Every season unexpected fresh and familiar faces climb the ranks to celebrity & super stardom. Sometimes it’s easy to predict who will land among the year’s most popular and successful.Other times a person pops up almost out of nowhere. Who will be the newest members of the exclsive club in the year to come? While we don’t know for sure, our Editor in Chief & Editor at Large have found 8 talents that we are betting on.
You are currently starring in MTV comedy series “Faking It” portraying quick-witted and often “Mean Girl” Lauren Cooper. How does it feel to be part of such a groundbreaking show that highlights often undiscussed parts of the high school experience?
I’ve had so much fun playing such a gutsy character. She definitely has some fire:) Faking It is super current and relevant and handles things with a very real and heartfelt edge while holding onto humor, it’s a really cool combination.
During the season 2 premiere of “Faking It” it is revealed that Lauren has been taking hormone pills because she’s Intersex. What was your initial reaction to that character development?
I was really excited! I definitely learned a lot about intersex conditions so I could be informed and prepared. I got to meet some awesome people who were born intersex and specifically who share Lauren’s condition (AIS). It was my privilege to talk with them about their stories and experiences. All of that definitely helped shape my perspective of Lauren. I was and still am super excited that this will hopefully bring some awareness and informed education about intersex conditions. I hope the intersex community is happy with how it is portrayed.
ABC Family fans will probably know you from working on “Bunheads,” and since then you’ve been on a few comedies like “The Middle” & “Baby Daddy”. What is the most challenging aspect of doing a comedy versus a drama?
They’re both challenging in different ways. I wouldn’t say one is necessarily more difficult, the best is when you get to do both:)
You also recently starred in Lifetime movie “Petals on the Wind.” What was it like bringing that book to life?
It was super cool telling a story that originated from a book because there is so much context and backstory you get to draw from.
What else can our readers expect from you in the next year?
We just finished filming season 2, make sure to tune in Tuesday nights at 10:30pm on MTV.
You’re currently play Ethan, a White House aide on ABC’s hit show “Scandal”. Tell us a bit about the dynamic between Jeff Perry and your character.
I basically think of their relationship as a dysfunctional father/son. Cyrus is one of the most powerful men in the world and Ethan is an ambitious young guy hungry to climb up in the White House. Ethan takes a beating again and again but he is undoubtedly aware of the insanely privileged position that he is in. Jeff Perry is one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet but a fucking monster when he’s Cyrus. That contrast makes it even easier for me to play Cyrus’s punching bag and his biggest supporter.
Before “Scandal,” you’re part of sci-fi series “Eureka.” What was it like transitioning to a Sci-Fi series to Political Thriller?
Eureka feels like another lifetime. I lived in Vancouver when I worked on it. It was a time of a lot of changes, stressful but it was a great time in my life. The show gave me my start. I owe it and the people who worked on it a lot. On the other hand, Scandal has for me been synonymous with settling into a life in Los Angeles, a city that I fell in love with immediately, even though I never expected to. It’s the best. I love Scandal. I love LA. I’m loving life right now and I’m very grateful.
You can also be seen on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Comeback” with Lisa Kudrow. What can we expect from Conner this season?
The Comeback is one of my favorite comedies of all time so it was so surreal that it was coming back for a second season so many years after I first binge watched it on YouTube and that I would get to be on it. I wish I could say more but all I can tell you is that this was worth waiting for if you’re a fan of the show, and if you’re not- you’ll become one.
We understand you are avid comic book fan. What do you think about the recent role out of comic book television shows?
I think it’s great! I love the evolution of mainstream media towards narratives that stretch across multiple platforms. It’s a more immersive way to tell these stories. Superheroes that stemmed from “comic books” are leading this charge, but there are many types of stories to mine from graphic novels. I tried Oculus Rift for the first time recently. Holy shit. I’m still reeling from it. It’s the intersection of video games, movies, and graphic novels.
What else can our readers expect from you in the next year?
We’re shooting season 4 of Scandal right now. I’m working on a graphic novel with my best friend which was a life long dream. And also a trippy music video/ short film for a band I’m a huge fan of. Who knows what else will come up.
You are currently starring in the anticipated FOX series EMPIRE co-created and executive produced by Lee Daniels . What can you share about the series& your character?
The show is centered around the Lyon family; Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), his ex-wife Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) and their three sons. The concept is that Lucious, CEO of Empire Enterprises (an extremely lucrative hip-hop record label company) is looking to groom a successor. His three sons are in perfect positions to vie for the position and Cookie, recently released from prison, is fighting to get what she feels is rightfully hers. My character, Anika Calhoun, is Lucious’ girlfriend as well as the Head of A&R for the company – so you can imagine what kind of exciting tension that brings!
Empire also stars Taraji P Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, Trai Byers, and Jussie Smollett. How does it feel to be apart of such an illustrious cast?
Surreal. The level of talent that abounds in the room is astounding. There is no way to be on set and not be inspired, challenged or motivated to perform beyond your best.
What was one of the defining moments that set you on your career path?
During my years in my undergraduate program, a beautiful soul, Tamara Harvey (who also happens to be a brilliant freelance director for prestigious places such as Shakespeare’s Globe in London), was guest directing a show one year. After working with me for a bit she pulled me aside and encouraged me deeply to consider making this a career. Needless to say, she was successful in her persuasion. 🙂
What influences your personal style, any favorite designers?
My fashion ranges depending on how I feel that day: one day I’ll be digging an edgier and funkier style and the next, it’s a strong and elegant statement. I tend to not go for anything too extreme – it has to resonate and align with elements of my personality. I like various designers but recently I’m in love with Helmut Lang, BCBG and Gucci. I’m a fan of Free People and Zara as well.
What else can our readers expect from you in the next year?
Apart from Empire, I’ll be preparing for the Dancing With Chicago Celebrities charity event this upcoming March. A group of various local celebs will be competing in ballroom dance routines that night in order to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. It’s an annual event that is truly admirable and well executed. I’m thrilled to be apart of such a worthy cause.