If you’ve been tuning into Fox’s newest comedy series The Grinder every week, you already know Hana Hayes.
The actress plays Fred Savage’s on-screen daughter on the show that’s all about sibling rivalry and family bonds.
The series stars Rob Lowe as Dean Sanderson, an actor who played a lawyer on TV. He returns to his small-town home to join his brother’s real-life law firm after his Hollywood career comes to an end. Savage plays Lowe’s on-screen brother Stewart and their feuding relationship provides audiences plenty of entertainment.
Hayes says the minute she saw the pilot, she knew the show would be a hit.
“I think this show is really funny but it’s also really endearing,” the actress tells Guideposts.org. “It’s a very wholesome family comedy and there are not that many of those out right now.”
Hayes admits she identifies with her character Lizzie, an oddball who’s often witness to the playful bickering that goes on between her uncle and father.
“I get to play up my quirkiness a lot when I’m Lizze,” Hayes shares. “But I love that she’s so different. I feel like I’m the same way.”
The chemistry between the two leads is what’s garnered the show so much praise this season and Hayes reveals her co-stars bond off camera is just as funny.
“Their relationship is just really sweet,” she says of Savage and Lowe. “They’re always laughing and talking, hanging out on set together, coming into my trailer and saying ‘You have to see this new thing!’”
The pair also make it difficult for the actress to hold it together take after take.
“They improve so much, I can’t contain myself,” Hayes admits. “I feel like, if you bite the inside of your cheek – which is kind of a tell-tale sign that you are going to laugh – it helps.”
When Hayes isn’t busy filming the show or throwing around guest-star ideas – Carol Burnett and Zac Efron have a place on her dream list – she’s on social media interacting with fans. The young actress has used her platform to help those struggling in their own lives.
“Some people come to me when they’re having a hard time,” Hayes explains. “Even though I don’t really know them, it seems like my advice means a lot. If you can make somebody’s day by just responding to a message on Instagram, I feel like that’s really important.”
