IN CHARACTER WITH ... Hayley Orrantia
‘The Goldbergs’ star goes back in time to play an ’ 80s teen
You may not know Hayley Orrantia by name, but there’s a good chance you’ve seen her picture on a billboard around town. The up-andcoming young actress, 19, plays 17-year-old Erica Goldberg on ABC’s new show, “The Goldbergs,” a comedy co-starring Jeff Garlin and narrated by Patton Oswalt. The series, set to premiere Sept. 24, follows a loving but dysfunctional family living in the ’ 80s. “I feel like everyone can connect with the show,” Orrantia says. “It’s a comedy, so we’re all jokesters.”
Flashback: “I obviously didn’t grow up in the ’ 80s, but my parents did. They told me what fashion was like, and what they did for fun. The fashion was very different, but I feel like it’s coming back again. I see some stretch pants, and I saw scrunchies at American Apparel. Let’s hope the hair doesn’t come back!”
Role call: “My character is the oldest child, and the only daughter. She’s really tough. She loves to harass her younger brother, and doesn’t have time for her middle brother. There are some episodes based on my parents and me, and moments where my dad and I get into it. It’s really funny.”
Setting the scene: “The house is completely decked out in ’ 80s wallpaper. My room has a lot of Bon Jovi posters and troll dolls. It’s a really good vibe. We always goof around.”
Road to Hollywood: “I’m a singer first and foremost. That’s what I have been doing since I was 9. I was told that I couldn’t make it in music that young if I didn’t have a platform, so I started to act. I hated it at first — I couldn’t get my head around it. But the more I took classes, the more I liked it.”
“The Goldbergs” premieres at 8 p.m. Sept. 24 on ABC..