Grace Kaufman Is More Freaked Out About Her First Kiss Than Fame

Being a 14-year-old girl is hard, or at least that’s what I seem to remember, although to be completely honest, now that I’m 27 my early teenage years are all kind of a blur. I seem to remember a lot of gossiping, a lot of insecurity, and a lot of teachers trying to get me to pay attention about unimportant things like math and geography.

Consequently, I was kind of nervous to talk to Grace Kaufman, a 14-year-old who’s currently staring in “Man With a Plan” on CBS.

What would we talk about? Would she think I was cool? Would she made fun of me for being so old? Would she use slang that I’d have to pretend to understand and then feverishly look up later?

Luckily for me, Grace is a lot nicer than I remember 14-year-olds being when I was growing up.

Have you always wanted to be an actor?

I have always wanted to be an actor. I think it runs in the family. Both of my parents are actors and I’ve always had a passion for it since I was little.

That’s good! You’re on a TV show right now with Matt LeBlanc. Have you seen “Friends” yet?

I have and I freaked out! When I first met him, I almost said “Joey!” I’ve gotten to know him better and he’s just an awesome guy. I don’t freak out anymore. He plays my dad so now he’s very much like a dad to me.

Do you think if Joey was your age that you guys would be friends?

I think so! I feel like I can relate to Joey. He’s definitely my favorite character on Friends

Now on your show, you play a difficult daughter. Is that accurate?

Yeah, that’s pretty accurate. She can be sassy and quite rebellious.

What kind of stuff does she get in trouble for?

 Overall, just average teenager stuff. Smarting off to my parents. 

Are you addicted to your phone like your character in real life?

I think so. It’s a habit I am trying to break myself out of, but it’s kind of impossible because I have to check my Instagram and Snapchat.

Preach, girl. When did you get your first phone?

I was 11 when I got my first phone and it was [an Apple] 5c. The yellow one.

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Do you think that celebrities are good at Snapchat or do you think they’re more boring than regular people?

I don’t think so at all. I think celebrities are really fun on Snapchat. I follow all kinds of celebrities on Snapchat. I get so excited when they post something too! I’m like, “Oh! Yay! This person posted something today.” I’ll see them Snapchatting an event or other times just chilling because they are just normal people.

Who are your favorite celebs to follow?

Well, right now I’ve really been into the show Stranger Things on Netflix and I’m following all the kids on there. I think they’re all so talented! I know they’re on their hiatus, but I love One Direction, too. I follow all of them.

Oh my goooood, I love them too! Okay, serious question then: Do you think One Direction is actually just on a hiatus, or do you think they’re secretly dunzo? 

I don’t know. I love their music and I want them to come back, but like, they did work really hard. They said in an interview that they spent 5 years touring around so I can totally understand why they would want to take a break. I’d be really sad if they don’t come back though.  

Who’s your favorite?

My favorite is Niall.

Really? Why?

There’s something different about him. I love his accent! He’s talented, has a beautiful voice, and just has a fun personality.

He is pretty adorable. What’s the biggest assumption people make of you because of your age?

I’d have to say being on my phone a lot. It is a struggle I’m really trying to break out of. I really want to overcome that so I can manage my time better and focus more on my education. [People] assume that I don’t care much about my education because I’m on my phone and I find that stereotypical. 

How famous do you want to be?

I think fame is amazing and cool to have, but I personally am focusing on the work itself and wherever it takes me is a bonus. I love to do what I do. The fans are a bonus to it. It’s amazing and I’m happy with what I’m doing. I just want to focus on that like the work itself.

What’s one thing you could never see yourself doing?

This is so random, but I could never see myself being an airplane pilot. OMG, it’s so random but I have this thing with airplanes. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fine to travel on, but you know when pilots say, “you wanna come in the cockpit?” I always get so nervous. I don’t know why! I don’t think I could ever be a pilot.

Wait, why do you get so nervous?

The fact that a pilot is steering a plane in the air with nothing else around them in the sky. Just the thought of it gives me anxiety. It sounds cool, but I couldn’t do it.

Have you had your first kiss yet?

I have had my first kiss, but it was for a movie so I don’t know if that counts. 

What’s the movie?

The movie is called “Brave New Jersey.” The relationship between [our characters] was more like friends. It’s the scene where we’re both behind this barn and it just kind of happens.

Were you excited about it? 

I don’t know. I think when the right person comes I will be excited. I am kind of nervous because it’s just nerve wracking thinking about it. It’s always those questions in your mind like, “Am I doing it right? What will they think? Oh, no! Will I be a nervous wreck?” I think when the right person comes along though hopefully, I won’t be too nervous.

Do you see yourself making the first move or would you like to be the one who gets approached?

I wouldn’t want to be the person to make the first move because I would be so nervous. I don’t know. I would be too scared of not knowing if I’m doing it right. Like, what if something happens? I always think like that. I’d probably be the person who would just wait for it to happen.

What’s one teenage milestone you’re really looking forward to?

I have some freedom now – my mom will drop me off at the mall and I can hang out with my friends, but I’m excited to hopefully get a car, go places, and meet up with my friends. So, I think definitely getting a car.

That’s a good one. Do you have a specific car in mind?

Honestly, I don’t care what car I get. My friends and I have been talking about a Range Rover. It’s a really big car and my mom said, “You can’t drive that! OMG!” 

Is there anything you’d like for readers to know?

Well, I actually got this question a while back in an interview asking, “What would you say to kids who want to pursue acting or kids who are in the business. Any tips?” At the time I wasn’t sure what to say, but it has been on my mind lately. I think personally from the experience I had is that to be comfortable where you are and remain confident. Wherever you’re going make sure to be confident and prepared. Honestly, anyone can do anything with confidence.

How do you manage to stay confident when you may not be feeling it that day?

I surround myself with good energy and try to think positive. If you stay kind, open-hearted, and open-minded I think that anything is possible and the confidence will come to you.

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