14-year-old up-and-coming actress and recording artist Kayla Bohan as she discusses starring alongside Emmy and Tony-nominated “Glee” star Matthew Morrison in the new Chinese-American-directed feature film“From Embers,” coming soon to theaters.
Starring Matthew Morrison, Kayla Bohan, Kara Wang (“Top Gun: Maverick”), and Kathryn Morris (CBS’s “Cold Case”), “From Embers” follows a widowed Asian-American mother of an autistic son as she tries to piece her life together while uncovering exactly what happened the night her husband was killed in a lab fire. The film was written and directed by Kayla’s mother and acclaimed Chinese-American director Kate Bohan.Kayla wrote the film’s two theme songs
“Maybe This is How Life Should Be,” performed by “Glee” star Heather Morris, and “Panorama,” performed by Kayla Bohan and Matthew Morrison. Kayla grew up in L.A. and began her creative career at age 7 when she starred alongside critically acclaimed actors Joe Estevez and Kyle Devero in the feature film “KAYLA.” Her performance earned her the Best Leading Actress award at the WRPN Women’s International Film Festival, the Best American Actress award at the NVIFF Public Choice Awards, and multiple Best Child Actress awards. In 2021, she starred in the feature film “Harper,” which was submitted for consideration at the 94th Academy Awards. For her outstanding performance in “Harper,” Kayla won the Rising Star–Best Actress Award at the 55th Houston International Film Festival.
Exclusive Interview:
How did your upbringing lead you to your career paths in acting and singing?
I’ve always been interested in storytelling and how I can portray different characters. I started with roles in school plays and community theater, and I made my first feature-length film when I was seven. The positive feedback really pushed me to pursue it professionally. My family has always been a big source of support, especially my mom. She’s been my biggest influence—she’s a hard worker and has helped to show me what it means to be passionate and dedicated to your craft.
Do you feel that acting and singing each bring out a different side of you?
While I love both acting and singing, I think they do bring out different sides of me. Acting allows me to step into someone else’s shoes and experience life from a different perspective, while singing and songwriting give me the chance to express my emotions and tell my own story.
Was there a specific film you watched that inspired you to enter the industry?
I loved meeting Joe Black!
Did you grow up taking acting and singing lessons?
I’ve never actually taken any acting classes. I’ve just been spontaneous with it. I’ve done what comes naturally to me. I did once study with a professional singing teacher, though, which was very helpful.
You live in the heart of the entertainment industry: Los Angeles. What have been the pros and cons of living in L.A.?
Los Angeles has so many diverse communities and you get to meet so many different people. It’s also easy to access your favorite shops or restaurants, and you can run into a lot of celebrities, too. One thing I don’t like about LA is the traffic. That can definitely be a bummer sometimes—but the nice scenery tends to make up for it!
Is it difficult to balance friends, school, and a normal “teen” life with your career as an actress and singer?
As a recent junior high graduate, I’m still figuring out how to balance everything! I’m currently attending a songwriting camp with young music lovers from all over the world, so I’m definitely learning how to juggle my passions, school, and spending time with friends. I think it’s about staying focused and making time for what really matters to me, but it’s not always easy!
What stands out as your favorite memory with “Glee” star Matthew Morrison on set for “From Embers?”**
Matthew Morrison was amazing to work with on From Embers. I learned so much from him, and he was really supportive, especially when I forgot my lines. He always had my back, and we also got to work on one of the movie’s theme songs together, Panorama. I think it turned out really great. Matthew is a lot like the character he plays—confident, talented, and always willing to help. Working with him felt so natural and honest, and I hope our father-daughter scenes in the film will move people.
How would you describe the emotion viewers will likely walk away with after watching “From Embers?”
I hope viewers walk away feeling moved by the relationship between my character, Chloe, and her father. Chloe is this smart, mature girl who acts as the voice of reason for her dad. She doesn’t resent him, even after the divorce—she just wants to understand him and connect. I think people will feel the emotional depth of their relationship, and I hope it resonates with anyone who’s gone through something similar in their own families.
What’s next for you? Do you have any other music releases or film projects coming up next?
Besides From Embers, I’m focused on continuing my growth as both a musician and an actress. I’ve been thinking about bringing uplifting performances with my band to people who are less fortunate. Helping others is really important to me, and I want to inspire them to find strength within themselves.
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