Talking to G Hannelius of Dog with a Blog
By Alexandra Heilbron on July 5, 2013 | 126 Comments
Tribute had the opportunity to speak with G Hannelius, the star of the Disney Channel series Dog with a Blog. G (short for Genevieve), began her career in theater in Maine at age seven, and when her mother took her to Los Angeles at age 10 she was quickly cast in a number of projects, including several for the Disney Channel. Small for her age (she’s currently 4’11”), she often plays younger roles, including that of spoiled Dakota Condor on the Disney series Sonny with a Chance. Before she dyed her hair blonde for her current role, G looked very much like a young Natalie Wood. Now at 14, she’s grown up into a beautiful teenager who plays the intelligent and driven Avery Jennings on Dog with a Blog.
I really love your show, it’s so funny.
Hi! Oh thank you so much, it’s nice to talk to you.
How do they animate the dog?
I’m pretty sure they use CGI. I’m not exactly sure, but in the editing process they animate him.
So you say your lines to him and later on, they add the moving lips and so on.
Yes, exactly. And then Stephen Full, who plays the voice of the dog, is offstage reading the lines.
Oh, cool, I wondered how that was done! By the way, your name is interesting, do your friends call you G?
Yes! I mean, basically everyone calls me G. It’s my nickname.
How did you get that nickname?
When I was born, my mom received congratulation letters and they would write “Baby G” and ever since then, I’ve gone by G.
You were really a standout on Sonny with a Chance — when I saw you, I thought you had to be related to Natalie Wood – do you get that comparison a lot?
First of all, thank you and second of all, yes, I get told that all the time (laughs).
Can you see the resemblance yourself?
I do. At first I didn’t know exactly who she was and after I’d gotten so many comments regarding being compared to her, I looked it up and I see the resemblance!
How old were you when you got started in theater?
I think I was seven or eight, and I started doing theater where I’m from, in Maine.
Was it professional or community theater?
A little bit of both. Basically community. I did some plays at my school and then from there I did some community theater at the Children’s Theater of Maine and I actually played Madeline in a play (Madeline’s Rescue, based on the Madeline books), which was a lot of fun for me.
Whose idea was it to get involved in theater?
I’m sure it was a little bit of my mom but mostly me. I’ve kind of always been outgoing and I wanted to try it out.
From there, how did you end up in Los Angeles?
Well, I had done Madeline and a few plays and we were like, “Why don’t we go to Los Angeles for a few months and see what happens? And I went out there and three months turned into five years.
How do you like it there?
I love it, the weather is amazing. I like the weather, it actually overrules everything because Maine is really cold in the winter. It’s nice in the summer.
When you first started and you got a small part on Hannah Montana, had you seen the show? Were you a fan?
Yes, I had, I had been a huge fan of Hannah Montana and I was just excited to get on the show. I didn’t care what my role was, I just wanted to meet Miley Cyrus and be on the show. So that was kind of a dream come true.
And now you’ve got your own Disney Channel show, so that must be amazing.
Yes, it is. I’m very fortunate.
What’s been your favorite role so far?
I’ve done a bunch of roles on Disney, like Sonny with a Chance and Good Luck Charlie, but I think my favorite is Avery, who I play on Dog with a Blog. She’s such a hardworking, ambitious character and that’s a really fun character to play.
What kind of role would you like to play in the future?
Gosh. I think more roles like Avery. I love that hardworking attitude. But I mean, I really admire people like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
What do you like best about filming the show?
I think my favorite part is… it’s really hard. I think it’s coming to work every day and being with the amazing cast and crew is my favorite part but I also love working with the dog. I mean, having the energy of a playful dog on set is a lot of fun.
Do you have any pets at home?
Yes! I actually have two dogs.
What kind of dogs are they?
I have a miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix and I have a Shiba Inu, which is a Japanese dog that looks like a fox. It’s very cute.
I heard you love horseback riding.
Yes, I used to ride more than I do. I basically stopped when we started filming the first season because I just couldn’t find time to fit it in with school and everything but I did love doing it. Now actually, my best friend rides horses and I love to watch her.
What kind of riding did you do, English or Western?
I did English. I tried both, but I like English best.
Another one of your hobbies is doing nail polish tutorials on YouTube, how did you get started with that?
I think it started about a year ago. I had watched tutorials on YouTube and from there, I was like, “I can do that!” And so I started putting up my own and I love art, so putting those two together, and I love editing, so I love doing it. It’s a fun hobby to have.
You do the editing as well?
Yes, I do!
Wow, that’s really cool! I love those tutorials, they’re very inspiring.
Thank you!
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
No, I actually don’t. I kind of consider Francesca, who plays Chloe on the show, my little sister now, because we’ve become so close.
That’s cute! What’s next for you?
Right now we are filming season two of Dog with a Blog, we’re crazy busy doing that. We have a lot of fun new episodes coming up. Avery’s a few years older in this new season, so I think a lot of girls will be able to relate to the problems that she faces. She has boy problems and school problems and friends, so that’s going to be great and also I’m going to be recording a new single. I love writing and singing music. Actually I have five songs on iTunes right now and I’m recording another, so more music.
That’s awesome! Will Avery be singing on the show?
(Laughs) I hope so! She hasn’t yet, but that would be a blast.
Thank you so much for talking to us today and we look forward to seeing more episodes of Dog with a Blog.
That’s great, thank you so much! It was nice talking to you. Bye-bye!
Dog with a Blog airs in Canada on Family Channel. Click here to download G Hannelius’ music on iTunes.
~Alexandra Heilbron
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G bee my girl friend
Hi Avery I’m my name is Caroline I just love you I think you’re very pretty I love your show I wish we can meet and I think we can be best friends
Hey g i wish we meet and i can teach you finnish
Are you in den brother what is your email Genevieve I have a song on The piano that you might like
Hey g can you hear me? I don’t have a twitter or chat,so can we searsly talk
Are you arrives to Rome
Pllllllleease come to Finland in Vantaa please i miss you
G do you have a boyfriend because i love you
hi g. I just want to say you are very lucky to be you. I wish I was you! but can you please tell me how you got your hair like wavy in the episode of dog with a blog freaky fido. (wavy/curly) please. I like to do that kind of stuff to my hair and it would be a great help! thanks.
Hey how do you say your name
G i just wanna no because i love you: are you dating with dog with a blogs wes?
I love you g hannelius so so much
G can i have your phone number
G I just love you your hear is beautiful and I can’t stop thinking about you please call me. In askmefast they say that your number is 03 747 397 03. So call me pleease
How dd u become fam
hey g i really love to do art like u do but can u give me some ideas to draw on my brand new canvas i would love to be u I LOVE U SOME MUCH
How is it to act
Hi is it cool being on Disney? How is it? I hope u enjoy ur day! Also what’s the next show about! Your fan, Em
Please reply
G please reply I have try to find you one year please don’t give up. Please reply
G I always want to meet you or at least talk to you. I really look up to u and I’m only 12. People say your short for your age I am too. Your so pretty, talented and a great singer. Also I love art also nail art infact I just painted them. I hope u have a great day. Ps please reply
hello g my name is marco.
and i have a few questions for you.
1.what kind or music do you listen?
2.how do you spend your time?
3.do you have pets?
so that was the last question
and i hope (if you have time)
that you can answer me.
from marco
ps. i’d really like you’re show.
Hi, can I just call you Avery, or do I call you G.
Will you reply
Are you at school, I am not, I have just wanted to talk to a Disney Cannel star that a liked. You are one of them. But never call me, PLEASE!!!
omggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Hi g my name is Diana do u have Instagram ?
G please IF you see this I really have try to contact you a full year I really love you and if we’re different age still nobody don’t stop us
Hey,you are amazing actress. You are my favorite actress. What are your dogs names and are they females or males or male and female. I wish I can met you one day and I also want to be an actress to that is my life long dream!!!!
Avery you are so cute.
Avery what is your phone number?
wow
Hi miss genevieve hannelius i am one of your biggest fans and i really adore your acting if you could please contact me just reply me and it would mean the world to me if you did reply
Hey G who is your boy friend?
Please be my GF
If not, could u contact me, it would be awesome to hear from u
Hi Alexandra
Hey G Hannelius Are You Singl Because I Really Like You Alot Will You Cyber Date Me If Your Fating Im Cool With It I Just Got…..Never Mind Just Please Answer Love Clay
Hey G! I love your show and i love you! I think you are so funny! I wish we could be great friends. Call me at802-490-8616 and kik me at avande
i like monkeys and skunkies too
Hi g I love your show and I would love to meet u some day but there is one thing that is on my mind can I have your phone number if I can’t that is fine to but it would be awesome to know a a famous person. I love u and all the cast.
hi g. I love how you are very nice and you are my insparation thank you for not going crazy 🙂
hi g i love your show what is wes’s real name.
i love you so much i am your #1 fan i really want to meet you i love soooooooooooooo much
sincerly mary 2
I love your show G and I love stan you are the best actor ever
You are the prettiest actor ever
Genevieve I am crazy about you girl, I hope to be the next big thing in pro cycling and if you know any way to help me that would be awesome! I’m 15 almost 16 please email me!
How did you become famous?? Because you are the best actress I know. How did you do it??
hi
hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi
Hi g call me 8.00 pm
I will make out with all of u.
Realy? Thats so nice
Omg g you are so beautiful and a very talented young woman I’m only 11 and I love to sing it is my passion. You are very lucky that you got to be a star at such a young age I wish I had the chance to show my talent and passion for music.you are also a very talented singer and you have a voice to die for. If I meet you I would probably start crying. I love watching your show. I am actually watching it right now. If you ever get the chance to read this follow me on instagram @aj_got_style so we could have a really conversation
Love
Adriana
how old are you
Hi g do you have a sister I think your the best star ever on disney channel! I love your show dog with.a blog!i
hi g. hannelius i Always look dog with a blog its my favorite serie actually im dutch but you are mij favorite character on dog with a blog and my favorite character in all of Disney channel im your biggest fan and you Always have nice clothes and youre Always funny i would very mouch like to meet you and sorry that i ask but where do you get those cute and cool clothes and sorry that my english is so bad bye bye 😀
sorry i need to ask one more thing please email me back please please please
hey g i have a huge crush on u
you are soooo sexy, can you be my GIRLFRIEND!
you are soooo sexy, can you be my girlfriend!!!
G please i miss you so so much please come to Finland vantaa call me now
my name is Delaynie and I am,a die heart fan I would love to,meet u
Hi my name is Tianna i was wondering how did u get to be an actress i’ve always wanted to become an actress since i was 7!! Any advice you could give me?
I have been watching u in shows for years and I just love your hair. 🙂
Do u like being a actress? Because that’s is what I want to do. Can u help me?
Well I was wondering if you can tell me about your self and if you can you can give me your number so we can chat
Hi G, I just want to say that I love your show, ‘Dog With A Blog’ and I really want to get to know you so can I have your number?
I really, really like you! If you knew my friends they would tell you how much I really like you. 🙂
Hi I like your show and the dog is the fun one in the show
And you like very good in the show
G what is your number please tell me.
G please read this
G.hunnelius I think you are such a good actress and a talented singer your beautiful also.
I am thirteen years old. You are very kind hearted And smart. You have a good personality Also. Please answer me this G.hunnelius do you have a boyfriend? G.hunnelius I honestly think that you are a perfect girl. Your famous and I’m not. Do you even have time for guys that are not famous.I hope that your doing ok in school. I,m now going to tell you about myself. I wear glasses because I,m blind without them. I have blond hair and braces. I am 5 feet tall and 6 inches. I love school. My favorite subject in school is math and p.e. I’m also athletic. My name is Andrew Looper I live in redding C.A. My school is in Palo Sedro.
My school is Crisalis Chartar School. Please reply back G.hunnelius.
Hey G. I love your show dog with a blog! It’s amazing! I am a huge fan, and you are my acting role model! Your biggest fan, Annika
Hey G. I really want to get to know you and I also really like your show.
hey, G
my name is cody , i live in Hurley
wisconsin my hobbys are snow skiing boating fishing
hikeing if you are ever around wis look me up
Hi I have your phone # and your house phone I love u always I like every thing u do. Please reply
I live in alabama in pinson
I want to tell you a secret so when I call please answer
hi,G such a pleasure to write to u.let me tell u about myself; my name is Faithsally, nickname is Petit, a musical kenyan girl.i love art.11 years old. my parents come second after God.and i llllloooovvvee u G.u rock.am sure we can be best buds.
Haas took advantage, beating three-time champion Novak Djokovic in the fourth round of the Sony Open 6-2, 6-4 on Tuesday. The upset snapped Djokovic’s 14-match winning streak at Key Biscayne, where he won the tournament in the past two years.
im a huge fan f you G
tantasalute.it
Hey G. I think you are really just plain amazing i was wondering what is it like to watch yourself on tv. I hope to hear from you. It would be really cool if i did.
Sincerely
Ryan, the best guy ever!!!😜
happy 16th birthday G on 22nd december ,all love in kenya to you. .HAKUNA MATATA.
Hi g call me my number is 2487619645
Hi G,
Love your show dog with a blog and character Avery.
I really want to meet u and u r a great actor.
From Kiaali Keija and Annikkah Follent
P.S. Happy Birthday in 2 days
I love g hannelius, character in Dog with a Blog series! I find her smart,fashionable, and fun-loving kid. I love the way she portray the character as if shes’ just herself. I hop I could see her in big screen project.
Hi g love you so much come over to my house
I really Luv ur personality, I wish we could meet
Here’s my number plsssss call 68749361
G I think your so talented and smart you are pretty as well I like you but we do not half to go all out there and I would alawys treasure you o and im 13 and not ugly girls always tell me im cute but you can be that girl that always tell me that
Hey G I love to watch dog with a blog when I can…u are so lucky to be you. I wish I could meet. You. U are beautiful and wish i can be on Disney im not much a actor. U are lucky to be able to see and meet other Disney stars like Peron list which is also beautiful…..please respond
g i just wanted to say that i have fallen in love with you so please come to new zealand if you can because i somthing that you might want to see
G I love please can we talk to each other
hey g i watch you on dog with the blog
i am your 1 biggest fan i hope we can meet in person
all yall know she aint gone respond
i loooooooovvvvveeeeee
her tho. ive met her shes a brat
in person.=)
Hi G, id really like to talk to u coz i admire u alot even better id really have a dream come true if we did a movie together
As they said I know you probably won’t respond (wish you would) but I am Kiki D app critic I rate apps and have a web site where people recommend apps for me to write my recommendations on and rate! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE respond and let me know of an app your curious about! And if you don’t have one then respond anyways because I totally idolize you and I know a lot of people do but just please G I think your awesome so pretty and very talented infact… I’m watching DOG WITH A BLOG right now it’s the episode with the carnival and your break up with Wes! Thanks for your time!~Kiki D
U r very pretty g
G I was wondering if you could contact me on kik at mommasbabydaddysgirl if you don’t have a kik could you make one please and please if you are not G please don’t text me this message is only for G o and my name is Jaela
Really great fan of urs if u have a kik can u plz contact me as i_is_life if u dont have one can u plz get one P.S u r so pretty and fun i want a friend like u
This is 4 G only and my name is adriana
Hi my name is Karson and live in caribou maine. I’m almost 9 years old and I would really appreciate it if you would respond back to me soon thanks.
Hi my name is simen. You are so pretty
Hi g I lover ur show so much u are my favorite actor I wish I was u and can I have ur kik or ur email I love ur show dog with a blog💝😎😍😜😊😃🙀
what is G’s phone number
Hi g! I am the hugest fan of yours! I wish we could meet but I live in the NJ. My name is Rayne Getch. I had to ask what kind of bottoms do you wear in the summer? Do you wear skirts or jeans or skirts? Thanks please answer me I LOVE you G.
From, Rayne Getch 😀
I’m actually watching dog with a blog. I love it so much! And G your hair was looking great in the episode ” guess who’s president” and your hair even looks great in the one that’s on now. ” Avery schools Tyler “
Hi g?
Wow you are so cute G
Hi g omgggggggg
g hannelius i love you so much i have a crush on u my name is tyler marchetti but my nickname is tdog or bubba i love your name call me @ 541 888 1485 i live in coos bay oregon 97420 im 17 years old and i want to know you better i want to be your bff after we get to know each other better alright g hannelius im part mexican and etc. do u have any brothers or sisters g hannelius
Genevieve, you are very nice and look very pretty. Will you be my friend?
Genevieve, you look very nice. What’s your phone number?
Genevieve, you were born on a Tuesday just like I was.
G, do you like me a little?
G, my phone number is ******. Please call me at 6:00 on Halloween.
Hi g? Missed u xo much. I wanna wish u a happy b-day in 15 days. Love u.
I hope you have a great birthday in 2 weeks.
g i LOVE Dog With A Blog it is really funny and i have a BIG CRUSH on u
and i am only 10 like no heck
Merry Christmas everyone and a happy new year
Wishing you a happy new 17th year in this world full of surprises. Happy new year G.
Hi Genevieve Hannelius I’m a really big fan and here’s my email address. I want to get know u and a big fan of dog with a blog hope u can get my email and just say hi and u remind me of the girl I really like. Hope u can email me very big fan if u can’t well have a very good 2016
Hi what’s your phone number