At this early stage in her career, actress Celestina Harris, 13, has already shared the screen with accomplished performers such as Academy Award winner Zoe Saldaña (Lioness) and Emmy Award nominee Mandy Moore (Dr. Death).
Now, the 8th grader and San Antonio native stars in her own TV series, Doozie’s Doghouse, which premieres on Netflix next week. A spinoff of the popular program Gabby’s Dollhouse, the show follows Doozie (Harris), Gabby’s younger sister, as she embarks — no pun intended — on a series of adventures in her own dog-themed playhouse.
In a recent interview with the Current, Harris discussed the lessons Doozie’s Doghouse teaches young viewers and revealed which superstar actress she hopes to work with someday.
The last time we spoke, you mentioned wanting to do more animation voice work. Since then, you have landed several roles, including the title character in Doozie’s Doghouse. Did you ever imagine you could speak that ambition into existence?
I definitely imagined it. Right after the audition [for Doozie’s Doghouse], I built a home studio for voiceover auditions. I worked and worked, and bookings started rolling in. I’m just so blessed and happy to have all these opportunities.
A home recording studio sounds really cool.
Yeah, it was definitely a process. A lot of people tell me that my voiceover booth is really neat. It just made sense to build one instead of having to go all the way to another studio and pay to record there. Whenever I have an audition, I always do it there.
How did you land the role for Doozie’s Doghouse?
I auditioned and prepared and booked it. For Doozie, it was a much longer process — about five months. We started with a normal audition, and then we had a producer session and a callback with the director. Then, we had an in-person audition where I flew out to L.A.
I read that your little brother was a big fan of Gabby’s Dollhouse before you landed your show. What was it like telling him that you’re going to be part of that universe?
He was so excited! I was already excited, and he brought even more energy to me. Whenever I was doing character research, we were watching it together, and his eyes just lit up. I was like, “Wow, this is a way bigger franchise than I could ever imagine!” I imagined all the other kids and their eyes lighting up, too. It was a really heartwarming experience.
What do you think shows like Gabby’s Dollhouse and Doozie’s Doghouse teach kids?
Kids absorb the growth mindset of Gabby’s Dollhouse and the imaginative mindset in Doozie’s Doghouse. It really helps them learn from their mistakes. I feel like all the activities that we do, the crafts we make and adventures we have with the kids bring them a lot of joy. Doozie is so playful and energetic. She definitely has that puppy energy.
Speaking of puppies, Doozie is a dog lover who is entering a world that has traditionally been dominated by cats. Do you love dogs, too?
I love dogs so very much! I love all animals, but I definitely have a little soft spot for dogs. I think a show like Doozie’s Doghouse shows kids that even though we’re all different, we can still play together and have fun and make friends.
When we first spoke three years ago, you had already appeared in Dr. Death and Lioness. How much has changed for you as an actress since then? Do you feel more confident walking onto a set?
I still get butterflies, but it’s more excited butterflies than nervous butterflies. I feel like I overcome my nerves by preparing. Whenever you’re nervous, it’s because you feel unprepared. Realizing that has helped me grow even more on set and become a better actress in general.
How do you balance school, friendships and the things you enjoy doing outside of acting with the demands of working in the entertainment industry?
I have a lot of hobbies. Every chance I get, I try to do them. I love volleyball, hanging out with my friends and arts and crafts. Every single chance I get to do the things I love, I immediately do them. I just try to keep my childhood as alive as possible. I’m trying out for the volleyball team next year.
Last time we spoke, you mentioned wanting to work with Jenna Ortega. Are there still particular actors, directors or projects on your wish list?
This may be obvious, but who wouldn’t want to work with Zendaya? She is such a role model as a Black girl playing roles from the Disney [Channel] to Spider-Man to Dune. She’s such an influence to me. I wouldn’t mind working with Tom Holland as well!
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