Olivia Holt: 'I evolved as an actress' during my Disney days

Olivia Holt poses at We Day California in Inglewood, California, April 7, 2016. (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES- – At just 19-years-old Olivia Holt has already starred in two Disney Channel shows and a movie and isn’t slowing down or letting her Disney image hold her back. In fact, she thanks Disney for transforming her into the young lady she is today.

Fox News: Has it been weird growing up on a kids show?
Olivia Holt: I think it was the perfect time for me to be doing that. I worked with Disney for six years. I started with them when I was 12-years-old….and what else would I be doing in the industry at 12-years-old? Being in a kids show... taught me so much about who I am as an individual, and I learned a lot through the writing and different directors that came in, and I evolved as an actress and human being, and I really created a circle of friends who helped shape me who I am today. And that was something that was really important to me as a kid whether I recognized it or not and now I can look back and really appreciate those moments.

Fox News: Many former Disney stars make headlines for going a bit wild after they leave the network, like Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan. Why do you think that happens?
Holt: I feel like people who kind of go through that is just because they have been working all their teenage years and never got to experience what it was like being at an actual school, or going to prom, or going to parties... it’s interesting. I feel like I have gotten a little bit of a taste of what that feels like I think [that]. It all just depends on your mindset and what you feel in that moment. And for me, I love working. I would rather be busy than not. I think it’s OK to have those times and be a kid and be normal and be 19, 20, 21 or however old you are when you come out of that world; people need life experience and I think that’s what really shapes them into who they are as people.

Fox News: How do you stay grounded?
Holt: I think it’s a combination of my friends, my family, the people in my life who I surround myself with, whether that be who I work with or my neighbors. Doing regular things and not just working all the time, as much as I love the work I do, it’s nice to take a break and really have perspective on things and go on road trips or go hiking or travel. It keeps me alive and curious.

Fox News: You’re a 19 year old but your fans from your TV roles are probably a bit younger. Are you mindful about what you post on social media?
Holt: I think it definitely keeps me in good shape. I am a total goof-ball. There is nothing about me that I wouldn’t want anyone to know but there is a part of me that I do want to keep private and personal just because that is what’s going to keep me sane in the long run — making sure people don’t know my every move. I kinda want to be unpredictable. With the younger fans I feel it’s important me to keep a grounded head and good image. It really keeps me on my toes and I feel even prouder of the person that I am and it makes me want to be a better person because of that.

Fox News: What is next for you with your music? What can we expect?
Holt: [I'm] just currently in the studio working on some more songs and writing and just creating and experimenting, which is the best part of that, and just making everything come together and alive. I’m really looking forward to that and putting out an EP. Definitely some cool collaborations in the works, I know a lot of people have been asking about that. I’m excited, it’s been a good year so far.

Fox News: On March 9th you participated in the 11th annual Stars and Strikes celebrity bowling event, raising over $1,000,000 for various youth programs in South Central Los Angeles over the years. How was it to be involved with the program?
Holt: [It] was a lot of fun. We all got together, a huge group of people whether that be friends or family of people who live in the area or fans…everyone showed up to show their support for this awesome thing that is happening in L.A. I think it’s really incredible we got to come together and have a good time and eat pizza and bowl.