
'Pretty Little Liars' alum Lucy Hale could have led a double life as Hannah Montana. Her audition stories offer a fascinating glimpse into her climb in the entertainment industry.
- Mar 16, 2025
AceShowbiz - Lucy Hale, a household name to fans of "Pretty Little Liars," could have had a very different career trajectory. In a recent interview, she unveiled the surprising roles she auditioned for, which include some iconic characters that shaped the 2000s.
Participating in Buzzfeed's "The Puppy Interview" for her latest film "F*** Marry Kill", Hale delved into the roles she didn't get, including "Pitch Perfect," "Hairspray," "Fifty Shades of Grey," and notably, "Hannah Montana."
Reflecting on the audition that took place when she was just 14 years old and still residing in Tennessee, Hale revealed, "It was the audition that made me want to be an actress. I remember that vividly, it was very cool."
Although the titular Hannah Montana role eventually went to Miley Cyrus, making her a global sensation, Hale's passion for acting was solidified through the experience. She shared, "For every 'yes' to an audition, there's like a lineup of 200 that you heard a 'no' for, so I should probably go back in journals and look at all the things I've auditioned for."
Hale's journey into the acting world began with her first role on the Nickelodeon sitcom "Drake and Josh" at 15, where she portrayed one of Drake's dates. "I was very nervous. In the scene, he's like, 'What's your name?' And I go, 'Hazel!' And he goes, 'Like the nut?' And I go, 'uh-huh!' And that's it. Groundbreaking. My career skyrocketed since then, so, it's all because of that," she joked.
Even though she didn't land the "Hannah Montana" role, Hale's audition laid the foundation for her successful career in Hollywood. She reminisced about growing up in the industry, noting how she spent nearly 20 years in Los Angeles navigating the highs and lows of auditions and rejections.
In addition to her audition tales, Hale touched upon her enduring friendships with the "Pretty Little Liars" cast. "We do have a big group chat with the whole cast of PLL," Hale said. "We've been toying around with the idea the last couple years of having a big reunion."
Now with her new film "F*** Marry Kill", Hale continues to diversify her acting portfolio, illustrating her unwavering dedication to her craft. Her journey reminds aspiring actors that every audition, whether successful or not, contributes to growth and discovery in the entertainment world.