EXCLUSIVE Q & A with Cover Star Chloe Coleman on Co-Staring in My Spy & More!

For years Chloe Coleman has been an up and coming actress that has grabbed the attention of audiences at home as well as industry insiders. Who Can Stop Her?

No one. Her energy is contagious and her talent is undeniable.

When Cachet Digital’s team met Chloe in person, it was easy to see why she is so special. Chloe Coleman is simply fabulous. One might ask, “How exactly can a child be fabulous?” Well, everyone admires intelligence and a person who is truly upbeat no matter the age or source. Chloe is down to earth despite her fashionable appearance plus we all know “energy doesn’t lie.” Being fabulous is a state of being.

On set for her shoot Chloe danced around for the cameras as the crew stayed on standby. Chloe is use to the camera and her confidence shines through all of her images.

While she may look perfect on camera, Chloe confided in us that not every day is perfect. Far from it. 

How do you increase your confidence when you are feeling uncertain or having an off day?

There is a bunch of things I will do. My main favorite hobbies are drawing, cleaning my room (lol), editing, and reading. Yoga has also been very good for me during quarantine. Exercise is really key when your cooped inside all day. When I do those things I feel more confident and can kinda space out and relax. It’s good to boost your self-esteem when you’re down! Creating stories or editing some animation really makes me happy. I’ve started writing a book. So after I do a few of those things I get centered again and move on with the day!

 While watching her gracefully pose with a mischievous smile as she followed directions from the crew, I noticed how focused she was as she nailed each frame with clockwork precision. “Chloe, you’re better at this than most adults!” I exclaimed. So many adults even struggle with being comfortable with themselves in front of others. It goes to show that there is a lot one can accomplish at any age. Her sunny smile and ability to show a wide range of emotion allowed us to capture her personality and get to know the girl behind the many roles she has played.

For our fashion editorial, celebrity makeup artist Renee Loiz shared how she created her dewy summer look. “In crafting Chloe’s makeup look, I was inspired by the playfulness of a modern jeunette. Glossy eyes, flushed cheeks, and a berry stained lip had just the right amount of pop.” Celebrity stylist Enrique Melendez described the style and explained that “Chloe’s looks were inspired by a 12 year old Natalie Portman as character Mathilda in the 1994 film The Professional.” Her looks are described as “a very 90s vibe but mixed with current pieces—especially the signature chokers Natalie wore throughout the film.” 

Some kids and teens may feel their real life is so far from your lifestyle. They likely see you as having an ideal life but no one can hide from the new normal that is 2020. School life and regular life has drastically changed and we all have less access to the world physically even beyond having to wear face masks. 

What message do you have for other kids who feel so uncertain during these times during the pandemic?

I know it has been hard for the whole world to deal with this. It is hard to comprehend the horrible circumstances of Covid-19 for younger kids, because they are scared in general. I would remind them to enjoy the time at home with family if they can. We’ve had more family dinners than ever before! I would say put down your phones and learn a random new skill.  Stay healthy and active and help your parents around the house because it’s hard for them too. 

While her doll like features may appear fragile and lend her the perfect air of the ingénue, she is feisty and definitely a great pick to co-star alongside Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista in the comedy My Spy. Chloe is just the right fit to take on matching wits with Bautista’s character, a demoted CIA operative sent to secretly investigate her family. Her natural curiosity captures the heartwarming spirit of children we have loved to see on screen over the years. 

My Spy was originally scheduled to debut in theatres but due to Covid-19 related changes in the industry you can catch it on Amazon Prime.

The film’s storyline is different from your usual spy action packed movie because of the endearing and comical relationship between the spy and the child of the family he is sent to spy on takes the forefront of the narrative. Sophie (Chloe Coleman) convinces JJ (Dave Bautista) to teach her to become a spy in exchange for not revealing his mission. The acting is fun, vibrant and the film is receiving rave reviews. We asked Chloe to share the details about her experience with us.

What have you done to prepare for your role in My Spy?

To play Sophie in My Spy I had to really psych myself out that I was bigger than Dave, even if just mentally. Dave Bautista is so big and I had to keep telling myself that I’m evenbigger. Dave is such a good actor, and he was kind and friendly. Not all actors are as open as he is, and it made connecting with him a breeze and the most fun. The role of Sophie was pretty easy for me to relate to. Not fitting in at school and being tech savvy are both things I have personal experience with. I always prepare by reading and memorizing the script ahead of time and I come to set with my choices mapped out, but ready to change if the Director has another idea in mind.

What do you enjoy most about your experience with filming the movie? How did you face any challenges?

I will always remember My Spy as being such a great experience. I loved working with Pete Segal and his set was so fun and relaxed. Everyone on the cast and crew were very supportive. No divas, complainers or huge stress was ever present. Being the lead meant that we really had to stay on schedule because I’m a child actor and time for child actors gets shared with school – the only day this was a challenge was the ice rink days because the ice kept melting and we had to wait for it to refreeze. You can see in the scene where I fall down, there was a little splash. I always laugh when I see that.

What is a memorable moment from your experience? Were you intimidated by playing the co-star role to an adult in such a major project?

There was one day where my character’s uncle Victor, played by Greg Bryk, had to kidnap me and stuff me in the car. I had to be very upset and crying, then immediately after that, we had to shoot the balcony scenes which were very comedic. When I have to cry of course I’m really crying and really very upset… and then I had to switch over to comedy. That type of acting challenge is most fun for me, but I’ll never forget Mr. Segal came up to me at wrap time and said, “This morning you made me cry and this afternoon you made me laugh out loud. That was incredible.” And he gave me the biggest hug. I will never forget that.

You have acted on television alongside major actors and actresses. What lessons have you learned?

‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ were packed wall to wall with powerful, incredible female actresses and for me the best role models. And not just on set, but seeing how they focus their energy in real life had a huge positive impact on me. As humans they were such incredible, fearless and inspirational women. I learned so much by interacting with them.

Their commitment to the scene is one thing, but what I love about Karen Gillan and Lena Headey was the amount of fun and laughs we had between takes. Jennifer Lopez is another very giving, powerful human being, and it was unreal to act with her. What a gift that was. I felt an instant connection and she’s very kind.

Despite Chloe’s success, she is unfazed and down to earth. She confided to everyone on set that she misses the opportunity to take in person dance classes and like any other kid she has had to learn to cope with the need to social distance due to covid-19. 

We asked her how she was keeping centered during the pandemic:

I’m a huge home body so I LOVE to be at home. Sometimes when we’re shooting on location, my mom has a hard time getting me out and about, so the pandemic hasn’t been too bad. We ride bikes to get out but being home this long has felt so relaxing to me. I also like learning new things like editing, cooking, gardening. I’ve been playing the piano again and I am obsessed with reading right now, hours can go by.

In Hollywood, child celebrities are increasingly gaining influence by utilizing other ways to communicate with their fans and the general public as social media applications like Instagram and TikTok take the center stage. How has social media played a part in how you communicate or relate with fans?

Social Media is incredible the way you can hear directly from people and respond directly too. I read comments in the post and I try my best to keep up with comments, but I’m not allowed to DM (direct message) with strangers I don’t know or haven’t met. I really just want to respond and say thank you though.

 It’s pretty incredible to see and meet fans from Nigeria, Australia, England, and the Middle East too. The most important reason to use social media is to boost important messages that help our world become a better place. For example, Black Lives Matter, Voting is Important and Wearing a Mask Saves Lives.

Who on TikTok is your favorite and why?

There are a bunch of people I follow on both social platforms. I love when people make skits on TikTok that are totally relatable. Memes make me crack up. I love following up on other actors and I LOVE James Charles’ TikTok account. He is such a funny and giving person. His YouTube is something I always just sit back and watch.

How do you keep a healthy balance in regards to how long and when to use social media?

My mom helps me so I’m not sitting on Social Media all day. That would be sad and there’s not enough time in the day. We try to block out time. As I get older, I get to do more of it myself. I love to completely shut it off too. I’m only 11 and I find it sad when kids and adults are tied to scrolling. It is a never ending rabbit hole. One time I was in Dresden, Germany… the most beautiful city… everyone was walking around with their heads in their phones. Actually, it’s everywhere you look now, even at restaurants. It’s very addictive and actually isolates people from really interacting.

In our interview with Chloe we talked a range of topics and even touched on her style. One of the things that is very noticeable about her is her impeccable style on the red carpet and at events. On set, I was able to get to know some of her glam team and we asked her how her style has evolved.

Chloe, you have your own distinct style that is quite fashionable. Tell us a bit about your personal style:

I feel like I am developing my own aesthetic in clothes because I love mixing & matching the vibe of the clothing I put together. I’m also a hand-me-down QUEEN. My god sisters Paige & Ava give me the coolest clothes and I LOVE RECYCLING. For every day, I love wearing something old or not currently available for everyone to have. Now, if it is a photoshoot or event, then my stylist Enrique Melendez styles me in something INCREDIBLE!

I love that Chloe’s style is both fashionable, age appropriate but so well put together that there are pieces I would even snag for myself! Despite her young age, her sophistication in style is noticeable. Her looks over the years have played with high end brands, themes, various textiles and clear stylistic references to different eras and established celebrities. For those who are looking to be inspired by Chloe’s style for events a nice whimsical leather coat, jewel toned separates or funky footwear with an edge is a good start.

As for hair grooming, your hair is lovely and we tend to see you wearing it in its natural state. What do you use on your hair and how do you keep it from being damaged on set?

I’ve used every product under the sun and I always come back to the same magic 4 items… I shampoo with Hask Moisturizing Shampoo (they have a couple). Then, I condition with Enjoy Hair Mask and brush my hair with Sheila Stotts removal hair brush. I really need another – they break down over time. And then a seal with Jane Carter Curl Defining Crème. I only shampoo 2 times per week. When I wake up I spray my hair down with a mixture of water and a little Enjoy Hair Mask in it [which] acts like a detangler.

So I’m sure some of our readers wonder what type of tunes you listen to. What is on your playlist?

I am in LOVE with Lo-Fi music. It is not a well-known genre. It’s more calming & soothing type of music. It usually doesn’t contain clear lyrics. I have made a bunch of playlists. I love finding music that really makes me feel relaxed and uplifted and putting it together into playlists. A few perfect examples from my playlist are: affogato by Elijah Who, Pretty Girl by Clairo, Lemon Boy by Cavetown, Prom Queen by Beach Bunny & Pity Party by Melanie Martinez…but only the clean versions. Every day I listen to Billie Ellish and the Hamilton Soundtrack.

Did you ever have a self-defining moment that involved bullying or defeating someone who did not believed in your worth? 

I find myself standing up to people who get bullied. I’m not afraid to tell them what they are doing is wrong and I’m happy to speak out for the innocent person who is just feeling defeated or for whatever reason cannot defend themselves. In a way, this was my character Molly Moskins in Timmy Failure. She saw everything about Timmy and would try to champion him to speak up for himself and express his needs.

What are your tips for young adults wanting to get into the industry?

If you’re into acting totally go for it. I’m no expert, but I sometimes feel like the word “acting” misguides some people. When you act you really want to feel real in the scene and let go. Just listen and be in the moment with your partner and have real stakes, or real consequences that matter to you. You have to care about what you have happening in the scene, and it should matter to you. As long as you’re loose with your lines and connected you will really enjoy it!

If you could pass on one message to your fans what message would that be?

My message would be that actors are human beings too. I love giving hope to people or being someone a person can look up to, but the truth is that every single human is unique and has immense value. KNOW HOW SPECIAL YOU ARE. For example, if I had a “brand” it would be “no-brand!” Everyone can just be yourself, use your voice and enjoy who you are without any kind of affirmations needed from the outside.

I believe our generation can and will do GREAT THINGS. We must bond together and unite for what’s right! We have all the power we need… I can’t wait to be old enough to vote, but I can tell people the importance of voting, right now. And each person can use their own voice right now, no matter your age.

Your career has been amazing so far. What has been the most surreal or magical moment in your career thus far?

Working in Berlin on Gunpowder Milkshake was the best Summer of my life. Berlin itself is pure magic. Their lakes, their food and the history. My home there was a dream and just walking in the streets. The Gunpowder cast & crew came from ALL OVER THE WORLD. I would do anything to go back to Europe right now!! I want to live there. Our Director Navot Papushado came from Israel, Our first AD Ali Cherkaoui from Paris, Karen Gillan from Scotland, Lena Headey & Adam Nagaitis from England. I loved working with them all and living in Berlin for 11 weeks was my best experience so far. The entire production was surreal.

What is next on the horizon for you?

One film is called Gunpowder Milkshake, a total stylized action-thriller with Karen Gillan and Lena Headey, directed by Navot Papushado. Then there’s Marry Me, which is an uplifting, high energy romantic comedy with Jennifer Lopez, Maluma & Owen Wilson, directed by Kat Coiro. Two totally opposite movie genres and I love my characters in both stories.

Chloe’s celebrity profile grows larger as she has continues to work alongside big name stars and consistently show that she has the ability to hold her own with hard hitters in the industry. Make sure you keep an eye out for all things Chloe Coleman and follow our cover girl @ChloeColemanAct on Instagram!

Actress Chloe Coleman was photographed on location in Los Angeles, California, with use of social distancing precautions during our shoot. Chloe is the cover star for our official inaugural CACHET JUNIOR issue. Los Angeles Unified School District students also had the chance to submit some questions for consideration for this feature. If you are an educator and would like use our lesson plans that correspond to our articles please email us to request access.

CREDIT

Photographer: Allegra Messina @MessinaPhotos

Make Up Artist: Renee Loiz for Exclusive Artists using Danessa Myricks Beauty @ReneeLoizMakeup

Stylist: Enrique Melendez @MrEnriqueMelendez

Hair: Nina Mercado @NinaMoniqueHair

Creative Assistant & Writer: Lena Ocean @LoveLenaOcean

Social Media Teen Edit: Robert James

SPECIAL THANKS TO Viewpoint PR, EA Management & Crosby Carter Management.

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