Debby Ryan

I'm definitely careful. I'm not reckless or stupid, but that's how I was raised, to not be stupid or immature in as far as trying to grow up too quickly or putting forward a certain image that isn't me.

I want in 40 years to still be acting and to more than anything have longevity and not just be this huge flash in the pan and then disappear.

T.V. acting is a great skill to have, and it's nice to have that stability.

With 'Suite Life,' I had three years to sit a little bit on the back burner and learn with less pressure.

Think new thoughts. Grab life with both hands, take opportunities you have, & create the ones you need.

Have an anchor so that life doesn't toss you around.

I was raised to volunteer: nursing homes, clinics, church nurseries, school, everywhere that could use help. It's such an intrinsic part of me, to use my life to help improve the quality of others.

Acting and the industry of making movies is beautiful, but it's so exhausting and such hard work; if you don't absolutely 100% want to do something, it defeats the purpose.

I wouldn't do the music thing if it weren't for my brother, who's a producer. He understands me and helps my vision come to life.

Before the whole Disney realm had undergone this huge revamping, as a kid, I always saw myself doing these dramatic indie parts. And then I fell in love with doing comedy and doing kid shows and really working for kids.

I went through a few phases of finding myself: I dabbled in musical theater, chess club, dance troupe, splatter-painting, school mascot (go Wildcats), babysitter, photojournalist, drill team girl, emo kid - and not one of them defined me, but every single one will always play a part in who I am.

I think what's great about your community is that it's different than anyone else's. Look around. What do you want to change? What needs to be built, or what's valuable and needs to be maintained? Is it the people? Local animals? Your parks or gardens? Hospitals?