.: Pretty Little Liars - Holly Marie Combs Interview :.

Since its premiere two weeks ago, Pretty Little Liars been top of it’s time-slot, with no indication that the momentum will slow.

This afternoon I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the stars of PLL, Holly Marie Combs. Combs is best known for her roles as Piper Halliwell on the WB’s Charmed, and as Kimberly Brock on Picket Fences.

Holly plays Ella Montgomery, mother of Aria (Lucy Hale) on the new series.

On PLL you play Ella Mongomery. Cool, laid back mother of Aria. Is there more to Ella than what we’ve seen so far?

I believe so but the writers are very secretive. Ella does have some drama coming up with her husband and home life.

Is there anything in particular that you would like to see happen to Ella?

She needs to find her swagger, for sure. I think a lot of women lose themselves to their husbands and kids. And wake up 20 years later and wonder how the years passed so quickly.

That’s so true. Since the birth of your 3rd son Kelley, you’ve been very selective with the projects you’ve chosen. What was it about Ella’s character/the show that made you want to be a part of it?

I can’t be at work everyday. Just can’t with 3 boys. My being does not allow it.

So the size and tone of the part appealed to me as did the possibility of being on a show that was this cool. It was almost a little too cool for me with all the issues involved. But I liked that it dealt with kid’s issues of today. And that they do that with brutal honesty on all fronts.

It is a bit daring and still fun. And If I can be fortunate enough to do 3 shows that resonate with people somehow somewhere…I really couldn’t ask for more.

I was pleasantly surprised by the show, I must say. Wasn’t quite sure how the writers were going to adapt the characters to fit TV. Have you been tuning in to watch the show? And if so, what do you think of it so far?

I do watch every week and I do know they get better every week. We had a lot of info to get out there with about 20 different characters. This season will encompass all 8 books and then we will have more freedom to explore each of the characters.

I was actually curious how they were going to play that out. So next season’s story arc is a blank slate, any ideas on what stories the writers might take on?

Our writers are very good at surprising people even us. There are too many possibilities. I have not read the finale yet but they promised many twists and turns. Which makes me a little nervous. I have no clue what is ahead for my character.

Haha, well, so long as they don’t kill Ella off. Backtracking a little bit… casting you as mother to Lucy Hale can’t have been a coincidence. There is too much of a resemblance. Were you hand picked for the role?

I am not sure how they came up with me. I do know my agent said that I probably wasn’t going to want to do it cuz it was the mom of a 16yr. Then I reminded everyone how young my own mother is. So that part didn’t freak me out a bit. It is my normal. My mom is only 15 yrs older.

I don’t think it’s possible for Hollywood to create a role that you can’t pull off. Is there anything else that you’d like our readers to know?

Just that I appreciate my fans for standing by me through thick and thin. My part may be a little thin for the moment, but I promise to make it up to everyone eventually.

I am a workaholic to the core. But I also will never give my kids to say I was never around enough for them. So once I figure out that formula I’ll tweet u.

Pretty Little Liars has been #1 in its timeslot two weeks in a row. Congratulations on what appears to be another success

Yeah I can’t believe my luck. 3 for 3? They must be killing me off soon.

And thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me.

Thanks.