Actor Appreciation

Ashley was born in Louisville, KY but was raised in Orlando, FL as Ashley Drane. At the age 12, Ashley played (the real-life disability advocate) Helen Keller in a community-theater production of The Miracle Worker. In her early years, she performed on stage as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Mary Tilford in The Children's Hour. She then became one of the hosts for Sea World's Shamu TV, airing on the Discovery Channel for three seasons. 

Launched in 1997, Ashley was named the National Spokesperson for the TRUTH anti-tobacco campaign. She starred in the first two commercials and was featured on Good Morning America. 

Ashley starred in the Independent Feature Ancient Warriors, starring Daniel Baldwin and Franco Colombo, in which she filmed in Sardinia, Italy for six weeks.

After she moved to LA, she played Admiral Chegwidden's goddaughter, Lisa Rossbach, on the military-justice drama series JAG. Then, in 2002, she played Jan Brady in the TV-movie The Brady Bunch in the White House.

She had a recurring role on the Disney Channel sitcom That's So Raven as Muffy, who was part of Alana's posse. She also played a small role as Alicia in the film Sydney White and Ms. Cole in the film Alice Upside Down (both 2007).

Originating the role in 2008, Ashley has loaned her voice to the former Jedi Padawan, Ahsoka Tano. She has portrayed the character in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Ahsoka is stubborn, reckless and impulsive, while also loyal, generous, and kind-hearted. She has become a fan-favorite and an amazing role model for young fans. 

Affectionately known as "Snips" by her former Master Anakin Skywalker, she was given her nickname during the battle of Christophsis. Her and Anakin have a relationship akin to siblings. This dynamic between these two characters was an important part of the heart of the series. Viewers are able to see the similarities between these two characters, growing attach to them, and ultimately (spoilers!) are heartbroken by the tragedy of Anakin turning to the dark side.

In Ashley's Words, "Ahsoka has become a beacon of hope, light and genuine goodness... It’s my wish that Ahsoka continues to bring people joy, light and most importantly hope. This is the way of Ahsoka Tano."

This digital series on StarWarsKids.com and the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel teaches lessons based on the ways of the Jedi. These explore topics such as mental wellness, including breathing techniques, grounding oneself, and facing fears. Not only are Jedi skilled fighters, they also learn how to understand their emotions. With these lessons, children are able to learn the ways of the Jedi and practice it in their lives to have a healthier relationship with their emotions.

Ashley has noted her interest began with her sister, who struggled with issues of anxiety. From her own struggles with mental health, she "use[s] mindfulness techniques of meditation and deep breathing to help me in my daily life”. Whenever she can, she celebrates fans who share their experiences with mental health and illness with her. She is always supportive of her fans and champions the notion that mental health is not a taboo topic and should be talked more freely.