Adopting a persona and making it real in the eyes of millions takes a sublime talent. It’s the reason actors and actresses are held in such high esteem. Delivering a performance that is both plausible and moving is an exhausting process, especially for children.
Chalet Lizette Brannan is only 15 but has already made a name for herself. Here’s a behind the scenes interview with the award-winning actress to find out more.
Q: Hi Chalet, first off, I’d like to ask what steered you towards acting at such a young age?
A: As long as I can remember, I’ve always been spellbound by people who can tell a story and invent a range of diverse personas through acting. To fully immerse yourself in a character and move the audience through your emulation is magic in itself.
Q: You’ve already won several awards! What’s the secret behind your success?
A: You’re too kind. I had the best role models and mentors. My dad is a film producer, and my mother worked for Walt Disney, so you might say show business is in my blood. I grew up in an environment where my talent was allowed to blossom. I’ve been the ambassador for The San Diego International Kids Film Festival for five years.
The support I have been given by my family is probably one of the reasons I am where I am today. Without that support, I don’t think I would be doing this. It’s a very tough field of work, and there are plenty of rejections. You do your best and learn, keep getting better, and go forward.
Q: Apart from being a talented actress, you’ve also earned respect and are known for beating Leukemia at the age of ten. Do you think that battle has shown through in your work?
A: Absolutely. Anyone who has to deal with and fight cancer comes out the other side a changed person. It gives you a new perspective and emotional insight into life. As such, I’m more able to get under the skin of certain characters. I am also fortunate enough to be an official ambassador for cancer charity Along Comes Hope. Having the opportunity to visit other children in hospitals who are fighting the disease and provide them with words of hope means everything to me.
Q: You’ve already done so much in a short time. What’s next for Chalet Brannan?
A: Well, I’ve never been one to rest on my laurels. I’m currently involved in several new projects. I’m excited about the TV series ‘For Nothing,’ which also stars leading actors like Michael Madsen and Daniel Baldwin. I play a teenager who’s involved in the mafia. Also, I’m filming Renegades next month, which is (Star Trek) OMINARA starring the fantastic Walter Koenig. It is to be legendary actress Nichelle Nichols’ final Star Ship performance.
I’m also doing a huge animation, Peter Pan Land Of Forever, with superb co-stars like Danny Trejo, Christian Kane, Jake T Austin, Ben Foster, and Skai Jackson. I’m playing the lead role of Princess Tiger Lily.
There’s never a dull moment when it comes to acting. There are some great things lined up, I just finished filming a cameo role in Batman: Dying Is Easy and in November I will be filming The Legend Of The White Dragon with some incredible talent. Late January, I’m filming another psychological film Hemloch Manor.
