Exclusive Interview with Pretty Little Liars’ Kara Royster

This week, Talk Nerdy With Us had the chance to talk with the lovely Kara Royster. Kara is best known for her numerous TV roles including the current season of cult favorite, Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars” where she portrays ‘Yvonne Phillips,’ a smart, sleek, classy, and important person in Toby’s (Keegan Allen) life. ‘Yvonne’ is ‘Keegan’s’ girlfriend and the daughter of ‘Veronica Hasting’s’ opponent for senate. ‘Veronica Hasting’s’ daughter, ‘Spencer Hastings,’ used to date ‘Toby’ as well, which leaves cause for a little awkwardness. Kara was very kind and thoughtful when asked about her time on Pretty Little Liars, her upcoming Fox film, Mono, and her involvement with the Wakefield Foundation benefiting the Space Coast Early Intervention Center or inspiring kids at Circle with Friends. Read below for some scoop on the upcoming episodes of Pretty Little Liars, how her character will affect her mom’s election chances, and what you can watch on her next!

Last we heard of Yvonne, her medical records were leaked, revealing she had gotten rid of a pregnancy in high school. What effect will that have on her mother’s campaign which relies on pro-life ideas? 

I think that it’s going to make things obviously very interesting. I think it was very neck and neck so it might draw my mom back a little bit in the polls, which means we’re going to have to work that much harder. (Laughs).

Will we ever meet her mother?

I don’t know if I should say …

If there was one character on the show you would like to interact with, who would it be and why? 

I was very thankful that I got to have a lot of scenes with Caleb, Spencer, and even Mona. I think a really interesting one would be one of the moms, maybe Spencer’s mom. I would love to have a scene with Spencer’s mom.

What effect will Spencer and Toby’s upcoming interactions have on Yvonne and Toby’s relationship? 

I think for the first time Yvonne’s gonna be questioning just where his love lies. I think that the reason Yvonne has been so nice to Spencer is because she thinks that it was five years ago, and it’s all passed but it’s interesting now that she’s back in Rosewood that he’s giving her a little bit more attention.

After this season of Pretty Little Liars ends, what’s next for you? 

I’m going to be on K.C. Undercover with Zendaya. I am related to Zendaya’s character so K.C. fans will have to tune in to see how our relationship unfolds! I’m in about six to seven episodes this season and it’s premiering this March. In a couple of weeks!

Do you see a future for Yvonne in Season 7?

I definitely do. I think that Toby is about to propose to her so I think their relationship has more to come.

What can you tell us about your character on the FOX film Mono with Kathryn Newton and Sam Lerner?

I loved working on that movie, it was the best time! I play Christina Madison and she is the school mean girl. She is very fabulous and likes to keep the hierarchy of the high school intact.

What makes Yvonne different from any of the other characters that you have played?

Yvonne is very different, I’m actually very used to playing the mean girl or the dumb girl which I love playing, I think it is so much fun. This was the first time that I feel like I was very close to a character, our style is kind of the same and she is just a very sweet, bubbly person. So it was very interesting, I never got to play such a strong, polished character.

You are also a makeup artist, correct? 

 Yes, I am!

Where did that passion come from?

I was sneaking into my mom’s makeup much before I was allowed to wear it, I just could never stay away from it. There was always that attraction. And then in high school, I went to LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School For The Arts) and I kind of sub-majored in it and became head of the theater/makeup department. So on the show, I was just helping everybody do their makeup and it continued onward after high school. I got to work with Sammi Sanchez, who is on Radio Disney, I got to do her makeup for a couple of events and some photoshoots and it grew on from there.

What can you tell us about your involvement with the Wakefield Foundation and Circle With Friends? And for those of us who don’t know what they do, what are they doing?

I’m about to get started with them actually. I’ve just been researching with them. I love what they’re doing to help include everyone in a school environment. They’re getting everyone to sit together and talk together. I think it’s a great foundation and I can’t wait to get started with them.

 

Be sure to watch Kara on Pretty Little Liars, Tuesdays at 8/7c on Freeform, and on KC Undercover, premiering this month on Disney Channel!