Daniella Monet Says a ‘Wave of Emotion Hit Me’ Upon Returning to “Hollywood Arts” After 5-Year Acting Hiatus (Exclusive)

**Daniella Monet Returns to Hollywood Arts in Exciting Spin-off**

Daniella Monet is back on screen as Trina Vega in the highly anticipated spin-off series, ‘Hollywood Arts’, which premiered on October 15 on Netflix. Monet, now 37, initially captured hearts as the comically ambitious sister of Tori Vega in Nickelodeon’s popular show ‘Victorious’ nearly sixteen years ago.

This new series follows Trina as she navigates her career as a struggling actress while taking on an unexpected role as a substitute teacher at her former school, Hollywood Arts. After the retirement of the beloved acting instructor, Sikowitz, played by Eric Lange, Trina steps in to lead a class filled with exceptionally gifted students. Monet reflects on her emotional return to the stage, stating, “I will never forget walking onto the stage for the first time and just feeling this wave of emotion hit me.” She conveys her surprise and joy as she finds herself surrounded by a talented new cast experiencing the world of Hollywood Arts for the first time.

The series is not just a trip down memory lane for Monet but also a new beginning after a five-year hiatus from acting. In 2019, she decided to take a step back to focus on her two children, Gio and Ivry, and support her husband, Andrew Gardner. When approached by writer Jake Farrow, who previously worked on ‘Victorious’, Monet was initially surprised by the idea of returning to the acting scene. However, once she assessed the script’s potential, her enthusiasm grew. “It felt very familiar, but still very fresh,” she remarked about her excitement to be back in the role.

Despite the long gap since she last played Trina, Monet found it remarkably easy to reconnect with the character. She described an audition chemistry read where the essence of Trina returned effortlessly. “I went, ‘Oh, yeah. Okay. Here we are,’” she recalled, signifying a seamless transition back into the role.

As an executive producer on the show, Monet has been instrumental in preserving Trina’s unique qualities while allowing her character to evolve. “I really wanted to keep Trina, Trina,” she emphasised, keen on maintaining the character’s unapologetic nature and comedic flair. However, Trina’s experiences over the years will also be showcased, providing a new depth to her role as a mentor to her students.

Monet particularly relishes the freedom her character permits her in terms of comedy. “With Trina, I can play, and that makes my job so much more fun,” she commented. Trina’s boldness in tackling various situations makes for both humorous and thought-provoking moments throughout the series.

Fans of ‘Victorious’ can expect a balance of nostalgia and innovation in ‘Hollywood Arts’. Monet hints at familiar faces making appearances while promising a fresh and elevated take on the comedy genre. “Expect something that feels like something you know, but also be excited for what’s to come,” she advised, creating anticipation for both old and new viewers.

The first 13 episodes of ‘Hollywood Arts’ are now available for streaming on Netflix, with more episodes set to follow. As viewers dive into this vibrant world, they can expect a delightful blend of laughter, heart, and the unique essence that made ‘Victorious’ a staple in teen entertainment. Daniella Monet’s return as Trina Vega is indeed a highlight, showcasing her enduring connection to a character that has left a lasting impact on fans over the years.