While you can hone your skills at nearly any craft, some people are simply naturals. Let us introduce you to the talented young Lexy Kolker, who at just ten-years-old is an actress already making an impressive name for herself in Hollywood. Appearing in high-profile series such as Criminal Minds, Shooter, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., alongside films such as Female Fight Squad (2017), You (2018), and The Little Mermaid (2018), Kolker has an eclectic resume to her credit.
In the new Sci-Fi/Thriller Freaks, Kolker stars as a very special girl who is trapped inside her home and desperate to experience the outside world—and eat ice cream. To celebrate the film’s release and Kolker’s burgeoning career, we recently sit down with this bright young star to discuss her resume and delve deeper into the world of Freaks.
Cryptic Rock – Lexy, you just turned 10 and you already have quite an impressive resume for yourself as an actress. What inspired you to get into acting?
Lexy Kolker – Actually, my sister Ava inspired me. I used to watch her when she was on Girl Meets World and she seemed like she was having so much fun on set, and then we watched her on TV and I thought I want to do that too.
Cryptic Rock – It’s wonderful that you were able to follow in her footsteps. You’ve been acting for about four years now, and you’ve worked on some really high-profile TV series like Criminal Minds, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Shooter. What do you enjoy most about working on TV shows?
Lexy Kolker – I was very lucky to be on Shooter for three years, so you get really close to the people you work with. Of course, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was so insane: the talent on that show and being part of the Marvel Universe was a dream come true. I felt so lucky to learn from some of the best actors in the business. I guess what I like most about TV is that it is a longer term project and you get to go back over and over again, and that’s always fun.
Cryptic Rock – That makes perfect sense. You’ve also been in films, including 2018’s The Little Mermaid. That must have been very exciting for you. What was that experience like?
Lexy Kolker – Yes, I loved The Little Mermaid. I got to travel to Savannah, Georgia, and we filmed in a beautiful home on the beach. Of course, the best part was getting to work with the legendary Shirley MacLaine—that was really incredible.
Cryptic Rock – That’s wonderful and such a special experience to have had already in your young career. Now, obviously, your most recent film offering is the Sci-Fi Thriller Freaks. Your character Chloe is a very intelligent and strong-willed girl, and you do a phenomenal job bringing her to life. What made you want to play Chloe in the film, and what is your favorite thing about her character?
Lexy Kolker – Aww, thank you so much. I loved the script for Freaks and really wanted to get the role when I received the lookbook and got to see pictures of what Adam and Zach had in mind. They had pictures of a little girl looking out the window, being stuck inside, and I immediately started thinking about how frustrating and lonely and sad I would be if I never got to go outside. As I read the script, I couldn’t put it down. I loved how strong, tough, and brave Chloe was. I think I can be stubborn too so I totally identified with her, and I think I would have reacted the same way if I was in her situation. My favorite thing about her is that she would do anything to keep her family safe and I think I would too.
Cryptic Rock – Chloe really is strong, tough, and brave, and she loves her family very much; she’s a wonderful character to get to bring to life. Also in Freaks, you work alongside some very talented actors, namely Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, and Amanda Crew. What was it like working with each of them?
Lexy Kolker – They each taught me so much in their own ways. Emile was the best scene partner, because since he was a child actor too he knew how to show me to do certain emotions instead of telling me to do them. Sometimes, he would show me how to say a line 20 different ways, and he really got in my face to make me mad and get deep emotions from me—and it really worked. One time, he yelled at me so much I started crying for real, but then he talked to me and made me feel safe and told me that it was really great to feel emotions so deeply, because it made the scene much more powerful. He was right.
Bruce Dern is so different than anyone I have ever worked with: he gets the general idea of the scene and doesn’t stick to the script. The first day I worked with him, I was confused because he wouldn’t say his line, and I was waiting for my cue so I could say my next line. Then I understood that he was going to say something different every time, so I just responded to whatever he said like we were having a conversation and so most of our scenes were all improv, which was really fun. So, I think what I learned from Bruce I will always be able to use in the future; it was really very helpful to make a scene fresh and spontaneous.
Amanda Crew is also such a great actress. She has to show deep emotions too in the scenes I have with her, and she is so patient and powerful and was right there for me when I had to be sad or cry. She was amazing and so connected to me.
Cryptic Rock – Obviously you learned a lot from your co-stars and were challenged in your role, which is wonderful. So, in the movie, Chloe has some very special abilities. If you were able to have a super power, what would you want it to be?
Lexy Kolker – Well, I always like to say I would have the superpower to give myself any power. Do you like that one? (Laughs)
Cryptic Rock – (Laughs) That is very crafty of you! Do you have a favorite scene in the movie?
Lexy Kolker – Yes, I definitely want to say that my favorite scene is when I get to eat ice cream in the truck with Bruce. We got to drive around and eat ice cream—that was a great day!
Cryptic Rock – That definitely sounds like the best kind of work! (Laughs) When you were working on set, were there any moments that were scary or difficult for you?
Lexy Kolker – Yes, definitely. I would say the most difficult scenes were when I have to yell at my dad when I find out he lied to me, and at the end. I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers, but you will know what I mean when you watch the movie.
Cryptic Rock – For those that have seen the movie, that definitely makes sense. While you are still very young, you are already an exceptional actress. Do you have a goal for your acting career?
Lexy Kolker – Aww, thanks so much. I just hope I get to work all the time and have a life-long career. I know being an actor has a lot of ups and downs, and I hope I can experience less downs and work consistently because it’s my favorite thing to do. So that’s all I can hope for.
Cryptic Rock – That’s a very realistic and wonderful goal. When you’re not busy acting, what do you like to do?
Lexy Kolker – I love to do martial arts, play soccer and tennis, and swim in my pool. Go to the beach and be outdoors. I also love to spend time with my family and friends, and play with my pets.
Cryptic Rock – That all sounds nice and relaxing. So, what is next for Lexy Kolker in 2019?
Lexy Kolker – Well, I am in discussions to do a trilogy of movies that we are hoping can become a new franchise, as well as looking for other projects that would be challenging and fun. You can also see me on the worldwide Star Wars commercial for Disneyland.
Cryptic Rock – Oh wow, that is all very exciting! Now, let’s get a little more serious for a minute. Being young can be very hard at times, especially if you’re even a little bit different—and being a young actress makes you different. In Freaks, Chloe is also different from other people. Do you have any advice for other people who are being treated poorly just for being a little bit different?
Lexy Kolker – Yes, I would tell them to embrace their differences, because I was once told that “what makes you different makes you you.” If someone treats you poorly, stand up with pride and celebrate who you are, and your confidence will make them back off. I believe in standing for kindness and love, so I hope this movie will make people think about being more accepting and inclusive.
Cryptic Rock – That’s very sage wisdom, Lexy. Last question: do you like Horror and/or Sci-Fi and, if so, do you have any favorite movies?
Lexy Kolker – I do! I love TV shows like Stranger Things, but favorite movie? I loved Insidious: The Last Key (2018).
No comment