Interview with a Teenage Actress
This past Friday I sat down with Eunice Cho. She’s currently a senior in the Music and Theatre
department at the Orange County High School of the Arts. Looking at her, you wouldn’t believe
that she’s been in dozens of commercials, magazine ads, television shows, and movies (most
notably Ice Age 3). But she carries herself with a certain ease and finesse that sets her apart from
many of her peers. As we speak, she sits crosslegged on the pavement, talking animatedly.
SJ: How did you first start acting?
EC: I started when I was seven and I started modelling first--my mom’s friend was a
photographer. Then eventually that led to acting.
SJ: What has been the most rewarding part of acting?
EC: I got to travel all over the country and meet fantabulous people--actually, scratch that,
scratch that. Wait. Amazing people. That sounds better.
SJ: What is it like to be an Asian American in this field?
EC: It’s really difficult because a lot of the auditions are for stereotypes of Asians, which is
really frustrating. When I moved to Hollywood, it was so different from New York. In New
York my agent only sent me on castings specifically for Asians and I didn’t get to try out for a
lot of parts that I found interesting.
SJ: You’re a senior in high school right now. How do you juggle all the aspects of your life?
EC: It’s difficult because at OCHSA [Orange County High School of the Arts] we’re here until
five and I miss a lot of school. But I love acting and I know if I couldn’t keep up my grades my
parents wouldn’t let me keep acting. So even if it means I’m losing five hours of sleep I get it all
done.
SJ: Tell me about your most recent project.
EC: Most recently, since I’m in high school, because of scheduling and stuff, I do a lot of
commercials because they’re usually one or two day shoots. My last project was a commercial
for FanCast, which I did earlier in the year. It was interesting. I got to work with another actress-
-her name was Rainie--and she was so nice. A lot of the times when I go to work on commercials
all the other girls have really big egos so I don’t really like hanging out with other actors. But she
was so down-to-earth. I had to do a thousand situps, but it was fun.
SJ; What are your plans for after graduation?
EC: I definitely want to go to college. I’m applying right now, so I’ll see where I go. Hopefully
during college I’ll be able to pursue acting or in college I’ll find something else I want to do and
that I love.
SJ: What’s your favorite Asian dish?
EC: [long pause] Korean barbecue. [laughs] Because I’m Korean. And barbecue is delicious. I
love meat.