Actress Chandler Kinney is pretty much the ultimate role model. As a young woman of many talents, Chandler is a dancer of many genres, an actress with a plethora of roles under her belt and a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe. When she’s not staying active or on the set of Lethal Weapons, she’s working on one of her several community service projects. She’s also graced the cover of numerous magazines and has been highlighted for her bold and beautiful fashion choices.
Chandler took time out her busy schedule to chat with Her Campus about her unique sense of style, her love for all things dance, her amazing charity work, working with Damon Wayans on FOX’s Lethal Weapon (which was recently renewed for a third season!), and more.
Her Campus: You currently star as Riana Murtaguh in FOX’s hit series Lethal Weapons. What’s it been like being a part of this show and working with Damon Wayans?
Chandler Kinney: It’s been absolutely phenomenal. We actually just wrapped our second season, so I’m very sad about that, but it’s been an incredible experience. Fingers crossed for season three! With our whole cast, it’s kind of an unreal experience. I couldn’t ask for a better cast and crew to learn from and to grow with really. I’m the youngest in our cast, so I really take advantage of that position as being the observer and asking tons of questions and being able to get away with that. I’m so grateful for the experience and learn so much growing not only as an individual, but also as an actor as well. Working with Damon has been amazing. He’s honestly one of my favorite people on the planet. He’s so kind and warm and welcoming. We’ve really formed a tight bond. He’s a comedic genius—there’s no doubt about that. He always throws in lines and improv to make us laugh. He’s an amazing family person, and I kind of see him as a father figure as well outside of the show.
HC: You’ve been highlighted by numerous publications for your fashion choices on the red carpet. How would you describe your sense of style? What does an everyday, casual outfit look like for you?
CK: I have a very eclectic sense of fashion. I truly wear whatever I’m in the mood for, and that changes daily. Sometimes I’m in kind of a boho chic vibe. Sometimes I want to be more tomboy and comfortable in sweatpants and a t-shirt. Other days I like to be very put together, elegant, sophisticated. I would say it usually rotates around those three, but I really do—especially on the red carpet—love to play with my look. I’m a huge fan of fashion, and I just think it’s a wonderful outlet to further express myself through a different art form. Getting to work in the industry and being so close to that world has been just a blessing for me because it’s another way for me to explore and create. On a normal day I’m really just in tennis shoes, jeans and a t-shirt. That’s like my go-to look if I’m in a rush. That’s honestly what I’m wearing right now!
HC: Who are your favorite fashion icons?
CK: I would have to say definitely Zendaya. I can kind of see myself in her in the sense that we both really like to change up our looks a lot and try different things. We definitely like fashion risks. Zoe Saldana always has really sophisticated, classy looks—I love that. I also admire Rihanna because she literally can do no wrong in the world of fashion. She can take something that people perceive to be ugly and unwearable, and she’ll throw it on and will be starting trends.
HC: You started out in the entertainment industry as a dancer, have you continued to pursue dancing alongside acting? If so, what’s your favorite style of dance and why?
CK: Unfortunately, because of my demands of my filming schedule, it’s been really difficult for me to continue classes. However, I still have all the normal attributes of a dancer. I’ll stretch while watching TV. I’ll crack my bones like a dancer does. I still choreograph dances in my backyard and walk to the beat in public. All those little things that dancers do are still very much a part of me. But I would say my favorite style of dance would be ballet, contemporary or hip hop. Those are my three favorites. I can’t really eliminate one because they’re hard to compare and are so different. I miss dancing and wish I could do it more, but I still dance around the house a little bit.
HC: When you’re not performing, you always have your hands busy with charity work. Can you tell us about founding your own non-profit and working on other philanthropy projects?
CK: About four years ago, I created an organization called “Chandler’s Friends” alongside my mom. We started very small just by making blankets and donating them to a foster family. From there that inspired me to turn my dreams and attention into action and really go full force. We started working with different organizations and charities. As far as my organization goes, one of the biggest projects that we’ve taken on is our toy wrapping event. This past one was amazing. We were able to donate a newly wrapped toy for every single child in an elementary school for the holiday season. It was incredible being able to pass gifts to every student and being able to spend time with them. I am honestly so motivated to continue this work and do more, and help out wherever I can. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve learned so much.
HC: What advice would you give to a young woman who wants to start her own non-profit or community service-oriented project but doesn’t know where to start?
CK: You can start anywhere. I think there is a belief that charity work or getting involved in civic engagement can be a little more difficult than it really is, but it could be as simple as making someone smile. It could be as simple as making sandwiches for people on the street. It could be as simple as making blankets or helping out at your local senior center. There’s so many ways to get involved. That’s actually how I started. I talked to my mom, and we also looked online at local centers and different places that could use some help. The internet is a great resource for inspiration. Don’t let the daunting task of changing the world scare you off! It starts with one person.