In Her Campus’s series Next Question, we rapid-fire interview talent Gen Z loves about what it’s like to rule over pop culture. This month, actress Abby James Witherspoon is in the hot seat to answer our burning questions.
Abby James Witherspoon isn’t limiting herself to just one career path. Between acting, studying film production, creating content online, and interning this summer, the Loyola Marymount University student (and, yes, Reese Witherspoon’s niece) is embracing every opportunity to learn more about the entertainment world. “I’m still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do in the industry,” Witherspoon tells Her Campus in an exclusive interview. “I love acting, and I’m still auditioning. But I’m also very interested in the producing side of things. I’m really just trying, at this time in my life, [to dip] my toes in every single aspect of the industry.”
Witherspoon has been in front of the camera since she was a kid, landing her first acting role at age 9 as the younger version of aunt Reese in Hot Pursuit. “When I did that, I just knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” she says. But being on screen isn’t necessarily the end goal. “I’ve been able to work on sets as a production assistant, and I just finished up a job where I was a wardrobe assistant. Every single different job I do on set, I learn so much, and I get a little glimpse into whether or not that would be something that I would want to do.”
Witherspoon has learned a lot from her aunt, but the biggest lesson she took away from Reese wasn’t actually about acting. “She told me from a very young age, whether you’re on set, whether you’re at an internship, whether you’re at your first job, it is so important to try to know every single person’s name in the room and get to know them as quickly as possible, because it immediately creates that personal connection between you and the other person, and it makes people feel welcomed and valued,” she says. “And I’ve tried to take that into everything I do.”
Witherspoon will be taking that mindset overseas this fall. The LMU student plans to study abroad in Germany through her film program, where she’ll take film production classes and create her first documentary. The opportunity initially intimidated her, but now, she looks forward to stepping into someone else’s world and telling their story. “I am in the phase of life right now where I’m just trying to do everything that scares me, because those are always the things in life that I look back on and I’m so glad that I took those opportunities,” she says.
Whether she’s unwinding with her skin care, practicing yoga, going on walks, or unplugging from social media, Witherspoon says making time for self-care has become seriously important as she manages her busy schedule. Witherspoon has also spent the summer interning at ERLY after discovering the skin care brand as campus ambassador. “I take my skin care very, very seriously at the end of the night — especially after long days on set or long days at school,” Witherspoon says. “Once I started using their products, I just fell in love.” She’s especially a fan of the brand’s Face Foam and Daily Splash Hydrating Serum.Â
Going into her junior year with some experience under her belt, Witherspoon has some advice for her younger self, and others looking to follow her path. “Keep going. When I was [going into freshman year of high school] where I hadn’t really booked anything and I had been auditioning so much, I was like, I want this so bad,” she says. “Trust your instinct and just follow your passion. And while you’re young, why not keep going?”
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What’s one beauty or skin care product you can’t travel without?
ERLY Daily Splash.
What’s on your “everything shower” playlist, or your go-to artist?
Noah Kahn.
What’s your favorite way to treat yourself after wrapping a project?
A massage, but a deep massage. I literally bought one yesterday. A foot massage.
What’s the last sound you have saved on your TikTok?
 It’s called “Valley River Song” by Ellery Harper, who I am friends with. It’s so good.
Who’s Your Dream co-star?
This is a hard one! Maybe one of my cousins, Deacon or Ava Phillippe.
What’s one thing always in your backpack?
Pens.
What’s One self-care habit you never skip?
A nice, hot shower.
What’s your Favorite comfort TV show?
The Middle. I recently got back into it, and it’s really good.