Photo: Ava Cantrell Photography
We caught up with Kayden Tokarski, acclaimed actor from Orange County, California who is recognized for portraying a young Julia Roberts in the Emmy, Critics Choice and Golden Globes-nominated Starz series Gaslit.
Kayden can also be seen in the rom-com Love’s Fast Lane on Peacock, as well as the upcoming films Mama Bear, Calculated Obsession, the 80s sci-fi Roswell Delirium alongside Anthony Michael Hall and Reginald VelJohnson, and the mystical movie Curse of Vandor and its sequel with Dee Wallace.
We asked Kayden about how she got into acting, her role in Roswell Delirium, other upcoming projects, and more.
Check out our conversation below.
How did you get into acting?
Kayden Tokarski (KT): I have wanted to be an actor ever since I was 4 years old and was inspired by Disney shows with actors like Zendaya and Bridgit Mendler. My parents thought I was too young, but I kept asking every year and it wasn’t until they saw me in a school play in fourth grade that they knew acting was my passion. I then auditioned for a role in the nonprofit The Joyful Child Foundation’s “Be Brave” pilot, which was designed to keep kids safe from predators and got a role. I loved being on set and seeing such an important project come to life.
Do you have an overall favorite role you have played so far?
KT: Yes, I play a math genius (total opposite of me!) in the upcoming thriller “Calculated Obsession” directed by the amazing Ryan J. Francis. The movie was filmed in Oklahoma, and I got to do some choreography for a couple exciting scenes, and even though I am crying a lot in the film, I had a blast working with Ryan and such an incredible cast and crew.
What has been the best advice someone has given you about acting?
KT: My agent Sueanne Edan told me this industry is not a sprint, it’s a marathon and everyone has their own journey, which cannot compare to your own. It’s such great advice, and I think it’s important to keep going and stay positive, grateful and humble and continually put the work in because you never know what is around the corner.
What can you tell us about your role in the film Roswell Delirium?
KT: I loved being part of “Roswell Delirium,” written and directed by the amazing Richard Bakewell. This sci-fi movie is set in the 1980s and features some really great actors like Anthony Michael Hall, Dee Wallace, Reginald VelJohnson, Sam Jones and Lisa Whelchel. I play a mean girl (who is so opposite of who I am) and absolutely loved it. “Roswell Delirium” has won multiple awards and has been doing great via the film festival circuit and will be streaming soon, so stay tuned!
Photo: Ava Cantrell Photography
Besides acting, what are some of your other interests/hobbies?
KT: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy singing and diving. I was actually a competitive diver on a dive team and made junior Olympic status on the 1-meter diving board. I don’t compete anymore because it requires a ton of training but enjoy hitting the diving board for fun when I can.
What’s coming up next for you that we should be on the lookout for that you can talk about?
KT: I have a romcom called “Love’s Fast Lane” streaming on Peacock and play a young Julia Roberts on the TV series “Gaslit” on Starz and Amazon Prime and am looking forward to the upcoming releases of “Calculated Obsession,” “Mama Bear,” and “Curse of Vandor” with Dee Wallace. I was also just cast in the sequel to “Curse of Vandor” so I am excited for that project, too. I really appreciate and am so grateful for every opportunity!
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