INTERVIEW: Chandler Kinney on Acting, Standing up For Women’s Rights, and What’s Next

Our cover girl, Chandler Kinney, is most known for playing Riana Murtaugh on the Fox series, Lethal Weapon, opposite Damon Wayans.

You might have also seen her in a few other shows, including Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World and K.C. Undercover. Chandler recently sat down with Glitter to talk about her love for acting, what it’s like working on Fox’s Lethal Weapon, her non-profit, “Chandler’s Friends,” and her dream role. She also talks about how important it is for women to stand up for their rights. We couldn’t agree more! Read on for the whole interview with this gifted actress.

GLITTER: When did you first start acting? Did you always want to act, or did you start out doing something else and then fall in love with acting?
CHANDLER: I actually wasn’t interested in acting until I was nine-years-old, mostly because of the fact that I wasn’t even aware of the activity being a possibility for me. I was never presented with the opportunity to consider it. However, I did know from a very young age that I would be an entertainer; my love and joy for performing was an innate quality for me. I began dancing at the age of three. It was the first thing I was truly passionate about and for a long time, I dreamed of becoming a professional dancer and joining a company one day. After filming a huge dance commercial and having my first experience on set, I signed with a commercial agent and started taking acting lessons. I was immediately intrigued and fell in love with the craft. It was a very natural and smooth transition into the world of film and television.

GLITTER: What’s it like acting on Fox’s Lethal Weapon? Who do you play?
CHANDLER: Working on Lethal Weapon is some of the greatest fun I’ve ever had working on a project. We have an outstanding cast and a very dedicated crew. The environment in which we work in is one that encourages creativity and experimentation. It has been the best place for me to grow and learn while observing greatness first-hand. I play Riana, the daughter of Roger Murtaugh. She’s a very clever and quick-witted, confident, strong girl. She can also be a bit rebellious and quite stubborn when she stands up for something she believes in. Riana has been such a joy to play with because she pushes me to take risks and operate outside of my comfort zone.

GLITTER: What is it like working with Damon Wayans?
CHANDLER: As I’m sure you can imagine, working with Damon is so much fun! He really a lovely human being whom I admire and respect deeply. He is also very wise, so I’ve learned a great deal from him not only about things within the entertainment industry but also completely outside of the business. I love hearing from his perspective and receiving his advice. And of course, it’s no surprise that he is hilarious. I am constantly in awe of how quick and clever he can be. He’s truly a genius at what he does. I’m really grateful to be working with Damon and to have him in my life.

GLITTER: What other shows have you been on in the past?
CHANDLER: In the past, I’ve guest-starred on the Disney shows, Girl Meets World and K.C. Undercover, as well as Haunted Hathaways on Nickelodeon. I also worked on an Amazon original children’s series called Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street, where I played Catherine Dillman. Some older shows I’ve worked on include 90210 and American Horror Story. With each project I’ve been a part of, I have learned something different. It has been a gradual learning experience and each job has given me crucial knowledge to apply to my craft when working on the next.

GLITTER: How do you give back to your community?
CHANDLER: I am a member of an organization called Compassion International that connects a sponsor with a child living in poverty. I sponsor a young girl in Ethiopia and help her receive proper health care, stronger education, along with basic needs such as clean water and better food options. I also am a supporter of ASPCA which does wonderful work for the prevention of animal cruelty.

GLITTER: What can you tell us about your nonprofit, “Chandler’s Friends?”
CHANDLER: I have created my own organization with my mom about 3 years ago called “Chandler’s Friends.” From a young age, my parents emphasized the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community, so I’ve always had that part of me that wants to do work where work is needed. We started small by making blankets and sending them to a family friend who takes in foster children. After seeing the impact it made on those children’s lives, I realized I really could make a difference and was immediately inspired to do more. Since then, we have expanded and are now giving back on a much larger scale. Last year for the holiday season, we were able to donate 300 toys to homeless youth. This year, we’re doing another toy wrapping event for the holidays and we hope to reach even more children!

GLITTER: What do you like doing in your free time?
CHANDLER: With the little free time I have, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going to the movies, binge-watching shows, playing video games, and going to museums, gardens, and cool restaurants! I also love baking, photography, reading, and writing.

GLITTER: What is one thing you can’t live without and why?
CHANDLER: One thing I wouldn’t be able to live without is the support from my family. My mom drives me everywhere I need to go and is right by my side every single step of the way. My brothers have made so many sacrifices just to let me pursue my dreams. My dad is always supporting and cheering me on with everything I do. Without them, I literally would not be able to live the life I’m living today.

GLITTER: What positive message do you hope to send women who follow you?
CHANDLER: I hope to inspire all the females who follow me and my career to remember that persistence pays off. I understand that, despite advancements in the feminist agenda to achieve a society in which there is no gender inequality, it can still be difficult to operate as a woman in today’s society. On our show, every female in the cast is portrayed in a strong and intelligent manner, and I’m incredibly proud and honored to be contributing to positive representation in media. I hope we stand as a reminder that it is very possible to achieve your dreams so long as you never give up.

GLITTER: Many women are coming forward in media and standing up for their rights as women. How important is this issue to you?
CHANDLER: This issue holds a great deal of importance in my life as it directly affects me and the world in which I operate. The fact that this kind of horrible, not to mention illegal, predatory behavior has been justified over and over again is disgusting and disheartening. This is not something that should be prevalent in professional working environments. As a 17-year-old girl moving through the entertainment industry, I am very vigilant. And although it is troubling to hear allegations, one after another, in the news, it gives me hope that the enormity of this issue is finally receiving the attention and awareness it needs to make real change. I want to emphasize the amount of respect I have for the women in this business. Their stories are shaping the world we work in into a safer place where all are encouraged to create equally and invulnerably.

GLITTER: Who do you look up to in your profession?
CHANDLER: I look up to Lupita Nyong’o, ViolaDavis, Meryl Streep, Amy Poehler, and Terry Crews, along with so many others. I also look up to my castmates; they’re brilliant on and offscreen.

GLITTER: What is your dream role?
CHANDLER: My dream role is a strong, intelligent, confidently cool character in an action film where I get to fight and take part in the action!

GLITTER: Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
CHANDLER: Honestly, I’m currently just focused on filming Lethal Weapon, finishing up my senior year in high school, and trying to find a college that will work in conjunction with my show!

GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
CHANDLER: People can follow me on Instagram and Twitter and my handle is @ChandlerLKinney. Thank you so much!