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Meet the talented Arden Cho, who is a model, singer-songwriter, and actress, and best known for her work on the hit cult favorite, MTV’s “Teen Wolf” as ‘Kira Yukimura,’ a supernatural character who learns she has agility and balance when there’s a sword in her hand. Season 5b is currently airing on MTV through March and season 6 is soon to follow!
Arden strives to be a role model to her fans and with that, a strong female force, using her business savvy abilities coupled with her love for fashion to build a brand outside of her acting career with her watch line “Leonard & Church.”
Arden has also appeared on popular television series such as “Castle,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “CSI: NY,” and “Pretty Little Liars.” Arden has also worked on major international campaigns for the brands Clinique Cosmetics, McDonalds, Apple and Toyota.
Check our exclusive interview with Arden!
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Hi Arden, please tell us a little about yourself? How did you get started in the industry?
I studied theater as an elective at University of Illinois and fell in love with acting. After graduating college I moved to LA, took more acting classes, and started auditioning for roles!
Anyone in your family is also in the business?
Not really, but my younger brother Jason recently moved to LA and is pursuing a screenwriting career. Looks like I’m starting a new trend for our family!
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
So many people have influenced me along the way. Teachers, friends and mentors, but I’d have to say my parents have made the biggest impact. Through their actions, I’ve learned to be resilient and to persevere through many obstacles.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Probably my mom, she watches every episode of Teenwolf I’m in at least twice and every show I guest star in. She’s the first person to notice if I haven’t been active on social media for a couple days, it’s pretty cute.
Best advice ever given?
Always stay true to yourself and be who you are.
What’s your favorite part about acting?
I love being a part of the whole process, it’s so exciting to see it all come together. Reading the character, bringing it to life, and eventually seeing the final product. I also love being able to walk in someone else’s shoes and experience things I might not have experienced in my own life.
How do you prepare for a role?
It’s different with different roles. I usually like to read the entire script first and then start breaking down the character. If there isn’t much of a back story I’ll develop one, figuring out my characters intentions, wants and motives.
Now tell us about your character “Kira Yukimura” in hit cult favorite, MTV’s “Teen Wolf”?
Kira is definitely one of my favorite roles. I love how much she has grown and changed in the last few seasons. She’s really becoming a strong and determined character. It’s great to play someone who is heroic, especially as a female because we don’t always get those opportunities.
Where this series is being filmed?
Mostly in SoCal.
How do balance your personal life with your acting life?
I definitely set aside pockets of time for myself that doesn’t involve any work. A lot of my closest friends are not in the industry so that’s a nice balance, they keep me sane. I also take breaks from social media here and there, sometimes it’s good to just turn your phone off and enjoying being present.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part is doing what I love and hopefully making people happy in the process! The worst part is our work never really stops. We’re either filming, prepping, reading a script, auditioning or doing press on the days off. There’s also not much security, so that can be stressful at times.
Name one your strengths?
I work hard and even when I fall down, I get right back up and keep on going.
You’ve also got a successful music career, particularly on YouTube. Tell us about it?
Music has always been a love of mine, but mostly a hobby. There was a 2 year span of auditions where I j just wasn’t “right” for any of the parts, and wasn’t booking anything. I took advantage of this time to write my own music and stayed busy. Who knew that would end up taking off and giving me the opportunity to travel the world for shows! It’s been amazing!
Explain your sound in 3 words?
Acoustic, easy listening, pop? Maybe a tad bit country? It’s the Texan in me…
What kind of music do you listen normally?
Almost everything. I love all the soulful female singers.
Do you have any music influence?
Growing up my favorites were Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson. Today it’s definitely Adele.
Do you have a favorite song? Why?
These days it has to be every Adele song. Oh the feels.
Are you working on new music at the moment?
I’m always writing. I recently wrote a couple songs for Teenwolf. Hopefully those will work out, we’ll see!
Now tell us about your watch brand Leonard & Church? Where the idea of starting this company came from?
I’m obsessed with watches and I feel like I never have enough. A friend of mine had the idea and we ran with it!
Where we can see your products?
Currently online at leonardandchurch.com
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Jerry Hall and Bianka Jagger, most definitely. They were the epitome of cool glamour, could stop a room with just a wink and seemed fearless in their pursuit of style.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Favorite models, honestly I’d stick with the supers Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Stefanie Seymour, Kristen Mcmenamy, and Kate Moss. They were utterly versatile from grunge to couture and did it because it was their dream not just because they were pretty.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Sushi? Does that count?
And your favorite cheat food?
Anything fried!!
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Chapstick, concealer, blush, powder, eye liner, and brow pencil.
What do you like to watch on tv?
Law and Order SVU, Castle, How to Get Away with Murder, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Family Guy, Modern Family .. this list could be endless.
What’s a normal day in your life?
Every day is different. If it’s a filming week, it’s mainly filming. On days we’re off it can vary with photo shoots, meetings, interviews, auditions and of course hanging out with friends and relaxing when I can squeeze it in!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m not sure, there are a lot of things I want to do. Honestly, I’m enjoying the journey right now and learning as much as I can.
Where we can follow you?
Twitter @arden_cho
Instagram @arden_cho
Facebook.com/hiardencho
Snapchat ardencho
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Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin
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