Sunset Boulevard’s Grace Hodgett Young Watches Reality TV Before Showtime

Grace Hodgett Young’s early 20s have unfolded like one giant highlight reel. By the time she was 21, she’d made her West End debut in the revival of Sunset Boulevard. The following year, she scored an Olivier Award nomination (the British equivalent of a Tony) for her role in the musical. But the biggest pinch-me moment of Young’s career so far? Meeting Whoopi Goldberg.

“I could have screamed in her face. I did Sister Act the musical twice [growing up] in Nottingham and I’m such a big fan of all the films,” Young tells Bustle of meeting her hero during the Broadway run of Sunset, which opened in October. “I went straight in for a hug. I was like, ‘We’re not doing a handshake here.’”

While it might seem like the 22-year-old’s ascent from being a theater student to hobnobbing with acting legends happened overnight, Young has been working toward this goal since she was 9 years old. “I remember the first showcase I did was ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from Hairspray. I wore this bright pink outfit and I had my favorite leggings on. I’ll never forget that,” says the British actor. But as set as she was on pursuing a career onstage, those around her were less certain. “I had a lot of teachers tell me not to audition for drama schools because they didn’t think I’d get in,” she says, “and that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to afford it.”

Not only did Young prove them wrong by earning a full ride to the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, but before she even graduated she scored the role of Betty Schaefer, a would-be screenwriter and romantic foil to Nicole Scherzinger’s Norma Desmond. And though Young hasn’t quite had the time to process the whirlwind experience, like a consummate Gen Zer, she’s posting through it. “I’m doing quite a few TikToks at the moment because I think it will be really cool to look back in however many years and be like, ‘Wow, I did that at 22!?’” Young says.

Below, Young reflects on coloring books, visiting the Statue of Liberty, and Selling Sunset.

On warming up with spicy television:

I often watch reality shows like Made in Chelsea or The Only Way Is Essex because I don’t feel the need to hype myself up [to go on stage] because it’s not a jazz hands musical. One [American reality TV show] that I love that I’ve watched already in the UK is Selling Sunset. I need to try more.

On coloring her way through intermission:

If I’m being honest, I’m usually on my phone, but I’m trying to read more. I’m also getting into coloring. I’ve bought loads of coloring books and felt-tip pens so I’m trying to do less on my phone. I also brought my Kindle with me and I’m reading a really good book called The List.

On the tea she can’t perform without:

If you’ve seen the show, you know I’m basically naked in it. So I always have my dressing gown, slippers, and my tea with honey — Throat Coat, which is the main tea that I use in the UK. Thankfully you guys have it here, so I’ve been buying that.

On her New York City bucket list:

I had four days when I first flew out before I started rehearsal, so me and my brother did a tour boat and we got to go past the Statue of Liberty and see loads of cool things. Now that we’re not in previews and we’re not rehearsing anymore, I really want to get out of my house in the day and explore a bit more. I’ve got lists and lists on my phone of things that I want to do — it’s just actually getting out and doing them.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.