'BH90210' star Natalie Sharp finds her character to be an exciting new challenge: 'Anna has inspired me to reveal my fire'
August 7 saw the premiere of BH90210, the long-awaited reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210.
The reboot saw the original cast of Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Gabrielle Carteris - except late actor Luke Perry reuniting to play heightened and fictionalized versions of themselves in the series. However, apart from the returning cast, the series has a slew of guest appearances and recurring roles. One recurring role among them is by Natalie Sharp who plays the role of Anna. Anna is a successful, millennial TV writer who is involved with the dynamic set of 90210, both professionally and personally.
Sharp is a Canadian actress, singer, and songwriter hailing from Vancouver. She began her career by playing guest appearances in famed TV series like CW’s 'Supernatural', and later appearing on the hit shows 'Motive', 'You Me Her', and 'Loudermilk'.
In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Sharp spoke about Anna, the similarities and difference between her and her character and how it was to work alongside the OG cast. Right at the start, she tells us that Anna is here to shake things up in the six-episode series. Sharp said, "Anna definitely shakes things up. She is the new, young head writer for the reboot 90210. She is confident, spunky, witty, and bold. When it comes to twists…stay tuned to find out."
Talking about her character and how it stacks up against the other characters she's portrayed over the years, Sharp said, "It is completely different from my previous roles! I have played the girl next door, high school jock, comedic relief, diva, edgy rebellious college student… etc. She is the first character I have played that is a professional, but also the first time that my character is older than me! She is definitely a new exciting challenge, and I love that I get to tackle her with such a stellar cast!"
However, she also mentioned that she feels she and Anna are very similar. "Honestly, Anna and I are very similar! We are both extremely sarcastic, witty, and passionate! She is a go-getter and definitely loves to challenge the norm. I, on the other hand, am a total people pleaser, so smiling and nodding is a tactic for me. Anna has inspired me to reveal my fire."
Sharp was also full of praise for the BH90210 cast. "They are all incredible. They are so smart, funny, and sincere, and they truly are a family. It is special to be working in a room with all of them together, and see all of that history come to life. It was definitely a little overwhelming at first because it felt like La La land! Like this Vancouver girl was getting a taste of Hollywood. I feel so lucky to be welcomed into their world!"
Sharp also shared that fans are going to love the reboot because of the shocking and nostalgic elements in the series. Talking more about the plot she said, "What I love about this show is that it is so meta. It follows the original cast, playing a heightened version of themselves, wanting to reboot the series! They shed light on things that happened in their lives during, and after the show. Fans get a little inside scoop! This show has the laughs, the shock factor, the nostalgia, and it has the heart. I think fans are going love it."
Sharing some of the fun behind-the-scene moments that happened during the show, Sharp revealed, "There was one day where Ian and I were working together, and there was a bottle of bright yellow candies on set. It was part of the set decorations, and they honestly looked really yummy! Well, Ian popped one in his mouth …and immediately started freaking out. Because I was laughing at his complete struggle, he made me try the candy, and let’s just say this… I have never tasted something so sour in my entire life."
Sharp also worked alongside Oscar winners Helen Hunt and Willian Hurt in the famed series 'Miracle'. Talking about working with them, Sharp revealed that it was incredible. "Working with both Helen and William was an incredible experience. They are true experts of the craft, and it is exhilarating to watch them do their thing! Helen is like a mentor to me. I definitely look up to her, and try to see her every time I am in LA. They are beautiful, humble people with the warmest hearts. I am grateful to have been able to work alongside them!"
With BH90210 already in her kitty, Sharp also has a couple of other interesting projects lined up. She shared: "Currently I am shooting a movie called “The Babysitter.” Who do I play? You guessed it-Cassie, The Babysitter! Super fun thriller. My brother and I also collaborated on his first feature film called “Wired Shut,” where I am also the lead, and it’s also a thriller; One location, three characters, and a crew made up of our college friends (Loyola Marymount University) I play “Emmy,” a super edgy girl with a dark past. It is expected to hit the festivals in 2020."