How Lucy Hale avoided getting 'sucked into' Hollywood: 'It really is about your circle' (Exclusive)

Lucy Hale credits those around her for keeping her grounded.

The former "Pretty Little Liars" actress, 29, has been in the public for nearly 15 years since becoming one of the winners on the one-season "American Idol" spinoff, "American Juniors," avoiding the fate of many other child stars navigating their way into adulthood in the public eye. Hale has never had any sort of public scandal and, as she told AOL during a recent interview, she's been able to do so as a result of who she spends her time with.

"It really is about your circle. This industry is just so bizarre. I can see how people get sucked into it, and you really just have to have that core group of people that not only humbles you, but also watches out for you," Hale told us exclusively. "Like, 'Maybe you shouldn’t do that or maybe you should do more of this.' I’ve just been really lucky with the people that have landed in my life."

Hale also considers herself to be an open book, but made sure to note that, just because she doesn't do anything overtly controversial, she doesn't consider herself to be a goody two shoes, either.

"I’m also really open about my life, and I wear my heart on my sleeve," she explained. "I’m not trying to be this squeaky-clean person that has never done anything wrong."

Perhaps that's why the actress has strayed toward darker material since her days as the star of "PLL." Following 2018's Blumhouse horror, "Truth or Dare," Hale will be filming "Fantasy Island," another film that puts her back in the horror genre.

"I love that genre," she said. "Obviously 'PLL' had undertones of that, but I do like the dark, edgy stuff. I did just finish a rom-com, though, so I do switch it up and lighten the mood sometimes."

In addition to throwing herself head-first into film roles, Hale is also making sure to take the time to give back -- while also encouraging her millions of fans to do so, as well. In partnership with Honey Nut Cheerios, Hale is competing against Michael B. Jordan and Rob Gronkowski to raise money for her charity of choice, the ASPCA, through the Good Rewards program.

"I really liked this program because it’s so simple," Hale said of the collaboration. "I know that people, especially millennials and people my age, are always looking for ways to give back and don’t know how. There’s too much to choose from. So, just find something that resonates. I used to feel like I had to do everything, but it didn’t feel authentic. And now it just feels real and not like a job. People believe you, and they want to help."