Photographer: Tim Schaeffer Photography @timschaefferphoto
Hair: Mika Fowler @mikahairstylist
Makeup: Suzie Kim @suziekbeauty
Stylist: Alex Clough @alexclough.style
1. What inspired you to take on the role of the English Dub voice for Young- Hee Doll and the daughter of the main character in ‘Squid Game’?
When I went inside the recording studio, I didn’t know I was going to be the English voice for Young- Hell Doll. I had a great time with the voice cast and the director. We worked together on an innocent voice for that part. They showed me a couple of clips. During the violent parts, my eyes were covered! I didn’t even know the name of the show until it was announced. But, I feel really blessed! Voicing Ga-Yeong was very fun too! I thought of my dad and our hang outs which helped me get the voice right. I learned a lot at the studio! I wish the best to the Squid Game cast and crew!
How has your experience working on the record-breaking series ‘Squid Game’ been, and what challenges did you face during the process?
It feels so magical! It’s a great honor to be a part of the most-watched series of all time on Netflix. Normally, I get the script prior to meeting with the production time which gives me time to prepare my lines and the role, but this time, the production team kept everything a secret. I went into the project giving my best, and I’m really happy with voicing both Young- Hell Doll and Ga-Yeong! It still feels like a dream sometimes when I hear my voice on TikTok and Instagram. Hearing my voice on Saturday Night Live was really inspiring, and that moment meant a lot to me!
3. Can you tell us about your appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!? How was it working with big stars like Channing Tatum, Rami Malek, Lena Waithe, and Guillermo Rodriguez?
I still can’t believe it! It was such a treat to work with Mr. Tatum and Mr. Malek. We worked on skits together for Jimmy Kimmel Live! The producers would put us in very odd but very funny situations! Mr. Tatum is a big movie star. In the skit, he asked for my advice on how to host the show! I was like “What…? I should be the one asking him for advice!” The scene with Mr. Malek is a favorite of mine as well! We spent the entire day at the coolest place ever, the Museum of Ice Cream! We were hanging out, being weird, and tasting the funny flavors! Off-camera, they were also the funniest people ever. I enjoyed that they took the time to get to know me first.
4How did it feel presenting at the Movieguide Awards? Is there any memorable moment from that event you can share with us?
It was a magical experience! I still remember it and it feels like it happened last week. Walking on the red carpet and being in the same room with other famous actors felt like a dream! I remember the moment when Faly Rakotohavana and I were called up to announce the category and we announced the winner. I felt like I was too excited. I was trying to stop myself from shaking! My family and I did watch many of the nominated movies and shows. from that night. It was the best party I’ve ever been to! Right now, it’s award season again, and I want to hear about it this year too!
Photographer: Tim Schaeffer Photography @timschaefferphoto
Hair: Mika Fowler @mikahairstylist
Makeup: Suzie Kim @suziekbeauty
Stylist: Alex Clough @alexclough.style
5. Tell us more about your role as “Big Kid Ember” in the animated Pixar movie “Elemental.”
I feel super lucky to be a part of Elemental! Auditioning for it was like stepping into a dream! I begged my mom for a whole week of Pixar movies marathon to get me ready. When I found out I got the role, it was like the coolest moment ever! Even now… hearing my voice from Ember still feels magical! I grew up watching Disney Channel and Cartoon Network, so hearing myself in an animation felt like… I needed to pinch myself to wake up! A giant thank you to the amazing director Mr. Sohn. I had so much fun hanging out with “Big Ember” Leah on her tour. I’m thankful to be a part of this awesome cast. I hope Elemental wins an Oscar for best animated film this year!
6. How do you balance your acting career with your passion for dance? How do the two disciplines complement each other in your creative journey?
Equally, I love both. I think it helps me when I can switch between my dance practices and my auditions through the day. My dance coach Ms. Shirley Ballas always knows what dance exercises will get me any type of championship. After my auditions, my dance training gets my mood back up! After finishing up my dance routines, I jump into new auditions, and that gets me going again! Every day, I love that I’m trying something new. I’m practicing my dance routine for the world championship, or I’m thinking of how to audition for a new role. It’s very exciting, and I feel lucky that I get to enjoy the best of both worlds!
7. As an award-winning Latin ballroom dancer, what has been your most memorable performance or competition so far?
My most memorable performance or competition is when I won the World Championship for ballroom! It was a dream come true! I have been dancing since I was very young. I think I’ve been preparing all my life for this moment! My dance partner and I practiced every moment we saw each other. I also trained on my solo dance as well. It took many months to prepare for the World Championships.
8. With your experience in modeling and music, how do you approach new creative challenges? Do you have any advice for aspiring artists in these fields?
I love getting my rhythm right! When I play the piano and model, that’s the key. I make sure I know all my basics and chords before playing new pieces. I was thinking like that when I was modeling for the first time! I tried out poses and did plenty of practice. I auditioned for a long time before I booked many big projects with Nike, Forever 21, Target, and many more. My advice to aspiring artists is to go out there and try everything. Don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s about going for it and trying something new to see if it works out!
9. What inspired your love for baking? How do you envision your future bakery business coming to life?
I was looking for something to relax to after dance practice. I found baking during the pandemic, and it never stopped! I love trying new cookie recipes. My dream bakery is to have a baking kitchen. Imagining my future bakery, it’s all about blending it with my love for dancing and acting. It’s not just about treats; it’s about making people smile too! I want everyone to enjoy baking, so I’m adding a baking school. Anyone can come, have my sweets, and leave knowing how to bake them at home!