that I could have any part in that. When I first read the script, I couldn’t believe that in all my years of school I had never heard of his book. The idea that people are talking about the film and that the subject is being analyzed truly means people are being educated about an important part of our history. The film that Steve created to tell Solomon Northup’s story is nothing short of a masterpiece. Solomon’s story is told with honor, dignity, and unflinching honesty.

I terms of what I want this film to do for my career, I want it to begin to define my career, to categorize me as an actor that does work that can make a difference, that can take the human experience and expose it, and that can allow us as a society to learn from it and grow from it. I want to continue to do work that I enjoy and excites me, as a person and as an artist.

Speaking of the Oscars, what would you wear to the ceremony? Who’s your favorite designer at the moment? First and foremost, I would pass out. After recovering, I would have to say I love the work of Alexander McQueen, Pucci, Erdem, and Prada, to name a few. I have worn Lorena Sarbu for my last two events, and her clothes are stunning perfection. I feel beautiful and unique the moment I put them on. In addition, working with her people and her team is a dream. They are absolutely wonderful.

So you were really active in sports as a high school student. Are there sports you still play? I definitely gave up cheerleading, even though I was fantastic at it, if I do say so myself. But now I practice yoga, hike, and run. I like to stay active, but the competitive nature that I had growing up that I had parlayed into sports has long gone. I would rather deep condition my hair and take a nap.

Other than acting, what can you see yourself doing in the near future? I think I will ride this acting thing out. I still have much more work I want to do.

Is there a quote you tend to live by? “Be what you is, not what you isn’t.” That is a quote from my father, Jim Dyke. Consider it a gift.

Photographed by Vince Trupsin Interviewed by Amanda Evans

This is Me: Alyson Stoner

Alyson Stoner was labeled a triple threat all her life. She captivated audiences everywhere after appearing in three of Missy Elliot's music videos and also Eminem's video for "Just Lose It." Alyson later became even more recognizable for her Disney Channel segment "Mike's Super Short Show," while simultaneously appearing in feature films like "Cheaper by the Dozen" alongside Steve Martin, Hilary Duff, and Twilight's Taylor Lautner. Despite appealing to Disney audiences, Alyson also happens to capture older audiences through "Step Up," "Step Up 3-D", and the upcoming "Step Up 5."

The now 20-year-old talent also sets time aside for college as well, taking online classes as a neuroscience major (going into astronomy). She continues to inspire her fans through her online blog, where she preaches the importance of education and self-expression (cue applause!). Alyson's accomplishments sure has us motivated!

You've acted in several big films and TV shows, and have even put out some records. But what a lot of people remember you as a dancer, too. What is it about dance that has made you stick with it for so many years? How did dancing unfold into an acting career? For the first 15 years, it was the combination of my insecurity (always perceiving those around me to have insider information about dance and movement) and my early formed work ethic (strict discipline and daily Training with no option of quitting) that kept me in class. Recently, I saw the rigidity and restriction of my own method, so I stopped learning choreography and undertook free styling, learning from street dancers with raw passion. It's as though I've fallen in love with dance all over again, and this time I can love it back.

The public saw me dance first and act second, so they assume one evolved into the other professionally. Actually, dance was a small town hobby. It was when I pursued other forms of art and performance that we saw fit to try out the industry. Once in Los Angeles, there was no controlling what jobs I booked or how popular each would be. A lot of people don't realize how little the performer himself can plan.

A lot of your fellow former child actors, like Dylan and Cole Sprouse (stars of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody), decided to put a pause on their acting careers to live very normal lives. (Ex: Dylan working as a waiter in New York for the experience, and both brothers simply going to school). What inspires you to continue working in Hollywood?

Simply put, I'm not finished yet! I have unmet goals. I'm inspired daily. I learn about humanity and travel because of my work. I want to be clear, though: I, too, lead a normal life and attend school. Acting, like serving, is just my job.

You're releasing some new music. Your upcoming single, Dragon (That's What You Wanted), sounds a lot different from your prior music. What inspired the new sound? We remember you blogging about how you love the sounds of people like Colbie Caillat. Dragon seems very different? Almost Janet Jackson like! A: My love for Colbie, Corinne, and Sade hasn't simmered. I avoided dance pop prior because I was disappointed in the sameness of everyone's sound. Then I was reminded of Janet; suddenly, the lane was open for reinventing quality dance music.

Are there any musical artists that have particularly influenced your new style? Is there a certain career you want to emulate? A: I'll continue to study music from all genres and eras. I particularly admire Janet's production circa early 2000s, and Justin Timberlake's versatility on stage.

The music video for Dragon features a lot of choreography (of course!). A lot of the dance sequences were very Janet Jackson-esque. What do you consider when deciding what routines to use for a music video? A: As my choreographer and dance mentor ShoTyme taught me, the first instructor is the music itself. Only after you follow the song's lead should you add your unique flare.

Your blog features a lot of positive and inspirational posts. Why is it important to you to pass on good messages to your fans? What do you do to stay positive in a highly critical world-like Hollywood? A: If a quote, article or story provokes life-giving thought and propels me in a positive direction, I want nothing more than to share it with anyone who'll listen or benefit. Age-old truths exist for a reason. We have to learn from our elders and the brilliant minds before us.

You're going to school right now to study neuroscience (and onto astronomy!) while acting, singing, and dancing. How do you maintain balance? A: Haha. I didn't know about balance until I crashed! Now I prioritize basic nutrition, fitness, and rest. Additionally, it's imperative to keep a sound mind and perspective on what matters. Family and friends have never been treasured so much in my life.

We remember you growing up to the waves of the Internet, Myspace, blogging, and then Youtube. It was just a few years ago when fans remember seeing photos of you with friends like Taylor Lautner. It's amazing how times have changed. How do you think social media, if at all, helped your career and helped you connect with fans? A: I avoided social media as much as possible because I wasn't sure how to be myself and connect with people without worrying about their perception, knowing how to maintain privacy, and other risks. I also didn't feel right connecting with fans for the selfish sake of getting them to buy and watch my work. So now I try and connect as a human, not entertainer, first. I also allow myself to have and reciprocate support. My fans are members of my team, and I'm on their teams.

You're in Step Up 5. What can we expect (if you're able to share) from your character and her relationship to Adam Sevani's character? A: People change and grow. Expect a different side of Camille at the forefront of her relationship to/with Moose.

We did a fun photo shoot with you on Monday. The style of the shoot was 50s-esque. What is your own personal fashion style? Are you one to do random shopping sprees? Who are your favorite designers, or what are your favorite stores? A: I confess: 85% of my wardrobe consists of hand-me-downs, clothes from character wardrobes, and birthday gifts. I don't like spending money or shopping. In a fantasy world, classy and feminine pieces aka Jackie Kennedy's iconic style, would be as affordable as my Wal-Mart sweatpants.

Who are some actors or performers you wish to work with, but haven't yet? A: I was heavily impacted by Sandra Bullock's performance in "Gravity." I would be honored to work alongside her.

What would be your next ideal movie role, or movie? A: Haha. Again, it's so beyond my control! But in a dream world, something cinematically challenging and thrilling like "Life of Pi" or "Gravity."

If you could, what film would you have wanted to be in (can be a classic!). And why? A: I'd be in Finding Dory! I've been looking forward to that movie since the announcement months ago.

You're almost 21! It just feels like yesterday when we saw you on the "Maury" show. Do you have any goals you wish to fulfill before you turn 21? Or even in the next five years? A: I'd like to learn to fly a plane, speak Japanese, and backpack through India and parts of Africa. I'd also like to contribute more to my community and planet.

Check back later this week for a behind the scenes video and a giveaway! Photographer: Roneil Chavez Hair and Makeup: Jeanne San Diego for Frankie Rose Cosmetics Stylist: Lucia Tran

Location: Milk Jar Cookies (5466 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036)

Interview by Amanda Evans Edited by Lucia Tran

Brands used in this editorial: Ruche, See Saw Seen, Crafts and Love, Emi-Jay, Seychelles, Emerging Thoughts, Flower Crown Society