Spencer Moss embarked on her extraordinary acting journey at the tender age of 3, instantly captivating audiences with her innate talent and magnetic presence. By the age of 5, Spencer had already secured a supporting role in the feature film ‘American Fable,’ shining alongside seasoned professionals and showcasing her acting prowess. Shortly thereafter, she made a memorable television debut on ‘Chicago PD’ (NBC).
As Spencer blossomed, her star continued to rise as she landed coveted roles in productions such as the ABC series ‘The Mayor’ and the Lifetime movie “Stolen.” Spencer’s talent and range were further cemented as she starred opposite accomplished actors Sophia Bush and Allen Leech in the thrilling NBC pilot ‘Surveillance.’ She also made appearances in critically acclaimed TV shows such as ‘Fosse/Verdon’ and ‘This Is Us.’ Most recently, she showcased her versatility in the indie film ‘Susie Searches.’
Notably, Spencer’s versatility extends beyond on camera acting. She lent her enchanting voice to the beloved character “Dotty” in SNL’s animated Halloween Special ‘David S Pumpkin’ (NBC), sharing the screen with esteemed actors such as Tom Hanks and Peter Dinklage. She then captivated young viewers with her portrayal of JoJo on Disney Junior’s ‘Fancy Nancy’ and through her recurring role on Disney’s ‘Puppy Dog Pals.’ Most recently, she reprised her role as the series regular Harper, the human counterpart to the spirited “ferries,” in the highly anticipated second season of ‘Dew Drop Diaries.’
In addition to her acting achievements, Spencer thrives in the world of competitive dance, dedicating an impressive 30 hours a week to perfecting her craft. Her unwavering commitment and exceptional skill have earned her numerous awards and scholarships, establishing her as a formidable force on the dance floor.
As Spencer Moss continues her remarkable ascent in the entertainment industry, her star power shows no signs of dimming. With her unwavering dedication, undeniable talent, and an ever-growing list of notable credits, she is poised to make an indelible impact in 2024 and beyond.
Spencer hello and welcome to OLC! Can you tell us how you got your big break in the entertainment industry and how did you know this is what you wanted to do?
Hello and thanks for taking the time to chat with me! I am actually the youngest of four kids and while my older siblings were acting I pretty much just fell into it! However, thanks to them I found my true passion. I was five when I booked my first role on Chicago PD.
Can you share with us a memorable moment or experience from your early acting career that has had a lasting impact on your approach to your craft?
I would say being cast as the role of Jojo in Fancy Nancy on Disney Junior! It was a series regular role and I was six turning seven when cast. It lasted for sixty episodes, so I grew up learning how to voice act on that show. Another memorable learning experience would be filming the pilot Surveillance. Sophia Bush and Allen Leech were my parents on the show, and learning from them was like taking a master class!
Balancing both voice acting and on-camera roles, how do you adapt your performance techniques to suit each medium, particularly considering your recent success in the animated series “Dew Drop” and your work on shows like ‘This Is Us’?
Each job is unique. I was very fortunate during Covid because most things were shut down, but I was still able to record in the studio for Dew Drop Diaries. Although different mediums, I still have the same process of imagination work for each job.
Your journey started at a very young age. How has your approach to acting evolved over the years, and what lessons have you learned from your diverse range of roles, including those in film, TV, and animation?
That’s a really good question! I suppose my answer would be simply that I matured. The more work I have been fortunate to get the more I have learned. I will also say that auditions used to take me a lot longer than they do now.
With a background in competitive dance, how do you integrate your passion for movement into your acting, and do you find that it brings a unique perspective to your performances?
Yes, I do think my acting brings a unique perspective to my dancing! I’ve never once been told to show more emotion! I literally feel the music within my soul just as I do when I am playing a different character. I become that character on camera and on stage, when I am dancing, I become free.
The entertainment industry can be demanding. How do you manage the balance between your thriving acting career and your commitment to competitive dance, dedicating 30 hours a week to the latter?
I’m not going to lie, it takes a LOT of discipline! I dance 20 hours a week, and when I have studio weekends or convention weekends, that brings it up to 30 hours a week! I have to do all my school work and learn my lines for auditions and then tape them! I have to be very organized and stay on top of everything.
In your recent projects like ‘Dew Drop Diaries’ and ‘Susie Searches,’ you’ve portrayed diverse characters. How do you prepare for such varied roles, and what attracts you to characters with different backgrounds and stories?
Susie Searches was filmed during Covid. I only had a small role, but the best part about the movie was that I got to work with Sophie Kargman. She is a powerhouse writer/director. I know she was happy with what I did, even if it didn’t all end up in the movie. When I was in LA, we met up for a meal and had a great time! She is now a new mommy to the cutest baby EVER, and I really really hope I get to work with her again.
Being part of the second season of ‘Dew Drop Diaries,’ how did you approach reprising the role of Harper, and what aspects of the character did you find most intriguing to explore further in this new season?
Harper Ryan is your typical firstborn daughter who loves to bake and play soccer. In the second season, she gets into more adventures and a few mishaps…but with the help of her Dew Drop, everything turns out a-ok!
Can you tell us about a challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it? What did you learn from that experience?
This business gives you tough skin! I recently tested for the role of Grace in Extended Family. That means it was between myself and Sofia Capanna, and she got the role. That was my third time testing for a series regular role and my second time not getting it. My parents always say that I’m allowed to feel sad for a day, but then it’s time to move on. So, that’s what I do. Fortunately for me, I have dance as a creative outlet, and I’m as passionate about dance as I am about acting. I think it would be even worse if I didn’t have other important activities in my life to take my mind off of things!
Your voice acting includes both animated series and specials. How do you bring authenticity and emotion to your animated characters, especially in projects like SNL’s ‘David S Pumpkin’ where you worked alongside renowned actors like Tom Hanks and Peter Dinklage?
Being part of David S. Pumpkin was an experience I will never forget! Every single person in that cast was amazing! Mr. Hanks was absolutely hilarious as were all the guys from SNL, like Mikey Day, Bob Moynihan, and Streeter Seidell. It was easy to play the role of Dotty because they just had me laughing and laughing! Best time!
As you continue to make waves in the entertainment industry, what are your aspirations for the future, both in terms of the roles you’d like to explore and the impact you hope to make on your audience?
I am hoping that 2024 is a busy year for us all! It was tough having to get through Covid and then the SAG strike. I lost a solid three years I would say. So, I’m praying for lots of exciting opportunities! I was in the mix for a really fun movie which came to a halt due to the strike, so I am hoping that picks up where it left off! Here is to a successful 2024 for us all!
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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