10 Things about Johanna Liauw
Not everyone can say they started their career in the thick of a pandemic, yet that’s exactly what you did. How was life for you beforehand, and why then did you decide to step into acting? Share with us a little about your journey.
I was definitely feeling lost and off track before the universe nudged me back in the right direction. I wasn’t sure where my life was headed. I had a dream of what I wanted to accomplish but it felt like I had missed my window of opportunity. It sounds silly because it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. I know that now. Once I moved out to the west coast and started auditioning, I didn’t put any expectations on booking roles. I genuinely just enjoyed the process of it all. It’s also what I looked forward to during the pandemic/quarantine. I was in L.A. for 4 months before we were put into lockdown. So, all I’ve ever known of this industry is through the pandemic lens. I kept thinking to myself, “Well, a flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful..” It’s been an interesting past few years for all of us collectively, my heart feels for everyone.
You recently helped write AND starred in a web series called Quarantine Leap, which is amazing! How long have you been writing? Is it a path that you’d like to further explore?
Absolutely, I enjoy reading, which allows me to get inspired to write my own stories. I keep a journal handy for when ideas come to mind and it’s been another great creative outlet for me. There’s everything from poetry to snippets of stories and a few doodles, haha.
In such a short time you’ve not only helped write and star in a web series, but also starred in two Lifetime films, The Wrong Cheerleader & Coach and College Professor Obsession! What would you attribute your quick success to?
There are a bunch of people who have helped attribute to my success. I would love to thank my amazing manager and Brave Artists family. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have a lifetime of gratitude and love for them. And of course, my supportive family and my close friends, who always believe in me. Their excitement when they watch my work makes my day.
Congratulations on your latest role ‘Stella’ in Netflix’s Tall Girl 2! Walk us through getting that call and what we can expect from the sequel.
Thank you! I love how they went about telling me I booked the role. I had done the chemistry read and was told that they wanted to do one last read through before they make the decision. When I jump on the zoom call, I’m prepping myself to run through the scenes again and Emily tells me that they’d love for me to be their Stella. I instantly started crying. I was so overwhelmed with happiness. I love the message in the storyline for the second film. I thought the first movie was beautiful and the sequel does an amazing job at continuing Jodi’s evolution & navigating life as a teenager.
What other projects are you working on, if you’re able to share?
I just finished filming on a thriller entitled ‘Dyad’. I’ll be able to speak more on it later this year. It’s a juicy storyline, I’ll tell you that much.
Would you consider yourself more of a beauty girl, fashion girl or both?
I feel like I’m a balanced combination of both. I enjoy playing around with makeup looks as well as adding cool new clothing pieces to my wardrobe.
How would you describe your personal style?
It could be described best as comfy yet still put together, effortless.
Born in San Diego, yet raised in Atlanta and South Florida.. Which area do you pull from the most with your style, if any at all… Essentially how much does the areas you were brought up in play into your personal style if they do at all?
I’m more influenced by different decades or time periods. I draw most of my style from the 90s and I like playing around with my take on modern victorian/renaissance style. I love, love, love corsetry. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had a past life during that time.
Being a newbie to the industry, when it comes to Red Carpets/Appearances, do you have a strong vision of how you’d like to look? Or are you open minded with your creative team?
I for sure have a vision of how I want to dress but I’m always open to incorporating new things. There have been times where a piece may not stand out to me simply on the hanger, but once I try it on, it ends up looking better than expected.
On a normal day, how’re you walking out of the house – from hair and makeup, all the way down to your shoes.
I’m confident enough to walk out of the house and run errands bare faced. Sometimes I’ll throw some mascara on and a tinted lip balm. Hair either down with beachy waves or pulled back with a cute clip. As far as clothing, either jeans with a crop top, shorts and a comfy oversized sweatshirt, or a flowy mini dress paired with some keds.
Instagram: @JohannaLiauw
Photos: Ben Cope
Written by Janae Long