Get to know 10 Things about Taylor Kalupa
You’re originally from California, just outside of Los Angeles. When did you know that you would be in the entertainment industry and how did you get your start?
I’ve pretty much always been involved in the entertainment industry in one way or another! I started off as a competitive dancer by the age of 6. I signed with a dance agent and then asked my parents to put me into modeling too. I did professional modeling from the age of 9 all the way through college. I was quickly cast as the lead of Dave Navarro’s music video Rexall, which was produced by Emmy Award winning Honey. And then, shortly after, was picked by renowned fashion photographer Robert Erdmann for a Vogue photoshoot with actor Tobey Maguire. I modeled in many major makeup, clothing, evening gown, prom, and editorial campaigns throughout my modeling career. I actually didn’t even get into the acting side of the industry until after I graduated from Pepperdine University with my degree in Business. I had taken one acting class the summer before starting college with the sole purpose of helping me get over my fear of public speaking. The class worked, but I also ended up falling in love with acting in the process. So, I decided to pursue it once I finished school. Funny how God orchestrates things like that!
Which actors’ body of work has made a positive impact on your career and the decisions you make as an actor?
First, Julia Roberts. She is timeless, effortless, and always true to herself. I remember reading, that even at the level she’s at, she would never do a nude scene because “it’s not her thing.” I really respect when an actor stays true to who they are. Next, Charlize Theron. The fact that one of the most beautiful women in the world was able to transform like she did in Monster and believably play that character, makes her one of my biggest inspirations. Lastly, Lauren Graham. My favorite TV show of all time is Gilmore Girls. And Lauren Graham had the perfect mix of humor, whit, heartfelt drama, and believability all in one – on top of having massive amounts of quick paced dialogue. (p.s. It’s my dream to be on a show written by Amy Sherman Palladino.)
How were you first introduced to the ABC series, The Fix?
Through my agent. They submitted me for the role and casting called me in for it! I’d never been in to read for Debi Manwiller and Russel Boast (casting directors) before this audition, so I’m very grateful they called me in!
What was it about the script that appealed to you and made you want to take this on?
I got the script late on a Friday and was the first to audition for it early Saturday morning. So needless to say, I had very little time to read the script, which wasn’t a problem. Because once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down! I still remember that feeling of sitting in my bed and getting excited to turn each page, constantly saying to my roommate “wow, that’s so great” after almost every scene. I am a huge fan of true crime and just true stories in general, and although this isn’t exactly a true story, it’s based on one of the most famous cases of all time. I knew just by reading the pilot, that this show was going to be a really well written hit. I watched the People vs. OJ and like the rest of the country, I really felt for Marcia Clark and her experience. So knowing that I would get to be a part of telling her revenge fantasy story… yeah it was a no brainer!
On the show, you play the role of Jessica Meyer. What can you tell us about her personality?
Hmmm that’s tricky because one of my favorite parts about Jessica is that you don’t fully get to know her until the very end of the season. Bits and pieces are sprinkled throughout, and the audience discovers more and more with each episode. But, what I will say is that for a dead girl, she sure was a lot of fun to play and she knows how to dress (which is really thanks to Allyson Fanger and the wonderful costume department)
What do you enjoy most of about bringing Jessica’s character to life?
I love the element of discovery in acting. And with Jessica, I got to discover things about her piece by piece, as we filmed the season. I also really enjoyed sinking my teeth into a character that is damaged and a victim of assault. With that being such a relevant issue as of late, I think it’s important to keep that discussion alive and continue to shed light on the topic. Speaking up for those who don’t have a voice is a passion of mine. And I felt that way about Jessica.
Without giving too much away, what can viewers expect to see from Jessica and the rest of the cast this season?
A lot of twists and turns that’s for sure! The show will definitely have you on the edge of your seat! And you’ll get to see different sides of a lot of the characters – including Jessica 😉 In fact, you might love a character one week, and then hate them the next. In a nut shell, The Fix is a legal show that is not about the law. It’s more about revenge, a love triangle, media influence, and crime solving.
If you weren’t working as an actor, what type of career would you want in place of it?
Ironically enough, law haha! I had planned on going to law school and was even a member of the pre-law fraternity in college. But that acting class I took stole my heart and I decided to put law school on the back burner, in order to pursue acting with basically zero experience. Looking back, that was the best decision I made because I absolutely love what I do! And, I can always fulfill my other career goal by playing a lawyer on TV 😉
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I live by the beach and enjoy being active so a lot of the clothing I wear reflects my life style. I love LuLu lemon, Ellie Active Wear, and Free People for casual, everyday wear. I am obsessed with Sketchers, from their casual memory foam shoes to the more fancy glittery ones. I love them all! I also wear a lot of boots with my favorite designer being Vince Camuto. And when I do dress up for events or have a nice night out, my go-to brand is BCBG.
We look forward to seeing your performance on The Fix. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
Thank you! I recently finished filming the lead in an action thriller film called The Stalking Fields, in which I play a girl who is kidnapped and hunted in the forest for a military experiment so that’s currently in post-production. I also have a film about motocross racing that will be in theaters this year called Bennett’s War with Michael Roark, Trace Adkins, and Alison Paige that is produced by Forrest Films.
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Photos: Malik Daniels