Photo Credit: Sami Drasin

Since the Chasing Life premiere back in 2014, the fans have expressed their love for the rebellious Brenna Carver, a teenaged girl who finds herself with a giant burden– her sister was diagnosed with the C-word… yes, cancer. As if being in high school isn’t already the pits, let’s throw in dealing with a loved one having leukemia for good measure. But despite the tear jerking moments in this show (and believe me there’s a lot!) it’s more than just a glimpse into the terrifying world of cancer.

Haley Ramm, who plays Brenna on the hit ABC Family series has not only won over our brooding teen hearts, (okay, I’m not a teen– but I can still act like it) but she has evolved from a spoiled little brat to a sympathetic ally which is nothing short of a leap from that very first episode. Chasing Life has already been renewed for a Season 2 (woohoo!) and we really can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Carver’s.

In between gasps and sobs (from the uncertainty that April’s cancer might be back) there’s a lot happening in the crazy world of Brenna. Between bisexual love triangles and being meme’d right before her return to high school, this girl has had her share of struggles. And that’s what we love about her, how real this sometimes teen drama queen can be. Ramm was gracious enough to dish about her character, Brenna and Greer’s (Gracie Dzienny) relationship and helping to pave the way for questioning youth.

So let’s get started!

MCKENZIE MORRELL: So how about Brenna Carver, can you tell us about your character on ABC Family’s Chasing Life?

HALEY RAMM: Brenna Carver is the slightly rebellious, kind of angsty when you first met her, younger sister of April, played by Italia Ricci. Throughout the season Brenna has kind of come into her own and matured a little bit more than you thought in the beginning. She’s just a normal high school girl who is trying to figure herself out. I think she’s a girl that a lot of people can relate to, whether they’re in high school and bisexual, figuring out what their sexual identity is, or you’re a grown up and you’ve been through that or are still going through that, because I think that can happen at any age, really.

MM: It seems Brenna has moved out of this dark place she was in at the beginning of the series, and is way more stable. What do you think contributed to this change or evolution, if you will?

HR: The evolution of Brenna really started when she found out that her sister had cancer. I think when you have someone you love who is going through a disease, it makes you not focus on the petty things in life like high school, for example. I think she kind of thought of the greater meaning of life, because her sister’s life is at risk. I think April’s cancer had a lot to do with her maturing and becoming nicer.

MM: April’s cancer is a huge part of Brenna and her family’s lives. They have to deal with uncertainty on a daily basis. How do you go about dealing with difficult things in your life?

HR: I think just having healthy distractions, music, or a hobby. Hiking is a big one for me. When I’m hiking I feel really, (laughs) one with nature! I think being outside and being in nature can help you snap out of it, and get’s you back to the basics a little bit.

MM: Right! It’s good to find a balance in life and have that outlet. So, Brenna and Greer’s relationship has definitely hit a few speed bumps. Can the fans count on a stronger friendship, or perhaps revisiting that romance aspect moving forward?

CL-108-2HR: I think that Brenna and Greer’s romantic relationship isn’t finished yet. I think just two girls being in high school and you kind of naturally want to rebel and you’re trying to be an adult because you almost are an adult. So, I think that she thinks she can handle it and she knows what she’s doing, even though her family is really protective over her. As families do- I remember my family being protective of me when I was dating someone questionable… (laughs)

MM: We’ve all been there!

HR: But there is more to come from Greer and Brenna. But now they have a bond, since they’ve shared secrets that they both have and they confided in each other. So I think, no matter what happens, they will always be friends.

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