Many of you may recognize Arden Cho as the star of the wildly popular TV series, Teen Wolf. But there is so much more to Arden than her character Kira Yukimara. Arden is the queen of slashes—as in actress/model/singer/YouTube star/businesswoman/designer/precious dog owner. Arden seems to do it all—and do it all with grace, hard work and talent.
Throughout the month, we will be showcasing the many sides of Arden as she takes on a new role as CollegeFashionista’s April “Fashion Influencer.” To kick-off the series, we caught up with Arden to learn a little bit more about the brains and talent behind the beauty. Spoiler alert: she has a lot of all three.
Be sure to check back throughout the month on CollegeFashionista for more exclusive features and content from Arden. Be sure to catch Arden and the rest of the Teen Wolf cast on Season Five premiering this June on MTV!
CollegeFashionista: When did you start getting into acting, singing, and modeling?
Arden Cho: My first movie was an indie flick I filmed during the summer of my sophomore year at the University of Illinois. It was so tough! I had zero formal acting experience, but I think the challenge of it all really sparked my interest. I returned to campus for my junior year and decided to formally study theater, which I quickly fell in love with. I had a few modeling gigs in college as well, but that didn’t really pick up until I moved out to LA after college in 2007. And singing, I’ve always loved—but in the privacy of my shower or car! To be honest, until very recently, I had been terrified to sing in front of others.
CF: What was your first big break?
AC: I feel blessed to have had so many amazing opportunities. Early in my career, I had the chance to work on modeling campaigns with brands like Clinique, Apple and McDonald’s. My first acting job on network TV was CSI:NY, and I’ve had guest star roles on various different shows. But I’d probably consider Teen Wolf my biggest break so far.
CF: How do you prepare for an audition?
AC: There’s usually very little time – 24 hours, if I’m lucky! So typically it involves dropping whatever else it is I’m doing to prep. If a script is available, I’ll dig into it as much as I can. I’m try to go beyond the basics to really understand my character, the story and the context of the scenes I’ve been asked to prepare. I ask myself, “Why am I in this scene?” “What do I want from this scene?” If it’s a current show, I’ll obviously watch past episodes to get a feel for the tone and the style—for example, a single camera comedy is very different than a multi-cam or a dramatic series. So, I’m just trying to familiarize myself as much as I can before the audition.
CF: What has been the most interesting or challenging role you’ve ever played?
AC: Last year during Season Three of Teen Wolf, we had a flashback episode where I played my character Kira’s mother! It was ridiculously fun to jump into that role of Young Noshiko, typically played by Tamlyn Tomita. Noshiko is a very strong, fierce, empowering woman, much more certain of who she is than Kira. Throughout that episode, I had to bounce back and forth between playing Kira and Noshiko. It was challenging because the characters are so different, but I had so much fun playing a spicy, young Noshiko. I hope Kira will grow up to be a lot like her mother.
CF: What has it been like being part of Teen Wolf?
AC: It’s a blessing. I wake up every morning, go to set and get to practice and play alongside the most incredibly talented cast and crew. I have learned so much and grown as an actor.
I know it’s corny, but I like to think of acting like playing catch—you toss a ball to someone and hope they will catch it and toss it back, right? Well with great actors, playing catch can be so much fun. You’re passing this fantastic energy back and forth, building momentum. Teen Wolf has been the most intense game of catch I’ve ever played!
CF: Would you say there are any similarities or differences between you and your character?
AC: In a lot of ways, we are so similar; and growing more so as the seasons develop. That’s one of the cool things about our writers—as they get to know us better as people, they are able to adapt the script to how we naturally behave and speak. And, of course, as an actor, you are constantly shaping and extending your character. The way Kira Yukimura was initially written, she was a lot like me in high school, but a little spunkier. Kira is more outspoken, confident, bold and brave than my real self. But, in a funny way, I think I’ve learned a lot from Kira these past few years, and I’m growing to be a bit edgier.
CF: What advice would you give to anyone entering the industry?
AC: Focus on the craft and study as much as you can. You have to work hard and be prepared. People think this business is all glitz and glam, but it’s really not. It takes a lot of sacrifice, dedication, hard work and commitment. Luck plays a huge part also, but that’s really when preparation meets opportunity. So if you’re unprepared, even if that perfect job comes along you won’t book it. If it’s acting that you want to do, sign up for classes, read books, study other actors and stretch yourself. Figure out what you’re good at and what you love. Do things that scare you. Improv was terrifying for me, but forcing myself into those uncomfortable classes and situations helped me grow as an actor.
CF: How would you describe your style?
AC: I’m all about comfort but still looking good—or at least trying to look good. I show up to set in sneakers, sweats and a simple tank or shirt. I like to keep it chill at work.
But on the weekends if I go out, I’ll wear skinny jeans and booties, maybe some layers on top and always some accessories. Even if I’m wearing sneakers and it’s a really simple outfit, I think a couple rings and a watch or bracelet can pull together the entire look.
I’m not really a dress/skirt person, and I actually hate dressing up; but on the rare occasion I have to for an event or party, I have fun with it. But the second I return home, I’m back in sweats and something comfy.
CF: What are your favorite things to do when you’re not working or on set?
AC: Sleep, eat and play with Chewy (my dog)! Okay, those are the only things I have time to (barely) do when I’m filming. But, on the days I have off, I’ll usually meet up with my friends to eat, work out, watch movies, check out shows, dive bars or something adventurous, like traveling. I love having my friends over for BBQ’s and game nights as well! I’m pretty much a homebody.
CF: What is something to look forward to for Season Five?
AC: Season Five might be my favorite so far. There is a lot of growing up for all the characters. Kira has some really interesting things happening to her and her powers. She’s going to go through some tough challenges, both physically and emotionally with Scott. It’s packed with tons of action, romance and comedy, while at the same time it’s probably our darkest season yet. I don’t know how they do it but the writers come up with better stuff for us every year. I can’t wait!
Photo credit: Melly Lee
