From the noir-pop world of Riverdale to a high-prestige drama on AMC, Ava Marie Telek is in the middle of what she calls a "transformative" chapter. She's spent nearly two decades in the industry, yet she still approaches every character, like Jamison in The Audacity, with the deep curiosity of a designer.

It's a role that's deeply personal, exploring the hurdles of teenhood without the usual Hollywood polish. Having shared sets with industry icons since she was seven, Telek carries the poise of a veteran while maintaining the raw empathy required to tell Jamison's story. With an early Season 2 renewal putting her back into production soon, she remains focused on the power of the 'internal dialogue' and the importance of being kinder to the bodies we live in.

She operates with a rare precision, treating the camera lens with the same scrutiny as a digital canvas while navigating the high-stakes energy of an "Awards push" set. For Telek, this chapter isn't just about a premiere, it's about the deliberate evolution of an artist who isn't afraid to dive into the darker, more complex corners of the human experience

Dress by HELSA
Earrings by JENNIFER FISHER

How did you find the voice of your character in The Audacity, and what was the energy like on a set with that kind of creative background?

Finding the voice for a character like Jamison really takes deep thought into what her life looked like for the past 17 years. When I started to think about the things that weren't written down on the page and created a backstory for her, that's when I immediately started to create an internal dialogue for the character. It really helped me connect and play her the way I thought she should be portrayed. Being on a set with such talented creatives pushed me to work as hard as I possibly could. The energy was honestly so inspiring, especially seeing how hardworking everyone was.

Your character deals with body issues and the hurdles of being a teen. How do you approach those more vulnerable scenes, and what do you hope young viewers take away from seeing those struggles portrayed so honestly?

Playing a character with so many body image issues was so very personal to me. As a teenage girl myself, I could relate to so many of her internal issues and insecurities. I thought that the way Jonathan wrote this character was so incredible, as it doesn't glamorize being a teenage girl; it's realistic, and I think that's what's so unique about our show. I hope that other teenage girls around the world see Jamison and her relationship with food and can see they are not alone. Many of us deal with our own internal bullies, and we need to be kinder to ourselves and how we treat our bodies.

**Left:**
Dress by HELSA
Shoes by Steve Madden
Jewelry by FALLON JEWELRY
**Right:**
Vintage Faux Leather Biker dress

If you could steal one item from Jamison's closet for your own personal wardrobe, what would it be, and why?

Jamison and I have very different styles; however, there were definitely a few items I was tempted to take home after we wrapped. I was a big fan of her skirts and jeans, and I was an even bigger fan of the way they fit me thanks to our amazing wardrobe team. I think I may have to sneak a few with me after Season 2 wraps. I would really love to dive deeper into where Jamison's insecurities stem from. We see that her mother is a big part of how she is feeling with all of the pressure she puts onto Jamison, but I would like to look in deeper and find out if there's more to that.

From the noir-pop world of Riverdale to the sci-fi of Freaks and now a major AMC drama, do you find yourself naturally gravitating toward darker, more complex stories?

Yes, I have always gravitated to more complex characters as I find their backstories so interesting. I have the best time coming up with my own stories of what they are feeling and why they are feeling that way, and I feel with these darker, more complex projects, it's easier to do so. I also have so much fun with them, and what better network to take that on than AMC!

Having grown up in the industry, how do you find time to decompress and stay grounded when you aren't filming?

I find it very casy to find time to decompress. Working on a show that has such a big ensemble cast is also super helpful for that too, as it gives you much more off-time to do whatever it is you need to do to decompress. For me, that's walking and exercise; it really helps clear my mind, as well as helping with my focus!

You've been a working actor in Canada since age seven. What was the biggest culture shock moving from that world into a high-prestige, "Awards push" AMC series like The Audacity?

The people I am working with are probably the biggest shock. I have the pleasure of working alongside such well-respected actors and creatives that I have looked up to for my entire career so far, and the amount of them being a part of one show is still mind-blowing to me. I am also just so honored that I am a part of that said show!

You're being labeled as a major "fresh face" for this series. If you had to describe this chapter of your career in one word, other than audacious, what would it be?

Transformative is the word I would use. It feels that everything I have worked for my whole life is really taking shape right now, and I can't wait to see where it takes me!

**Left:**
Dress by Alexander Wang
Shoes by Steve Madden
Sunglasses by BRANDON BLACKWOOD
**Right:**
Jewelry by Stylist’s Own
Tweed Top + Skirt by Lovers and Friends

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Ava Marie Telek
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Raz Martinez
Makeup: Mai Quynh
Photo Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Assistant Fashion Stylists: Hannah Atira, Brennan McMillen
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Lily Kalbasz, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: FD Studios

Beyond the Fresh Face: The Evolution of Ava Marie Telek