Check out our interview with Netflix’s “A Week Away” talented actress Kat Conner Sterling who plays the role of Presley. Kat can also be seen in notable shows such as Marvel’s The Gifted, Fox’s 9-1-1, and Fox’s The Resident.
Follow Kat on IG @katconnersterling & TikTok @katconnersterling
Hi Kat, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me! I’m currently on location in New Orleans shooting for Blumhouse’s highly anticipated franchise movie “Five Nights at Freddy’s” where I play Max! I’m an actress born and raised in Memphis Tennessee. I’m the first in my family to ever have any kind of interest in the entertainment industry which is both cool and a challenge since I’m the first to navigate such a tough career. I started out doing theatre in my hometown and then transitioned to film/television in 2018.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Independent, Hardworking, Witty
How did you get started into acting?
I’ve known what I wanted to do since I was about 5 or 6. I saw movies and tv and thought “that’s what I’m supposed to do!”. It’s kind of been this innate thing which is so funny considering not a single family member of mine tracing back for generations has had any involvement in the entertainment industry. I begged my parents to put me in camps and classes and let me audition for local plays. I remember them being so happily surprised that I had a knack for it. I fell in love and just couldn’t get enough. I still love theatre and will definitely go back to it, but I’ve always known film/tv would be my Avenue.
How has this changed your life?
This industry is tough, so it’s built character for sure. I think it’s made me independent, resilient, and adaptable. Being an actress automatically means rejection after rejection. Especially since I’m the first of my family and friends to head down a road like this, there’s been so much trial and error. It’s made me really good at picking myself back up again. There’s also so much change and uncertainty that comes with it, I’ve learned to roll with the punches. This career gets a bad wrap sometimes, but I think it can teach some great life lessons.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Best-Making movies/tv is simply magic. Getting to put yourself into someone else’s shoes.I love being on set. Watching everyone work and the commaderie. It’s like so many moving parts of a machine. And then seeing the whole thing come together when you watch it is amazing.
Worst-So much uncertainty. I’m filming a movie right now and having the time of my life. I wrap next week. Will it be another 2 days before I book something else and be back on set? 2 weeks? 2 months? 2 years? You just don’t know. You hope. But no guarantees.
How do you prepare for a role?
I like listen to music that reminds me of the character. I play out the scenes in my head with the character’s life like my own little movie. I really just do a lot of daydreaming about the character which helps me build a life around them.
Tell us about your work in Netflix’s “A Week Away?”
I have the fondest memories of A Week Away. Truly just such a sweet, fun experience. I booked that movie from just a single self tape with no callback and had no idea how big it would be. I loved filming on an actual campsite. It was like real camp except no gross cabins, better food, and we got paid for it it was my first time in a recording studio and I looveeeed the music. I made so many friends and would just laugh all day. I’m still really close with Bailee Madison. We played best friends in the movie and just really connected and became that way in real life. They really made that such a fun time for us and I’m so grateful for that experience.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
My dream career would involve 50% dramatic 50% comedy. I really am a 50/50 girl. I hope I’m not made to choose. I love diving into the dark, gritty stuff. But I also love the whacky, comedic side of me.
If you weren’t famous, what would you be up to right now?
I’ve always loved journalism and working with kids. So maybe I’d be a teacher or working in broadcast journalism. I used to want to be an anchor on the Today Show.
Which fictional character would be the most exciting to meet in real life?
April Ludgate from Parks and Rec-we would vibe so well
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Jennifer Lawrence, Aubrey Plaza, Tom Holland
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing all of everyone’s hard work in the finished project. Film is magic and it makes so many people happy. I get to say “hey I’m a a part of that!”
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Get out there and make things happen yourself. Don’t wait around and expect things to fall in your lap. Nobody is gonna advocate for your career better than you. Especially when you’re first starting out.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Be respectful of everyone. Be humble. You may be the star of the show today but next week you could be out of a job. Treat others how you would want to be treated. People remember kindness.
How would your best friend describe you?
First and foremost probably a weirdo. Lol. Loves to entertain but definitely needs her space after too long with people. (I’m an ambivert 50% introvert, 50% extrovert)
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
She Prevails.
I’ve had a lot of obstacles in life. Some I look back on and laugh. Some of them I cry. But I choose joy and prevailing over feeling sorry for myself and giving up.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t be in such a rush. Take the time to do things the right way. I’m someone who always wants things happening right NOW. I don’t like waiting around. So a lot of times I’d make impulsive decisions that ended up hurting me in the long run. Sometimes taking your time and thinking it through will be most beneficial..even if you don’t see results for awhile.
What’s next for Kat Conner Sterling in 2023?
I have some really cool things. I’m currently filming as Max in the highly anticipated horror franchise Five Nights at Freddys (Blumhouse). Not sure when this will be out but I’ll let you guys know! I’m also stoked to have a lead in Blue Fox Entertainment’s Popular Theory coming to theaters this year! This is was such a fun and whacky comedic role I got to play alongside Cheryl Hines (The Flight Attendant, RV) and Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place).
What is your favorite healthy food?
I have a strange addiction to green beans.
And your favorite cheat food?
CHEESECAKE!!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being content where you are in life-not based on how much money or success you have. Just loving your life for what it is. Appreciating the little things-smiling and laughing with your pets, friends, and family. Just gratitude for the good cards you’ve been dealt.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Judy Garland-just listen to her stories and give her a hug. She went through so much.
Best advice ever given?
Don’t be so caught up in “am I good enough, am I doing enough?” that you let life pass you by. Live a full, interesting life.
Do you support any charity?
St. Jude-it’s in my hometown!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope I get to travel even more for my career. I’d love to see myself do a series. I do love making movies though. A good balance of both if possible. Im really open to see where life takes me.
What do you think of Social Media?
It has 2 sides. The beautiful-where we share things, encourage each other, connect so people don’t have to feel so lonely and can find communities
The ugly-hate spreads so rapidly. People think their words don’t matter if they say it behind a keyboard. I believe you reap what you sow…whether you say it in real life or online
Where we can follow you?
TikTok and Instagram @katconnersterling
Twitter @KatCSterling
Book: the glass castle
Quote: Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind-Dr. Seuss
Movie: Dumplin
Tv Series: New Amsterdam
Favorite Food: white pizza
Travel Destination: any kind of cruise
Sports Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Credits:
Photography: Tristan Duplichain @tristanduplichain
Hair and makeup: Isabella Allen @_isabellaallenxo
Special thanks to Agents: @aliciabeekman @ddokidslaura – @ddokids @bgarveymyers – @ect_agency
Manager: @kurtrpat – @patinomgmt
PR: @amanda_abelita – @abelita_pr
