Kyla Pratt: "I would love to write a children's book series"

We all have our own ideas of what a time machine would look like, and more importantly, what we would go back and alter if we had access to one.

Not for Kyla Pratt: "If I could change one thing about my career? Well, I wouldn’t. Everything that has happened, has been for a reason. It’s why I am where I am now, and still guiding me to where I will be."

That is a solid mantra to live by.

Best known for voicing the lead character Penny Proud in Disney Channel’s animated series The Proud Family, to UPN's One On One, to the iconic Dr Dolittle franchise, Pratt is an inspiration to people around the world – hence her two million followers on Instagram. 

We caught up with Pratt to discuss her life and style.

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited for?

I am very excited about everything I have in the works right now. But upcoming, as in hasn’t been released yet, I would have to say the reboot of 'The Proud Family Louder and Prouder' coming out sometime this year on Disney Plus.

I have loved being a part of this cartoon since I was a teenager and the fact that I get to play Penny Proud again is amazing to me. For years people have been asking us to bring it back and from what we have recorded so far, I think people will think it was worth the wait.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

I would say allowing myself to grow and learn behind the scenes and not not letting doubt take over. I am working on writing, producing and directing in the near future.

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

If I could change one thing, I wouldn’t. Everything that has happened in my career has been for a reason. It’s why I am where I am now and still guiding me to where I will be.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

I would love to write a children’s book series.

Outside of your family, who is/was your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration, outside of my family, would have to be other actresses whose careers I have followed for years that continue to shine on the screen, behind the scenes, and just their energy overall. 

Three examples would be Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, and Angela Bassett.

Tell us something nobody knows about you...

Something nobody knows, hmmmmm, if I wasn’t an actress I would be a lawyer.

Style

What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?

My favourite item of clothing would have to be workout pants. I literally wear workout clothes any day I'm not filming. They are so comfortable and I can start stretching randomly if I feel the need.

If I had to choose one pair, it would be the high-waisted all black ballerina style ones from Fabletics.

Favourite accessory, and why is it special to you?

My favourite accessory would have to be Dad hats! I wear them every chance I get, mostly so I don’t have to do my hair!

What items do you take on holiday and why?

I have to bring comfortable body fitting sun dresses. Usually to lounge around in. A great pair of comfy jeans and comfortable shoes! No one wants to be on holiday with someone whose feet hurt.

Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?

Not really. I keep a lot of things that make me happy and I will wear them literally until it needs to be thrown away. I'm talking unwearable, so, by the time I throw something away, I am emotionally ready to let go.

What’s next on your shopping list?

Hopefully shoes. I've been trying to behave myself online shopping while being in the house these past few months telling myself “Don’t buy those shoes! You aren’t going anywhere!"

What would you buy if money was no object?

An island. I could get away whenever I want, with whomever I want, with no interruption from the outside world. This island would have to be special though with various tropical trees that provides exotic fruits.

Catch The Proud Family on Disney +