Chloe Coleman: From “Big Little Lies” to Big-Name Collaborations – The Journey of a Rising Star

Photographer: Nina Zimolong / @nina_zimolong 

Clothing: Kat van Duinen / @katvanduinen.official

Stylist: Tanlyn Blomkamp / @styledxtanlynleigh 

Hair & MU: Babalwa Mtshiselwa / @babalwa.mtshiselwa

Talent: Chloe Coleman @chloechasecoleman

You landed your first acting role on Glee at just 5 years old. What inspired you to start acting at such a young age? 

Growing up I loved watching films and television with my family. I was so fascinated with what I was witnessing on the screen, and at the time, I really believed what I was seeing was actually happening. I was disappointed to learn it was in fact fake, but that also made me more intrigued. I wanted to break it down and figure it out. My parents helped me get started and I fell in love with acting even more. Especially after “Big Little Lies” which changed my life and elevated everything for me. From then on, I was sold. I met the most inspirational & strong women and the most passionate director in Jean-Marc Vallée. I can’t wait for season three, which I understand is in the works. 

You’ve acted in thrillers like Gunpowder Milkshake and romantic comedies like Marry Me. How do you prepare for roles in different genres, and what genre is your favorite?

I believe when preparing for a role it all depends on the character. I always start there. Then I may alter my tone and delivery depending on if it’s comedy or drama. For example, if it’s a more comedic role my mindset is more uplifted and happier, as compared to a thriller where there’s higher stakes, tension, and heavy emotions. Comedies are so much fun, and I learned a lot watching Ken Jeong and Kristen Schaal – they are freaking hysterical. Lately, my favorite genre would definitely be action. I enjoy it the most because of how much fun I have doing my own stunts. That’s why “My Spy The Eternal City” has been my favorite project so far.  I got to try so many things for the first time. I got PADI scuba certified so I could use a regulator while we filmed 27 feet down, in a giant underwater tank. Then I’d drop the regulator and hold my breath for as long as possible at the bottom.  It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever done. I also learned to ride a moped before I’ve even driven a car!  Super exciting stuff.

What was it like working with big name celebrities such as Adam Driver in the film 65, and Chris Pine in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves?

Working with Adam was one of the biggest awakenings for me as an actress. Adam is so real and raw and when he steps into character, I believe everything he’s doing, which really allows me to be grounded and I loved getting to engage with him. He went out of his way to compliment me and especially coming from him, it just meant the world to me.  He’s so goofy and fun too between takes, I’ll never forget how he made me laugh and feel special.  Then with Chris, from the moment I met him, he already felt like my dad. He would always greet me with a warm hug and a kiss on the forehead, and constantly made me feel welcome. I also found him to be so relaxed. In the scenes where our characters (Kira and Edgin) really connected emotionally, I didn’t even have to try and search for feelings, they just came out. He’d always ask, “is there anything I can do for you?” and I loved that so much that I take a bit of Chris Pine with me into other projects. He really gives you his full and undivided attention when working, and I was in awe of him for that.

How does it feel to reprise your role as Sophie in My Spy: The Eternal City? 

It was literally like coming home. I could not get started fast enough. The entire cast & crew are like family to me. The biggest change in revisiting Sophie for the sequel was thatshe’s growing up and not a little kid anymore.  It’s bittersweet making her into a teen who’s trying to distance herself from JJ, when in reality I just adore JJ (Dave) to pieces! I had to work at being cold & disinterested and that part wasn’t easy. Our director Pete Segal and I workshopped how we age up Sophie without losing her iconic personality from the first film. He’s so attentive to every detail and I loved being involved from the very beginning. I approach every character by making mood boards for their room, wardrobe, vibe and music playlists for emotion and tone. I loved getting to help develop her and make Sophie as authentic as possible. It’s personal to me because I feel like I’ve known Sophie most of my life.

What are some key lessons you’ve learned from working with such a diverse range of actors and directors?

I have always been reminded throughout my time working with adults, that I should remain a kid. I worked with Adam Nagaitis on “Gunpowder Milkshake,” and he really stressed that to me. To make sure that you always love what you’re doing and that you’re having FUN. He told me to not change who I am, and always be respectful of those around you. I also picked up the habit of extracting myself from the

What are some key lessons you’ve learned from working with such a diverse range of actors and directors?

I have always been reminded throughout my time working with adults, that I should remain a kid. I worked with Adam Nagaitis on “Gunpowder Milkshake,” and he really stressed that to me. To make sure that you always love what you’re doing and that you’re having FUN. He told me to not change who I am, and always be respectful of those around you. I also picked up the habit of extracting myself from the character after a job is done, especially if it’s a more emotional role.  I feel a bit more method when acting and I make sure to pull back properly because it can be very draining.  I like to mix up roles for that very reason.  

How do you balance your acting career with your personal life, especially considering you started so young? 

The main way that I stay balanced and get the best of both worlds is by going to in person school. I’ve gone to school my whole life and it really keeps me grounded. When I’m not working, I get to be with kids my age, and I’ve made great friends who are incredibly supportive and kind. I’ve also met some not so nice kids but isn’t that the real school experience? The good, the bad and the ugly of being a kid in school? I also make sure to cherish and hold onto my childhood friends. They’re everything to me and keep me sane. I made a promise to myself that my entire 9th grade year at my new high school would be uninterrupted by filming. You’d think I would’ve taken a break from acting, but instead I did the musical, the drama, singing, AND a dance recital. And I really missed filming too. So, I learned that deep down, I prefer jetting off somewhere, living in a completely new place for months, and taking on the fictitious world of a new character… the whole process is just part of me now. 

What has been the most challenging role you have taken on and why?

My most challenging role by far has been ‘Sophie’ in “My Spy The Eternal City.” I had to authentically play JJ’s (Dave Bautista’s) protégé, so I worked really hard for 18 months whenever I could, to master every stunt I could.  I started doing martial arts with Master Li Jing in 2022. She’s the very best and that was key. Pete Segal would send us videos of crazy stunts and say, “do this!” So, we’d work on his wild suggestions one by one. It felt incredible to get each onedown. Dave liked high kicking extensions, so we worked on that. In Atlanta while I was filming “Pain Hustler’s” I worked with this awesome kickboxer Ryan Shelor – he was a super-fast and tough instructor.  Our My Spy stunt coordinator, Jim Churchman sent requests from overseas – “Go to indoor sky diving!” So we mastered IFLY and I could move exactly where the instructor wanted me.  Churchman had me do incredible things like breath hold training with magician David Blaine, and scuba, and moped – it was nonstop.  In prep, the entire stunt team (Kristina & Rich) worked with me for hours every day helping me get to thepoint where I could do as many of my own stunts as possible. I could really feel them rooting me on and it was the best experience.  I loved it.

Do you have any mentors or role models who have influenced your career? 

I love, love, love Zendaya. I think she’s such a talented and beautiful human. What’s so impressive to me is her wide range of roles. I find that very inspiring. I met her once when I was 7 years old at a Hollywood party and she was really kind. She’s always so classy, has perfect style, and I admire how she keeps personal things to herself. In this industry, and with social media, you have to keep some things just for you. And the coolest part is we have the same last name, Coleman.  I would die to work with Zendaya one day.