Elizabeth “Liz” Gillies visited Hofstra University on March 26 for an evening of discussion led by current Hofstra students Camryn Bowden, senior journalism and political science double major, and Lindsey Lolkema, senior public relations and strategic communication major.
Gillies shared her best memories and advice about the entertainment industry after having a lead role in Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” starring in the show “Dynasty” and performing on Broadway as Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
“I think patience is a big thing I remember a lot – it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Gillies said. “That applies to everything. Get very cozy and comfortable with rejection, in any field but particularly this field because it’s so constant.”
Taylor Maultz, the associate director of Student Leadership and Engagement, described the planning that took place in organizing this event.
“For the past three years, the spring semester has featured a comedy show as a staple of campus programming,” Maultz said. “This year, our office set out to offer something new and different for the student body by introducing a live speaker event. To gauge student interest, a poll was conducted on Instagram featuring a shortlist of potential guests. [Gillies] quickly emerged as the overwhelming favorite.”
Hofstra students gathered in the John Cranford Adams Playhouse, excited to meet the person who influenced their childhood and shaped their sense of humor.
Angelina Letellier, a freshman journalism major, was standing in line before doors opened. She was accompanied by her friends who had arrived two hours prior to the event.
“I love [Gillies]; I think she is an amazing performer,” Letellier said. “I’ve loved her since I was a kid, so it’s awesome to see her come to my college. I think this is totally cool how Hofstra is able to have big artists and celebrities come, especially after Big Sean.”
In the show “Victorious,” Gillies played Jade West, whose deadpan lines and reactions always guaranteed a laugh, but the most important part of her character was her strong will to be herself and diverge from normalcy.
“[Jade] was kind of a pioneer for all that is [alternative] or all that is weird and different in a really proud, cool way,” Gillies said. “Go do your thing, be yourself, dye your hair, get tattoos, be moody, leave the group, go do something different, be an artist.”
Bowden was given the opportunity to co-host the event. Bowden highlighted how thrilling the experience was for both her and Lolkema.
“It was such an exciting thing for us.” Bowden said. “I think [Lolkema] and I were both kind of in the same camp in that we were like, ‘This is such an awesome thing to cap off our [undergraduate] experience.’ We’re nearing graduation, obviously things are starting to pick up. This was a super cool opportunity to be offered and it was great that we were able to do it together.”
Gillies spoke about how her live on-stage experience with “Little Shop of Horrors” on Broadway differed from her roles in television.
“I love live performing and think it’s my true love,” Gillies said. “It’s terrifying and thrilling, and the reaction is instant, so you know if you passed or failed in the moment whether they boo or they cheer. I think there’s nothing quite like it in the world.”
Liz Pearce, a freshman political science and French double major, commented on the relevance of getting notable celebrities who are willing to share their wisdom with students or perform their talents.
“I think it’s really cool that Hofstra pulled a big name for the students because I think it’s a really good way to get participation in school-wide events and get students excited about being on campus,” Pearce said.
Gillies highlighted the importance of keeping her life as normal as possible despite her fame in the entertainment industry. To Gillies, staying grounded is essential to her routine.
“I think it’s important to not get lost on your phone and [in] all of the extreme negativity in the news of the world every day,” Gillies said. “Give yourself a little education hour and then find something tactical to do with your hands, draw or take walks. I think recovery time, mentally and for your soul and spirit, has become more important than ever right now.”
