Pretty Little Liars' Keegan Allen Talks Shocking Summer Finale (JJ Spotlight of the Week)

Keegan Allen suits up on his motorcycle in this exclusive photo for Just Jared’s Spotlight of the Week!

The 24-year-old actor currently stars as the loveable yet brooding Toby on Pretty Little Liars, which just aired its shocking summer finale, becoming the No. 1 tweeted episode in TV history.

“Toby is and has always been an emotional character and it’s a heavy storyline with a dark past,” Keegan told JJ. “I just keep his life real and honest, and rely on the amazing writers to guide my choices.”

Keegan is also busy working on a debut album, and will star in James Franco‘s upcoming bio-drama Bukowski, which tells the story of writer Charles Bukowski‘s formative years.

Click inside to read our exclusive interview with Keegan Allen…

JustJared: Let’s talk about Pretty Little Liars first because people are still talking about the big “A” reveal. How surprised were you to learn that – SPOILER ALERT – Ezra may be behind the “A” team? Do you think that was more or less shocking than the Toby A-team reveal?

Keegan Allen: I was shocked. I couldn’t tell you if it was more shocking then when Toby was revealed. I think that’s a question for the viewer.

JJ: Toby and Spencer have such a beloved fan base, but they have been on the rocks lately. What can you tell us about their relationship going forward?

KA: This relationship has always been up and down but they really love each other. I’m pleased that Troian [Bellisario] and I have created an on-screen romance that causes fans to go into a deep dark emotional hole when they fight and triumphant yells of victory when they make up. For now I can say that Toby is still tortured by his past and I hope that true love will prevail.

JJ: We keep getting hints that Toby’s mom is still alive. What can you tease about that? Is Toby really done searching for answers?

KA: That’s really a question for the writers. I know he keeps searching for answers and it all comes to a shocking conclusion.

JJ: What was your favorite scene to film this season and why?

KA: It’s hard to narrow it down and pin one favorite scene but when Toby visits Dr. Palmer in Saratoga Gardens. Nick Tate is a great actor to work with and full of surprises.

JJ: What can you tell us about your role in Bukowski? And what was it like working with James Franco as a director?

KA: James is a tremendously talented and engaging director. His vision of the film would please Charles Bukowski – it was a thrill to play Jimmy and travel back in time. I prefer that period of time to the present. We were very well dressed, very dapper. James unlocked a lot of creativity in the cast and told a great story with Adam Rager.

JJ: You’re working on your debut album. What can you tell us about it and when can we expect that to drop?

KA: I am working on it currently. I was hoping for an earlier release, but I’m thinking it will be sometime next year.

JJ: Who are some of your favorite artists right now?

KA: Marina Abramović has my full attention.

(Editor’s note: Lady Gaga also mentioned Marina in our exclusive interview with her!)

JJ: You’re also an avid photographer. When did you start getting more into that? And where do you find your inspiration?

KA: When I was about 11 years old my father gave me a camera. It’s a hobby that became more public because of my involvement in social media. But I always carry a camera on me to capture moments. I’m constantly inspired by artists of the past and peers in the present. Photography is important to me because it keeps me IN the moment. As an artist/actor that is very important in the work. Life goes by so fast and eventually everything is a memory or a photograph, but photographs are immortal.

PHOTO SHOOT CREDITS (PICTURES BELOW) �”�”

Picture # 1
Tie: Title of Work
Shirt & Trousers: Reiss
Shoes: John Varvatos

Pictures #2 & #4
Tie: Title of Work
Shirt – Diesel Black Gold
Suit: Paul & Joe

Picture #3
Suit & Shirt: Reiss
Shoes: John Varvatos

Picture #5
Suit: John Varvatos
Shirt: Dolce & Gabbana
Shoes: Tom Ford

Producer: Jared Eng (@JaredEng)
Photographer: Justin Campbell (@JustJustinNYC)
Stylist: Avo Yermagyan (@AvoYermagyan)
Grooming: Melissa Adelaide (@MelissaAdelaide)
Interviewer: Sharon Tharp (@sharontharp)