EXCLUSIVE: Haley Ramm Discusses Upcoming 'Chasing Life' Episode

What is it about the cast of 'Chasing Life' that makes them all so wonderfully nice? The series itself might have something to do with it. It takes more than just anyone to participate in a series that tackles tough subjects like cancer, sexuality, death, work, all kinds of relationships and most recently, abortion. 'Chasing Life' is the little engine that could, the show that is catching everyone by surprise with how witty, smart, honest and touching it is each episode. I have had the lucky opportunity a few times now to chat with the cast of this ABC Family hit, and today I got to catch up again with Haley Ramm (who plays the always interesting Brenna on 'Chasing Life,') about her character's most recent confession and the upcoming episode, "Rest in Peace."

TVRage: I know I was not the only one who was shocked to hear about Brenna’s abortion. How did you feel when you read that in the script, knowing you would be bringing light to such a serious topic?

Haley Ramm: I felt like it was a good fit because it explains why Brenna was the way she was in the beginning. I don’t think a lot of people, myself included, understood why she was how she was. You make these things up in your head as to why the character is going through something that is making her kind of a bitch. It made a lot of sense to me and explained a lot.

TVRage: Greer and Brenna still have a complicated relationship. Where do they go from here? Will they remain friends or do you see a future for them in a relationship?

Ramm: I think Brenna and Greer will always be friends, but their “not just friends” relationship will make a little comeback. They’re in high school and that’s what girls in high school do.

TVRage: I think that will make a lot of fans happy. I have always felt like there is more to be seen from Greer and Brenna’s story.

Ramm: Yeah, and the thing I like the most is that even if they’re not in a romantic relationship they still have a strong friendship because they have been through so much together. That is something that I don’t think will ever change. It’s funny because of how much Brenna hated Greer at the beginning (laughs).

TVRage: Especially with Greer’s recent confession about taking medication. The secrets they shared can hopefully bring them closer again.

Ramm: Yeah definitely. That’s not something you would tell just anyone normally. They are confiding in each other a lot, and holding each other’s secrets, which I think is sweet.

TVRage: Brenna has not always been on the straight and narrow path. Do you think Sara is pushing her too hard about her education and academic future?

Ramm: Sara doesn’t think that Brenna is living up to her full potential, and Brenna does feel pressured by her mom. I think at the same time Brenna is always true to herself, so she is going to end up doing what she wants to do anyway. I think that is the beautiful thing about Brenna, she lives life her own way.

TVRage: One of my favourite things about ‘Chasing Life’ is the chemistry between April and Brenna. You and Italia (Ricci) portray the ‘ins and outs’ of sisterly bonds and relationships wonderfully. What inspiration do you use to make Brenna’s relationships on the show feel so real?

Ramm: I like to just pull from my own experience and having these kinds of real people in my own life who are similar to the characters. Working with Italia is also just really easy (laughs). She walks on to set, we start a scene, and I feel like I really am talking to my sister. That part is not too hard. When I have a scene with Aisha Dee I feel like I am talking to one of my best friends, and Mary Page and Rebecca Schull are like a mom and a grandma to me. It is really easy, it is so family feeling on set.

TVRage: The progress that Brenna has made as a character from the first episode to now is huge. Where do you hope to see Brenna’s storyline go in the future?

Ramm: I hope that Brenna always stays true to herself. I think that she will, that has been her track record so far (laughs). I hope that Brenna takes time for herself, whether she goes on a vacation or goes to a school that is maybe a little different than what her mom would like, but something that is good for her. I think that she is always taking care of everyone and worrying about everyone, whether it is April or Greer, so I think it would be cool for her to focus on herself for a little bit.

TVRage: What can fans expect from Brenna the upcoming episode, “Rest in Peace”?

Ramm: At the end of the episode Brenna will make a pretty big decision that is a very “Brenna” decision about school, so I am looking forward to that.

You can watch the next episode of 'Chasing Life,' "Rest In Peace," on ABC Family March 2nd, 9PM ET/PT. You can follow Haley Ramm on Twitter at @halesbells.