The medical comedy Scrubs always made us laugh out loud. Sometimes way too loud! (Just ask the rest of our family!)

Last season, the show introduced us to a brand new set of bumbling interns, ready to roam the halls of Sacred Heart with the likes of JD and Turk. One of our favorites? The happy-go-lucky, squeaky-clean (not to mention squeaky- did you hear her uber cute voice?), Dr. Sunny Dey. Sonal Shah is the lucky lady who donned the stethoscope for the role.

Not only did she get to play the peppy character last year, she also has a recurring role in the upcoming ninth season. (Yep, you read it right! There will be a ninth season!) What (and who) can we expect to see on the small screen? How did this talented actress get her start? And what was is like working with Zach Braff? Check out our exclusive interview with actress Sonal Shah. (She’s quite the funny lady!)

How did you get your start acting?

At the same moment I realized I was crazy! Really. When I was young, like a peanut, I thought saying that I wanted to be an actor was like saying I wanted to be a quarterback. If you saw how little I am, you would know I’d never make it as a quarterback. I’m very sarcastic. I should say that right now. I’m sarcastic. There. So, I decided to be a doctor (as if that was any easier) and then somewhere along the way, I realized I was kidding myself, because the fact remains- I’m a huge goofball and I have always strived to make people laugh (hence the whole comedy thing).

I think that making someone laugh or smile is a great gift to give…and making someone laugh or smile is such a beautiful gift for me! To me, comedy is the truth (or an exaggeration of the truth). I believe laughing at the truth can be healing as well as fun…and why not have some fun?! I’ve always been a performer, and growing up I was always dancing, singing, or acting in a play, musical, show choir, competitions, blah, blah. I just love it. I don’t think it was any one thing that made me want to get into acting, but really just all of my random life experiences and discoveries made along the way pushed me in that direction. I will say though that my biggest support and inspiration was, and continues to be, from my amazing family and friends.

What was it like working on the set of Scubs? (We’re big Zach Braff fans!)

It was an amazing experience. It was also very surreal. The cast and crew are absolutely amazing. And I’m not just saying that. I was very freaking nervous at the beginning, but everyone was so welcoming! They are a bunch of fun, down-to-earth, humble, talented, funny, hard-working, intelligent, and kind people! I learned so much being there. Bill Lawrence is so wonderful to work with. He is an utter genius and really an amazing person. His fun-loving attitude made it easy to feel comfy on set. If you are able to count how many times I use the word “amazing,” you get a cookie. I’m definitely a stalker of “Scrubs” and have always been a hardcore fan (not to be confused with another definition of hardcore). I think the show is full of so much heart. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have worked on it.

What was the atmosphere like during the last season?

It was fun, and even though it was supposed to be the last season, it seemed as if the main cast and crew worked just as hard as they always had…and came to the set fully recharged and fresh everyday. They are truly a very soulful, warm group of people!

We’ve heard rumors of an “Interns” spinoff. Can you give us any news?

“Interns” is actually the name of the webisodes we shot for ABC.com, but I don’t know if there was ever going to be an actual spinoff on TV. Scrubs is continuing for a 9th season and it will be the same, but different. They have cast three new series regulars to play first year medical students and it will now take place in a medical school and Sacred Heart Hospital. I will have a recurring role. That’s all I know right now. Aside from a pilot I shot 2 years ago, Scrubs is my first real TV experience, so at the beginning, it felt kind of surreal. I feel like by the time I got comfy on set, it was all over. I’m excited to have the opportunity to go back to set and utilize some new found knowledge.

Your character was hilarious…especially her super squeaky voice. Are there any similarities between the two of you?

Aww…thank you so much! That is very nice of you (I’ll give you the 20 bucks later!) Well…gee…we both look the same. I’m not actually a doctor (shocking, I know). Personality-wise, I’d say we are exactly the same and totally the opposite. Hee hee…so complex! Yes, I am a pretty insanely positive person (in that annoying way) and I do aim to make people smile. I love people and I do try to help others in any way that I can. Like Sunny, I am, indeed, kind of a goody-goody…anxious, hardworking and I always try to do what I think is right. I’m slightly insane. Sunny is sort of like me times ten. My voice is not really that high and I don’t think I’m as chipper and naïve as her. Also, I’m (we are back to Sonal now…I know my thoughts are sort of everywhere) a bit more spontaneous, open, and easy-going (unless it comes to my career). I’m kind of a tomboy as well as a girly-girl. I love to build things, ride my bike and wander through mountains.

What can we catch you in next?

Um…well…um…I honestly have no idea right now (aside from Scrubs Season 9). Does that count for an answer? If there is one thing I’ve learned in this business (and in life itself)…it’s that I really can’t plan anything. I’ve learned to embrace living in the moment and living life as it comes. Hmmm…As far as acting goes, I’m always doing something. Acting is my job (whether I’m getting paid that day or not)…it is full-time. And I’m very neurotic about it. I spend every day working at it, whether it be a staged reading, auditioning, writing with my sketch teams, attending a class, going to a workshop, putting together mailings, marketing, writing, going to a movie, observing people on the street, putting together a short film, going to a play, doing a play…I’m constantly working. So to finally answer your question…I will definitely keep you posted!

We’ve been putting up lots of fashion tips and love to ask celebs what their favorite Fall look is. What’s yours?!

I always love to throw one random piece of something on to whatever I am wearing. I think it adds character and charm. Since it’s the fall, I love old-fashioned “back-to-school” attire- something that is cute, intellectual, and vintage…like a short, button-up, poofy dress with a unique/random/sophisticated clutch, or funky boots…because these boots are made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do!

And a totally random question: What’s on your iPod right now?

I’m a little behind when it comes to advancements in technology. I don’t have an iPod, but I do have a record player. I also have a plant named Bud.