California-native Ava Kolker is no stranger to the entertainment industry. The 12-year-old has been featured on screen since age four, as she was cast on the first season of American Horror Story. Her big break in the cinema came when she was picked out of hundreds of children at five years old to play Kate Beckinsale’s daughter, Augie, in the drama Trials of Cate McCall. Since then, Kolker has taken part in numerous movies, commercials, and television shows, including her major recurring role on all three seasons of Emmy-nominated Disney television series Girl Meets World. She won Best Actress in the Guest Star category aged nine and under at the Young Entertainer Awards for her acting skills on the show. Last year, Kolker was cast in a series regular role as Olive on Disney’s Sydney to the Max, and she continues to captivate audiences with her comedic skills. Below, the tween reflects on the key moments of her career thus far.

How did you get your start in acting?

I met a great talent manager when I was four years old by chance. He asked my mom to get headshots of me, and then he started submitting me to go on auditions. We didn’t think much of it and assumed nothing would come of it, but I booked my second audition on American Horror Story that year. I’ve never looked back.

What's your favorite part about being an actress?

I love the people I get to meet. There are so many talented, beautiful, incredible people. I also love being able to help give people emotions.

What's the most challenging part about being an actress?

I would say the schedule. There are early mornings and long days, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What was the audition process like for Girl Meets World?

I actually auditioned to play Young Maya. Then they brought me back to try out for Young Riley, which made no sense since I look nothing like Rowan Blanchard! When they brought me back again, I met with Michael Jacobs (the writer of the show) and the casting directors, and they told me they might be creating something new instead. Michael told me, “You’re going to be in our show. I don’t know how yet, but you will definitely be in it.”

What was your initial reaction when you found out you were cast?

When he said that, I screamed, jumped on his lap, and gave him a huge hug. I was six years old.

Were you nervous about living up to the legacy of Boy Meets World?

No, because I hadn’t seen Boy Meets World yet, so I wasn’t aware there was a big legacy to live up to!

How do your roles on Girl Meets World and Sydney to the Max differ?

Ava on Girl Meets World is sassy and sometimes manipulative, but her relationship with Auggie is very sweet and innocent while she stands up to Topanga. On Sydney to the Max, Olive is very goofy and quirky and would do anything for her best friend. Both Ava and Olive are very loyal at heart but have different personalities.

What is it like working with the cast of Sydney to the Max?

It has been so much fun. Ruthie [Righi] and I bonded before I even got the part and I was still testing--we became instant friends. Jackson [Dollinger] and Christian [J. Simon] are always fun to be around and very supportive. We are a very close group.

Any funny moments from the set of Sydney to the Max that you can share?

There are so many! One time, Ruthie and I were on a bench taking a picture, and we were too close to one side, so the bench completely tipped over. We both fell...probably not our most graceful moment.

What are your future plans?

I am going to enjoy every day on Sydney to the Max and maybe start writing my first song to see how that goes. I just feel so blessed right now that I want to take it one day at a time. This is what I have been working so hard for over the past eight years.

This or That:

Comedy or horror films? Comedy.

Fashion or beauty? Fashion.

Italian or Mexican food? Mexican.

Hawaii or Bora Bora? Bora Bora.

Netflix or Cable TV? Netflix.

Follow Ava on Social Media:

Instagram: @avakolker_

Twitter: @realavakolker

Select Photo Credits: Disney ABC Press