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2023 – Ellie Wanicur

Ellie Wanicur is a young actress based in the New York area. Her on screen work includes appearances on Sesame Street, Saturday Night Live, and the gameshow Generation Gap!

1. How did you get started acting?
I saw Frozen on Broadway when I was 4 years old. That inspired me, especially Young Elsa and Young Anna. After that I knew I wanted to be an actress, singer and dancer.

2. What was your time on set like filming for 20/20? How did you prepare to play someone when it is based on a true story?
It was very fun. My stage mom, dad and brother were great. The people filming were so kind and we did the shoot from a NYC apartment near my old neighborhood. To prepare, I pictured myself as the little girl and considered what it would be like to experience what she did.

3. How did you enjoy doing Saturday Night Live? What do you like most about doing comedy?
That was one of my most favorite shoots because I got to meet Amy Schumer who was hilarious. Even though it was a short skit, all of the planning, rehearsal and time involved was incredible and I learned a lot while having a fun experience.

I love making people laugh. My dad is hilarious and he always makes me laugh. I do improv which has always been really fun. I love to be funny. It is a superpower.

4. What did you enjoy most about being on Sesame Street?
One of the first things I loved, was that it filmed on my birthday!! What an amazing birthday present! I also got to meet all the characters that I used to watch when I was younger and now my younger brother watches me and all of them and it’s really funny to see his reaction.

5. How did you react when you found out you would be playing Matilda in a production of the musical?
I was so happy. My parents told me I had to read a book for an audition and filmed me. When they told me the news, I was shocked and did not believe them at first. Then they showed me the casting email and I screamed! It was one of my most favorite memories.

6. How do you prepare for a live theatre role compared to any other type of acting role?
For live theatre, I often listen to the music tracks and practice over and over. We play the music and sing in the car a lot. For preparing for other on camera roles, I read scripts with my parents and practice before bed.

7. What was the experience like being on Generation Gap with your Grandpa?
It was one of the most amazing memories. My grandpa always asks whenever I get an audition, callback or booking, “Ask them if they need a grandpa type to join the show.” Now he can finally say he booked it! The game show was so much fun. I loved meeting Kelly Ripa – she was so kind and pretty in her pink sparkly dress.

8. How did you enjoy filming alongside Kelly Ripa for the show?
I loved how during commercial breaks, she’d come over and chat with us. She really is an angel (and she was in Charlie’s Angels). Ha!

9. Do you have any funny or memorable moments you can share from your shoot?
During the Fresh Direct commercial shoot, I had a cold. All of a sudden I sneezed all over myself and they caught it on camera which was amazing and funny. They did not use that take haha!

10. What has been your favorite project to work on so far?
My favorite project is a commercial that’s hopefully coming out very soon. I can’t say much right now, but it was absolutely indescribable. My set mom is my new bestie and our director is someone that everyone reading this knows. Fingers crossed it airs 🙂

Follow Ellie on social media:
Instagram