Paulet Del Castillo, a North Texas high school freshman, appears in ABC’s new sitcom “Mixed-ish” and is excited about her role. 

“Mixed-ish” is based on the story of Rainbow Johnson, who recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ’80s, and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves. Paulet plays Rainbow’s childhood friend, Micaela.

When and why did you want to take up acting? 

I wanted to become an actress because I have always been very expressive and never shy. I was seven when I first started acting. My first acting role was an orphan in a musical production of “Oliver.”

What do you like about acting?

My favorite thing is the ability to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. I like everything about acting and wouldn’t change a thing.

Tell us how you landed the role of Micaela in “Mixed-ish.”

It all started when my agent in LA sent me the audition to tape and sent it in. I then got told that there was a producer’s session in California, but they knew I was out of town so they allowed me to tape that one too. That very same day I was told to film another scene and not too long after that they let me know I got the part… When they let me know I got the part I felt speechless. I just kept thinking, “Is this really happening?”

Is your character, Micaela, anything like Paulet in real life? 

I think we both are a bit quirky and share a little bit too much information from time to time.

How do you prepare for your character on “Mixed-ish?” 

I memorize my lines then I  run my lines with the actors on set and the dialogue coach comes and helps us out. I just always remind myself to relax and have fun.

What do you hope the future has in store for you?

I would really love to do it all. From comedy to drama to tv shows and movies.

What would be your ideal role to play? 

I would love to play characters of all types and expand on my acting abilities. Any new role is always a challenge and a new opportunity to express myself in so many ways

Name one fun thing people would not know about you. 

Every time I get miked on set, I always have the battery pack on my left leg.

Who is your favorite actor? 

There are so many it’s so hard to choose! Anyone from “The Office” or “Fresh Off the Boat” would make it on my list.

What would you say to other kids who want to act?

I would make sure they knew that to become an actor, rejection is part of the job but it helps you become more resilient. A lot of times actors get a lot more no’s than yes’s, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong and it makes the victory that much sweeter. The key is perseverance and, at one point in your life, you will be in the right place at the right time in front of the right project.

If you could not act, what would you be doing or want to do? 

I would want to become a lawyer or pediatric surgeon. I still plan to finish my  education in one of these majors.

“Mixed-ish” is on Tuesday nights, 9/8c. Paulet appears again in episode 11 which airs January 7, 2020

Cover photo courtesy ABC/Jessica Brooks