Challen Cates plays Jennifer Knight, Kendall’s mom, in the Nickelodeon’s series “Big Time Rush”. I had the chance to interview her about her role, working with the Big Time Rush guys and the “Big Time Movie”.

In the show, Challen’s character travels from the snowy Midwest to sunny Los Angeles with her son (Kendall) and daughter to help her son and their friends pursue their music career. She definitely must be one of the coolest TV moms around!

Interview with Challen Cates of “Big Time Rush”

modoration: How did you land the role of Jennifer Knight in Big Time Rush?
Challen: I auditioned for the part with casting director, Geralyn Flood. She had already auditioned me for another popular kid show but this time I got it!

modOration: How did you find out the role was yours?
Challen: My agent called me with the good news. Of course, at the time I had no idea what a big hit the show would turn out to be.

modOration: What’s it like working with the Big Time Rush guys?
Challen: Fun! Fun! Fun! There is never a dull moment. They are all really amazing people and I just enjoy being around them.

modOration: When you are out and about, do fans recognize you as the mom from the show?
Challen: Yes. I get a lot of “Hey Mamma Knight”!

modOration: Are you currently filming season 3? If so, what can we expect from the new season?
Challen: We will begin filming season 3 in April. The band has become incredibly popular which has changed their lives and it also affects the rest of the characters. Season 3 will have us all navigating those changes.

modOration: Out of the episodes that have already aired, which one is your favorite – the most memorable?
Challen: Well… Big Time Moms is near and dear to my heart. And Big Time Beach Party was just plain fun to shoot.

Big Time Moms

modOration: Let’s talk about the movie “Big Time Movie”. What’s it about and what can you tell me about it, without giving away too much of course!

Challen: Big Time Movie was a great experience. The movie feels a bit different from the show. All of our story lines are more intricate so that was nice. And the movie looks more cinematic.

modOration: Since you play the guys’ mom on TV, do you find yourself playing the mom role with them off set as well?
Challen: I try to be more of a friend than a mom to the guys. They all have great parents in real life. I think that because Ciara (Katie) is a bit younger I do feel more motherly with her.

modOration: Are there any other projects you are working on that you can tell us about?
Challen: I am developing a few scripts which I hope to turn into independent films.

modOration: What advice would you give parents whose kids want to pursue acting as a career?
Challen: Be absolutely certain that this is the career that you want to pursue. It is not always glamorous and fun. It takes an incredible amount of hard work, persistence, dedication and resilience.

modOration: What advice would you give kids who want to pursue acting as a career?
Challen: Try not to be focused on becoming a “Star.” Loving what you do can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Enjoy the ride!

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Thank you Challen!