Hailey Nicole Ralston is a sixteen-year-old, award-winning actress, ambitious influencer and singer who was born in North Carolina, US. She has started her creative arts career when she was only a toddler. Hailey is widely known for her acting in the films The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Righteous Gemstones and her upcoming roles in Time Girl and The Black Phone. On National Sibling Day, she wants to open up about her sister Brianna who was Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and why it is important to have a sibling bond.
Hello Hailey, and thank you for giving this interview on National Sibling Day! Congratulations on getting the role in “The Black Phone,” tell me about it?
Thank you so much! I recently booked a role in a Blumhouse/Universal pictures horror movie, The Black Phone. It’s an adaptation of a short story by New York Times Best Seller Joe Hill *son of Stephen King*. I had the pleasure of being directed by Scott Derrickson and getting to work with some amazing actors: Ethan Hawke, Jeremy Davies, James Ransone, and Madeleine McGraw (to name a few). I had the best time playing a 6th grader in the 70’s! The release date was just announced to be October 15, 2021! So stay tuned.
It is widely known that you are a strong supporter of many charities that help people, animals, and the world in general. Why did you want to become a charitable person at a very young age?
For as long as I can remember, I have been the type of person that wants to help others and make a difference in the world. I am always striving to be an influential figure and I found that charity work is a great way to play that role. I thank my parents for exposing me to volunteering at such a young age! Whether it’s sorting soup cans or fostering an animal, I feel like i’m doing something good for our world. I really enjoy it and can’t wait to see where it brings me 🙂
Could you tell us about your sister Brianna?
Of course! My older sister, Brianna, is 25 years old. She has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair. Although she has these obstacles, she doesn’t let them get in her way! She LOVES sports! I honestly can’t think of a sport that she hasn’t played/watched and loved. She also loves going to dances, movies, and doing karaoke with her friends.
Can you describe your relationship with Brianna in a few words?
My relationship with Brianna is wholesome, loving, supporting, and meaningful.
What did it feel like to realize that Brianna is not going to get out of a wheelchair and live with a disability?
It’s hard to remember what I was thinking at the time since I was so young. It’s definitely heartbreaking knowing that there are some things that she won’t ever be able to do. But I try not to think of it that way. I prefer to think of all the things that she can do and is learning to do on her own. She is a miracle and I am insanely proud of her!
What did you learn from Brianna to become who you are right now?
Brianna has taught me to be a kind and caring person. She has taught me to be ambitious in everything that I do and never give up. I honestly don’t think I would be where I am acting-wise without her constant encouragement. She has also helped me develop my love for helping others as she does volunteer work with me!
Friends may come and go, however, sisters and brothers last forever. Do you agree with this?
I 100% agree with this. Whenever I can’t rely on my friends, I always have my siblings. I consider Chase & Brianna as my best friends for life. We will always be there for each other no matter what.
Most siblings highlight their weaknesses and ignore good points. Do you think it is because we do not choose them based on attraction?
Well, with siblings you get what you get, lol! You may be completely opposite of your sibling and hate what they like but you still love and cherish them. We all love our siblings and admire their good qualities. But we hide it and bug/embarrass them instead. I have no idea why, It’s just what we do.
What are your favorite things to do together with Brianna and Chase?
We love watching movies, playing games (video games & board games), shopping, crafting, cooking, baking, and going to the beach/mountains.
How do you usually spend National Sibling Day?
To be honest, I don’t think we normally acknowledge it. Now that I’ve done this interview, I will definitely make it a bigger deal so that we can spend the day doing our favorite things together. This National Sibling Day, I’m thinking that we should go see a movie and maybe cook dinner together!
What’s the funniest memory you have with your siblings?
There are so many but one that stands out is when we were in Hilton Head. Me, Chase, and Brianna were in our hotel room getting ready for the beach. Chase was putting water shoes on Brianna while I was scrolling through snapchat. I decided it would be funny if we all played around with the filters. I put one on Brianna and she thought it was the funniest thing in the world. She was laughing for 10 minutes straight. I also thought it would be funny to record her laughing on slomo. This was probably the funniest video I have ever taken. We were all laughing so hard that we were crying. It was definitely a really funny sibling moment.
You have said in the past interviews that your dream role would be playing a superhero. Do you think that maybe you are a young superhero in real life?
I’m not too sure if I am a superhero right now but I definitely aspire to be one. I’m hoping to become a superhero to the special needs community in the near future.
Is there anything I missed out that you would like to add?
I don’t think so 🙂
Lastly, what’s your message for JAMO readers?
I hope everyone is having a great time in this beautiful spring weather! And a huge thank you to my team, friends, family, and supporters! I love you all 🙂
