She plays the girl who’s everyone’s friend. Andrea’s genuine smile helps anybody feel comfortable — including Jake. We talked with the real girl behind the character. She’s nice, too.

Q. What was it like being in TO SAVE A LIFE?
  A. Working on To Save A Life was a wonderful experience, magical really. The community really came together to make this film happen. The number of volunteers and people putting in incredibly long hours out of the kindness of their hearts was really touching. It showed how important it was to everyone involved that this movie get out there. Working with the other actors and spending time with them in the beautiful beach town of Oceanside was so special. I know that I have made some life long friends. The experience was really life-changing.

Q. Tell us about your character.
  A. I am so honored to have played Andrea, who I see as such a positive light and nurturing character. She isn’t afraid to be herself, wear what she wants, live life how she wants to. She had a difficult past and found a way to get through it to become the amazing person she is.

Q. What was your favorite scene?
  A. I love Andrea and Jonny’s date. Not only was it such a fun scene to shoot and I got lots of yummy ice cream, but the audience gets to learn a little more about Andrea. She may seem like just a happy-go-lucky girl on the surface, but there’s so much more to her. Plus, Sean [who plays Jonny] and I got the giggles.

Q. The movie deals with some serious themes, including relationships, family breakdown, suicide, cutting, teen alcohol abuse, and faith? Did you connect personally with any of them?
  A. I feel like so many of these issues have to do with a young person being comfortable in his or her own skin, having self confidence, and a strong support system. It’s not easy. I was very lucky to have grown up in a loving household. Sometimes a teenager just needs another person to be paying attention, to care.

Q. Are you involved with any groups?
   A. I am a supporter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and participate in their events and community walks.

Kim Hidalgo’s previous credits include Ball Don’t Lie (2008) and Jimmy Kimmel Live (2007).

Meet the Cast