We recently connected with Cassandra Scerbo and have shared our conversation below.

Cassandra , appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Hello all!

I absolutely love this question because I feel as though proper support and guidance is imperative in life and business. Whether that guidance comes from your family or your chosen family. You are who you surround yourself with, and their support throughout your journey can make all the difference.

I am grateful to have had a very supportive family and wonderful friends while embarking on my journey in the arts and activism.

I began professionally acting at the age of 10 years old. My mother would drive me back and forth to Miami, from Parkland, FL, multiple times a week to pursuit my dreams and goals. Her belief in me never wavered, as well as the belief my father and siblings had in me. The constant support from my family is a massive reason as to why I am where I am today.

Not only did both my parents put in the physical labor of driving me to all of my auditions, studying endless lines with me, and flying back and forth to Los Angeles, but they instilled in me the proper morals and taught me to never stray from who I am, or my path in life, from a very young age.

I recognize that not all parents have the liberty to help facilitate the execution of their children’s dreams in the same fashion. However, it’s not only about the physical labor but the mental support as well. Find people who are willing to face the challenges with you, who push you, and who keep you grounded.

Whenever I’m needing a break from Los Angeles, I hop a flight back home to realign with my roots.. To remind myself of who I am and where I came from. There truly is “no place like home”. Our foundation is where everything begins. My foundation is built on family, the need to stay creative and my purpose – activism.

In my situation, my passion led me to my purpose. I always had a love for philanthropy and activism and I feel incredibly thankful to have met some lovely and inspiring people throughout my journey in the arts who opened my eyes to what is now my purpose – giving back.

I currently serve as the Vice President of an anti-bullying and suicide prevention organization called Boo2Bullying. Being a family person, I have found so much comfort and peace in Los Angeles within my organization. My co-workers have become my west Coast family and for this I am grateful.

It’s all about balance at the end of the day. As much as I live and breathe to tell stories and entertain, my cup is not filled without fueling my need to give back, educate and continuously be educated on important topics and causes.

In conclusion, I want to publicly thank my family, as well as my chosen family, for the constant inspiration that fuels me to live my dreams in both entertainment and charity work.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began acting, singing and dancing at a very young age. There wasn’t a day that went by where I didn’t dream of being on a set or a stage. However, dreaming is simply not enough. To find success it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and focus.. Sitting out on fun adventures with family or friends to study or better my craft. Constantly sharpening the tools in my toolbox.

For me, this looked like numerous acting intensives, improv classes, voiceover workshops, singing lessons, dance classes, late nights doing character work and early mornings preparing for auditions. Studio sessions, canceling birthday plans and travels for work, outfit changes in the back of my car while driving from one audition to the next and endless cups of coffee!

As I had mentioned in my last response, balance is everything. As much as I do put in the work, I always make sure to take care of myself and still enjoy the gift of LIVING in between my studies and jobs. I wanted to reiterate this because as much as hard work and sacrifice comes in to play when it comes to success, so does carving out the time to stop and smell the roses. To be present. Otherwise one can easily burn out.

The first job I booked was an extra in a Burger King commercial at age 10. Funny enough, this was one of the most exciting calls I had ever received amongst all of the wonderful work that came after. That first booking lit up my whole world. Even though I didn’t have one line and was barely showcased, I was grateful to be on a set – the place I had dreamed of being since I could remember.

I am proud of every project I’ve ever been a part of from the smallest of gigs to a series regular role, because they are all a part of my journey.

I finally convinced my parents to fly me out to LA for pilot season at age 14 where I lived at the infamous Oakwiid Aoartmentd with my mother and brother who was also acting at that time. From here, I began to really navigate all that the industry entails. The trials and tribulations, rejections, and challenges. In my case, every rejection fueled me that much more. Made me work that much harder. Made me want to prove myself and my talents.

At age 15, I was cast as one of five girls in the pop group “Slumber Party Girls” signed by Geffen Records and music veteran, Ron Fair. We also performed weekly on CBS’ “Saturday Morning Slumber Party” and got to perform everywhere from Cannes to New York City on the Early Show. This was an unforgettable experience and pushed me even harder which landed me my first leading role in the 2007 film, “Bring it On: In it to Win it” where I played the role of Brooke.

In 2009 I booked my first series regular role as Lauren Tanner on ABC Family’s “Make it or Break it”. The most wonderful 3 1/2 years of my life! Our cast was nominated for Teen Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards and multiple other awards. I am forever proud and grateful for this opportunity and for everything that came before and after.

When “Make it or Break it” sadly came to an end, I went on to booking “Sharknado” which was an adventure of a lifetime to say the least! The franchise gave me the pleasures of traveling all around the world to film and do press, and granted me a whole new scifi fan base in the process.

Without starting to sound like Wikipedia, I’ll just say it has been the greatest pleasure to work on over 40 projects to date and incredible talents such as Betty White, Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli, Rob Lowe, Damien Bichier, Roselyn Sanchez, Jessica Walters and Kate Walsh amongst hundreds of other actors I deeply admire. To all of the incredible producers, directors and casting directors who have believed in me along the way, THANK YOU.

Another milestone I am proud of is the solution-based documentary I Executive Produced, alongside other incredible creatives, titled “Code Red: Youth of the Nation. Code Red is now streaming on Amazon Prime amongst other platforms and provides viewers with information and tools in hopes to eradicate school shootings moving forward. I was extremely passionate about getting this project out in the world after the tragic and beyond devastating shooting at my former high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, FL.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely. With 100% certainty. I am grateful for all of the ups, downs and in-betweens which have made me the performer, activist and person I am today.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Staying true to myself and the support of my amazing family and friends. I am in no way “perfect” but I do hold my self to a high standard when it comes to reputation. I have always wanted to be a good influence and role model for my peers and those who are younger than me. I often preach self-love and explain that self-love is simply accepting all that we are, in that moment. Self-love isn’t “I need to reach this goal or be this kind of person right now in order to love myself”. It is, I accept all of me and am willing to work on the things I’m unhappy with and grow the parts of me that I am proud of. This has helped immensely in growing into the woman I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: Boo2bullying.org
• Instagram: Instagram.com/CassieScerbo
• Twitter: Twitter.com/cassiescerbo
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/EEtBAt9JF2s?si=1aP2Fy6imDA5Q-wp

Image Credits
Charles Benoit (pink dress) David Avalos (maroon close-up shot) Isaac Alvarez (close-up, profile shot) Russel Baer (main photo)