Photo Credit: Bobby Quillard
We recently got to talk to Chandler Kinney from Amazon Prime Family’s “Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street”, which is currently one of our kids favorite shows at the moment.
CHANDLER KINNEY, best known for her breakout role on Amazon Prime Family’s “Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street” as Catherine Dillman the talkative brainiac up for any intellectual challenge. Currently airing in its second season, the show tells the story of Gortimer and his friends as they navigate through various journeys and adventures on Normal Street, an ordinary suburban neighborhood that has a hint of something magical just beneath their feet…
BSCKids:Chandler Kinney
Can you tell us a little bit about your character Catherine Dillman on Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street? How did you get the roll of Catherine Dillman? Are there any ways you are like your character?
My character Catherine is very smart, confident, ambitious, and driven. Catherine is forever striving to be her best. She is always interested in a challenge or adventure. I auditioned for the role in the summer of 2014. I remember thinking the audition went well. And soon I was informed that I booked it! I believe I started filming my first episode 2 weeks after I auditioned for it. I had no idea that I would have the wonderful opportunity to play Catherine for so long. Catherine and I both have grown in so many ways since then! We share many similarities. We’re both over-achievers and perfectionists. We are also both big dreamers, and we’re very aggressive and determined when it comes to achieving our goals.
What has been one of your favorite scenes on the show that you have been in?
There are some really amazing scenes in the 3rd Season; however, since they aren’t out yet, I can’t talk about them! You’ll just have to wait and see! In the 2nd Season, one of my favorite scenes to film was from the episode entitled Stanley and the Tattoo of Tall Tales. Catherine is at the karate dojo and I was able to use some of my martial arts skills! I think it turned out really well!
One of my son’s favorite episodes with you is Mel vs. The Hidden Herstory of Normal Street tell us a little bit about that episode and your roll? Would you see any sort of directing in your future?
In the episode Mel vs. The Hidden Herstory of Normal Street, Mel uncovers a secret about the town’s founder that changes everything in the play Catherine is directing for Normal Days, an annual celebration honoring the founding of Normal Street. It was absolutely one of my favorites for many reasons. I was able to play a part of Catherine that doesn’t come out too often. I loved the message of the episode, and I filmed on my birthday and the cast and crew made it one of my best b-days yet! I had so much fun directing the play while acting as Catherine and I would most definitely love to direct one day! I just love producing art, film, and entertainment, so I’d enjoy working in front or behind the camera!
Any funny behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
There are honestly so many funny behind-the-scenes stories from set! One that comes to mind was when David Bloom, who plays Stanley, and I were filming a scene where I was on the verge of tears and had to yell at him and he had to be really upset. While they were adjusting the cameras, our director told us to sit off to the side in this alcove and to try and hold on to our sad and angry feelings until we filmed again. For a couple minutes we just sat in silence until one of the writers came walking through a nearby doorway and tripped on seemingly nothing and then looked around to see what he tripped him! David and I fell out laughing and the writer never even noticed us and he kept walking. It was hilarious when it happened!!
Tell us a little bit about your dance career and how has that helped you in acting? How has Tae Kwon Do helped you in your career as well?
Dance has helped me in my acting career because it was what actually got me into acting. Also, both dance and Tae Kwon Do teach discipline and respect which are two things that are very important in the entertainment industry, especially as a child actor. I have also been able to perform dance and martial arts during filming. It’s nice to have the skills in case they’re needed!
Tell us a bit about your charity work.
I work with Compassion International whose mission is to end child poverty. You have the opportunity to sponsor a child and it helps them receive proper healthcare, a better education, and the chance to live a better life. I sponsor a child in Ethiopia and I love writing to her and learning more about her and her family. I’m also working on building my own organization called Chandler’s Friends! Our mission is to reach out to children who are at a disadvantage whether it be economical, social, or medical, and let them know that someone cares. Our current project involves making blankets and donating them. I’m super excited because it’s very close to being fully operational!
What is playing on your iPod and what are some of your favorite television shows?
I have a very wide taste in music so currently I’ve been listening to a lot of Adele, Chicago, Sinatra, and everything popular on the radio! And other than Gortimer, I’m currently watching a lot of reality fashion shows such as What Not To Wear, but I’m about to start binge watching some shows online!! There are so many great programs!
Who would you like to work with both as a dancer and as an actor that you have not worked with before?
Someone who I would want to work with as an actor and dancer is Jennifer Lopez. She’s legendary! I know working with her would teach me so much.
Who do you think is the hottest triple threat actor/singer/dancer right now?
I think one of the hottest triple treats right now is Zendaya! Not only is she a very talented actress, dancer, and singer, she’s also a beautiful model, fashionista, and business woman. She’s killing it!
What advice do you have for kids trying to make it in acting?
For kids who want to act, I would just say that you must first and foremost, make sure you truly love the art of acting. Be open to criticism and prepared for rejection. Lastly, be sure that it really makes you happy because it is a huge commitment, and it is very energy and time consuming. If you enjoy it, stay focused and keep with it!
How can we find you online?
If you’d like to stay updated on what I’m up to, you can follow me on both Instagram and Twitter @ChandlerLkinney!
Why should everyone be watching Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street?
People should tune into Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street because it’s the perfect family show. We depict the beauty, wonder, and magic of childhood. In addition, the characters are real and relatable. Our show is also about growing up, friendship, and learning the endless compelling lessons of life. There is something so special, genuine, and welcoming about Normal Street, and the show itself, and I think it really reads on screen! Seasons 1 and 2 are out now on Amazon Prime and our Season 3 will be coming out very soon!!
Thanks again to Chandler Kinney and make sure to watch Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street on Amazon Prime Video!