Atomic Teenage Starlet

Singing, acting and saving the universe: it’s all in a day’s work.

Betty is a typical sweet-natured girl—that is, when she’s not saving the universe as her alter ego Atomic Betty, galactic guardian and defender of the cosmos! Betty is just like any other teen who’s trying to find her way, but when a call comes in from Admiral DeGill, her commander-in-chief, Atomic Betty leaps into action with the aid of her trusty companions Sparky and Robot X-5.

Tajja Isen, the voice and grrl power behind Atomic Betty, may not be a household name yet, but this talented young actress is out to prove she’s going to be a superstar. FASHION18’s Sandra Colburn chatted with the young starlet to get the inside scoop on being a cartoon superhero.

HER ACTING START
I have always been passionate about singing and the arts. I started working with child entertainers Judy and David when I was only six. One day the choreographer said I would make the perfect young Nala in The Lion King and encouraged me to audition. At that point I was only eight and was much too young for the part. The audition set off a spark inside me for acting and I wanted to see where I could go with it. With the support of my family and the help of an agent I landed my first voice-over role as Sister Bear on The Berenstain Bears. Later I re-auditioned for Nala and got the part! And everything just snowballed from there.

AS THE VOICE OF A CARTOON CHARACTER
It is definitely a lot more relaxing to do voice-over than to be in front of the camera—that is what I love about it. There are no rolling cameras, no hair and makeup, no wardrobe; you don’t even have to memorize the script. I also find it very rewarding to see the finished product.

JUST LIKE BETTY
I see many ways in which we are alike. We both have secret lives—she saves the universe and I am an actress—plus we are both smart, close to our friends and are a bit bossy, too.

CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Definitely my iPod!

IPOD ROTATION
I have Green Day, Alicia Keys, The Beatles and John Lennon on current rotation right now. I also just got the new Offspring CD—it is really good, too. As you can see I have a wide range of musical tastes!

IF STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND
I think I would take practical things like a pair of sunglasses, sunblock and chocolate. Of course I would also have to take a piano—a 10-foot grand piano.

FAVE KARAOKE SONG
I haven’t done karaoke in a really long time, but I always like singing to anything by Kelly Clarkson.

FASHION OBSESSION
Stripes: I love anything with stripes.

BEAUTY PRODUCT
Eyeliner!

FASHION MUST-HAVE
Cute little lacy, girlie camisoles.

STYLE ICON
I would have to say Ashlee Simpson. I really like how she takes the rocker look and makes it look cute and girlie!

Sandra Colburn

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