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Gulf Breeze's Abigail Spencer lands lead on Lifetime series
By Bradley "B.J." Davis, Jr. Splash! Magazine
Abigail Spencer, 1999 Gulf Breeze High School graduate, has recently added a television series to her quickly growing on-screen repertoire. Although the Original Lifetime Channel series "Angela's Eyes," staring Spencer, is still taking its first steps, the 13-week series is already receiving national acclaim.
As Spencer celebrates her 25th birthday on Aug. 4 and her popularity continues to grow, she continues to grow spiritually and emotionally as well.
"Everything I've learned helps me as an actor, no matter in what stage of life," said Spencer. "My upbringing and who I know and who is around me ... the ups, the downs ... every range of emotion you feel, no matter how pleasant or unpleasant, helps me grow and will continue to evolve within me as I continue to experience more in this career."
Growing up, Spencer always held family and faith close to her heart. Her closeknit family and the large crowds that gathered after local stage productions to greet the rising star were indications that she wasn't just another pretty face, but a face and soul people loved and respected. Her career took a quick boost after landing a two-year role as Rebecca on ABC's "All My Children" after graduation. Since then, she's appeared on several shows, including CSI and Gilmore Girls.
In spite of the hustle and bustle of any perceived Hollywood actress, the daughter of Yancy III and Lydia Spencer still seems to be keeping a level head.
"I'm very proud of her and of her personal life," said Spencer's mother Lydia. "It's not easy to maintain an 'everyday life' in show business." Lydia said that when her daughter married Disney executive Andrew Pruett in 2004, the couple continued to live a wholesome life in spite of the Hollywood hype.
"I'm so proud of the way they handle themselves as a young married couple," said Lydia. She adds that one of the great aspects of their marriage is their church attendance despite their busy west coast lifestyle.
As for Spencer's character, Angela Henson, the starlet didn't necessarily see herself taking on the role of a young detective who can tell IF someone is lying just by looking at them.
"There are certain aspects of Angela that I think I wanted to play: strength, hurt, a past, a wisdom beyond her years, a mistrust and the need to save the country, a nevergiving up quality," said Spencer. "Did I ever think I would play an FBI agent on a procedural? Probably not. I just don't see myself as that, but this character and show is a special circumstance where they weren't looking for your 'typical' FBI agent." She adds that although this is another crime fighting genre type of show, she appreciates how the character is multidimensional.
"She's rogue, a wild card and they focus a lot on her journey, family, and personal life which I think is the only way it works for me. I don't think I've brought any attributes of past characters I've played to this role."
Fans of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation know that the forensics teams usually solve a murder, often brutal, and to augment their investigation, showcase a myriad of possible causes of death which are vividly shown on screen. As disturbing as it may be to see actors "perish" in such a manner, much less someone viewers know personally, Spencer said it was definitely a role to remember.
"It was really fun! They have an incredible stunt and effects team on that show. Everyone is so lovely and professional, and obviously they have a good thing going. It was an honor," she said.
According to Spencer, it all boils down to keeping true to herself and remembering the important things in life. For her, some of those things include belief in a higher power and staying out of jail.
When asked of some things she would never compromise throughout her career, Spencer answered, "Well, I wouldn't break any laws, hurt anybody else or compromise my beliefs. And the end of the day, I still have to answer to the Lord, so that comes before anything else."
Even with the accessibility of tenured professionals in the business, Spencer still relies on family to help her with the important decisions.
"My mother and father and mother and father 'in-love' are definitely some of my closest confidants, after my sweet husband of course. There's usually a dialogue between us whenever things come up if there is a question of whether or not I should do something," said Spencer. "Seeking wise counsel is super important, and I'm very fortunate to have a lot of wise loving, caring, grounded individuals in my life."
"Angela's Eyes" airs 9 p.m. (CST) Sundays on Lifetime.
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