Shay Mitchell Opens Up About Having Her First Critics & Being Smart Enough To Ignore Them All

When Pretty Little Liars first started back in 2010, Shay Mitchell was met with a lot of critics.

Speaking to Gotham magazine recently, the actress opened up about how she handled it, and how she rose above it all.

“The criticism started when I first went into the PLL role and [the critics said], ‘Oh, she doesn’t look anything like the character. The character is supposed to have red hair, a fair complexion, and freckles; she looks nothing like that,’” Shay remembered.

“I thought, ‘All right, that was the girl next door, and I’m the new version of the girl next door.’ The world is a melting pot now. It’s no longer the typical American girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. That didn’t stop me for one second from wanting to go in and give it a try.”

Shay says that while she didn’t give the critics’ opinions any kind of thought and it worked out for her.

“I still wanted to give them my best take on who I thought this character was; and had I stopped at that physical description this character was known for, then I wouldn’t be here right now,” she says.

“It’s all about taking chances and stepping out of your comfort zone. About not taking no for an answer and continuing to fight for what you want. If we don’t, then we can’t complain about staying stagnant.”

Amen, Shay!