‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ Xochitl Gomez Discusses Her Similarity to Dawn Schafer and Favorite Storylines

(Last Updated On: July 9, 2020)

Photo Credit by Netflix

Meet Xochitl Gomez who plays Dawn Schafer in Netflix’s reboot of the Baby-Sitters Club. She’s one of the newcomers to the club, as her family just moved to Stonybrook from California. She quickly becomes best friends with Mary Anne, which helps her into the club. Xochitl played the part with layers. It was almost as if the role was made for her. We got to chat with her about how similar she was to her character, her favorite storylines, and more.

 Congrats on your first big TV role. How familiar were you with the “Babysitter’s Club” series before being cast as Dawn on the Netflix series?

I was familiar with the graphic books because they had them at my elementary school, but it wasn’t until they said they’re going to make a TV series that I started to read the novels. I own more than 80 babysitter’s club novels now. I am an actual fan.

How did you feel that they decided to make Dawn a Latina and give her 2 gay dads to stay current with the times?

It’s funny because I didn’t see myself in the books when I first read them since there isn’t a Latina girl, but once I knew they were open to casting Dawn as Latina. I was like,omg!! That’s me! I was always a Dawn.  I never thought it could happen since I don’t have long blonde hair. I was blown away to get the audition.  it was a dream come true.  I love the updates that the writers have made to the show.  The original stories are great, but updating them to reflect some of the different issues kids face today was a great idea.  It makes the characters more personal like they are someone you know.

I loved the books when I was your age. How do you think you are similar or different from Dawn?

I am a lot like Dawn because we’re both from California.  We care about the same things and we are always trying to make things fair. We’re sensitive to people’s feelings and we eat healthy foods, but I’m not a vegetarian. Dawn is much bolder than I am. She challenges people who she disagrees with and gets involved in politics a lot more than I do.  I’m very chill and avoid arguments and I don’t take myself very seriously. I’m definitely the silliest baby-sitter in the cast.

What was your favorite storyline so far? What other storylines do you hope they’ll do if the series continues?

My favorite storyline is the relationship between my mom and Mr. Spier and how Mary Anne and I respond to it. I hope we get to do an episode for Books 30 & 31. Those two are fan favorites about the marriage of Dawn and Mary Anne’s parents and what happens between the step-sisters. There’s so much going on in those two books–so many layers and conflicts.  That’s what really excites me as an actor, getting to play with all those emotions.

What’s your other favorite Netflix show?(assuming BSC IS #1, lol)

I have so many favorite shows on Netflix. It’s really hard to pick, and I like everything from cartoons to thrillers.  Sabrina, Outer Banks, Space Force, and Riding Free are what I’ve watched and loved recently.

What TV show would you like to guest-star on?

As far as a show that I would like to guest star on(that could have a part for me)it’s a tie between One Day At A Time and The Politician.

What are some of your favorite hobbies and how have been spending your time during quarantine?

During the quarantine,  I’ve been making friendship bracelets and watching a bunch of 80’s and 90’s TV series.  It’s very zen to weave and watch TV shows. You should try it! Recently I’ve watched The Wonder Years, Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson’s Creek, Bosom Buddies, and Family Ties. I also redecorated my bedroom and I’ve been baking a lot of pies and working out…because of the pie baking. Haha!

What is the most important message you want to share with your fans/followers?

My message to fans is:  Be kind. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Wear your mask and be safe out there!!

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Xochitl. You can find her on Instagram @ _xochitl.gomez and on Twitter @_xochitl_gomez. Be sure to check her out as Dawn Schafer in Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club streaming now.

The Baby-Sitters Club
Photo Credit by Netflix

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