Riverdale's "Young Betty" Dissects the Series' Darkness
The CW’s Riverdale has earned itself a cult following, with mysteries of the Black Hood, the Gargoyle King, and Jughead Jones’ sudden death (spoiler alert: he’s not really dead) that have kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the past four seasons. At the center of the madness is core four Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa), and Jughead Jones (“Cole Sprouse”), who must band together with the help of supporting characters to fight the darkness that looms over their town. Cooper has a particularly intriguing plotline: since the first season, the star student and newspaper editor-in-chief has hinted at a darker persona, as exemplified by violent tendencies in her youth (in Chapter Sixty-Two: “Witness for the Prosecution,” viewers are transported into a flashback where she used a rock to kill her family pet). Below, Hannah Bos, the actress who plays Young Betty, provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like working on the hit drama series.
What was the audition process like for Riverdale? How did you prepare for it?
I’d watched a couple of seasons of the show beforehand, and I also knew it was a very popular TV series. Rocko’s Family Diner is in my town (aka Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe from Riverdale), and everyone wants to go there. When it first opened, I got to visit it right away with my best friend, and we tried the classic milkshakes. So, understandably, I was super excited when I received my audition for Young Betty! I knew exactly who Betty was, and I was so grateful that my agents got me the audition. I immediately emailed my acting coach, and we went over the scene. I remember us thinking that I look like a Young Betty or, of course, a young version of the talented Lili Reinhart. For the audition, I wore a floral summer top with overall shorts and put my hair up in the iconic ponytail. When I walked into the waiting room, I saw that it was filled with girls ready and waiting to audition for Young Betty just like me. After my name was called, I went into the room, did my scene, and left feeling great about my audition and how much fun it was.
Where were you and how did you react when you found out you were cast as Young Betty?
It was the best day ever! I will never forget the day I learned I booked the role, as it was on my 11th birthday. I was out shopping with my mom and sister at the mall when my mom got the email. As she read it, I jumped up and down, did a happy dance, and screamed. I thought I was in a dream and just couldn’t believe it. We also had to go for a wardrobe fitting the same day. They learned it was my birthday when I arrived, so everyone was so welcoming and excited for me. They even surprised me with birthday gifts! It’s a birthday that I’ll never forget.
How did you tap into your character on set?
Putting on my Young Betty wardrobe and getting my hair put into the ponytail with the classic Betty curls makes me feel so much like Betty. I review my script in the trailer, and once I’m on set, the setting and environment help my character come alive. It’s so much fun, and I love every minute of it.
What is it like working with Lili Reinhart?
Amazing! I’m very grateful to work alongside Lili. Everything about her is wonderful. She’s so kind and sweet. She makes me laugh during the scenes and always makes me feel comfortable. Lili is so talented and beautiful, and she’s such a great inspiration and role model. I love every minute on set with her.
What is your favorite part about being on set?
Meeting the cast. Everyone is so welcoming, and as soon as cast members see me, they stop to say hello. The cast and crew are so nice and make me feel right at home. Also, getting to see all the different Riverdale sets is so neat, and actually getting to sit in the Coopers’ house is the best.
Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments you can share?
Everyone called me Hannah at first, but as filming went on, I started to get the nickname, “Little Lili.” Everyone can’t believe how much I look like a young Lili Reinhart!
What’s something you’d like to see happen on the show that hasn’t already?
Each season and episode of Riverdale, something new seems to happen, and we all keep guessing what comes next. I have no idea what I’d like to see happen, but I know that the talented writers will always create and write something that will keep us hooked.
This or That:
Betty or Veronica? Betty.
Archie or Jughead? Jughead.
Cheryl or Toni? Cheryl.
Chocolate or strawberry milkshake? Chocolate milkshake.
Serpents or ghoulies? Serpents.
Follow Hannah on Social Media:
Instagram: @hannah_hany_bos
Twitter: @hannah_hany_bos