Amanda Bynes has been immensely popular with the ‘tween and teen crowds since she started acting at age 10 in Nickelodeon’s “All That.”

She has remained a favourite through the years, starring on programs like “The Amanda Show,” “Rugrats” and “What I Like About You” and movies including “Big Fat Liar” and “She’s the Man.”

But Bynes, 20, has her sights set on larger roles, starting with “Hairspray,” which begins shooting in Toronto next month.

“I think I’ve been lucky enough to have a long career for someone who’s only 20,” she says. “I never wanted to be the ‘it girl.’ I just wanted to be the classy girl who does a good job and makes people laugh. I hope that I can continue working because it’s super fun.”

When she’s not preparing to play Penny in “Hairspray” ? which will also star John Travolta and Queen Latifah ? Bynes loves checking out the gossip blog PerezHilton.com.

In fact, she has become close friends with Hilton.

“I love him. Who doesn’t love Perez? He’s become a dear friend,” she says.

“He’s right on about everything and has the best sense of humour. He always finds the funniest things.”

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