Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Cruel Summer’s Shelby Surdam

Shelby Surdam is one of the stars of Cruel Summer, the psychological thriller that’s sweeping the nation. In it, a small-town Texas community is upended when one of the high school’s most popular girls, Kate, is abducted. Shelby shines as Tenielle, one of Kate’s best friends. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Shelby about Cruel Summer, all the twists and turns in the series, and what’s ahead for her character.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Shelby: It started at a very early age. My mom took me to the local community theater and we watched musicals and plays. From there, I was like, “I don’t want to watch it. I want to be part of it!” Then when I was in middle school, I wanted to try film. I was watching a lot more movies and TV shows. I was like, “That’s what I want to do.”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Shelby: It’s been my family. They’ve been really supportive. Unfortunately, it does happen where people tell their families that they want to pursue a career in the arts, and they get shut down quickly, but mine has always been very supportive. They root for me. They support me in everything creatively. They’ve really influenced me in my life. Even when I’m like, “Oh man, that sucks,” or I didn’t get something, they keep pushing me. They’re like, “No. This is just one hurdle because you’re going to get a thousand nos.”

Cruel Summer

PC: Tell us about Cruel Summer and your character in the series.
Shelby: Cruel Summer is about a girl named Kate who goes missing. Then a girl, Jeanette, is accused of being a part of her disappearance.

My character is Tennille. She’s friends with both Kate and Jeanette. Throughout the whole series, you see how a community gets shaken up when things come to light. You see it from their points of view. We’re talking about a lot of really deep topics that I don’t think many TV shows are very comfortable talking about at the moment.

PC: You made a ’90s playlist to help you get into character and into the era. What was on that playlist?
Shelby: I had a lot of Nirvana. I also had Biggie. I also had Mazzy Star. Fleetwood Mac, even though that’s not in the ’90s. I thought their song was perfect for Cruel Summer—it’s called “World Turning”—especially for Jeanette because her world completely turns upside down. There was Beck, Weezer, and Radiohead.

PC: We’re about halfway through the season. What’s ahead for your character in the back half? What can you tease?
Shelby: You’ll meet one of Tennille’s family members. It’s really exciting. I can’t wait for everyone to meet that family member. You’re going to see a bit more of Tennille, Renee, and Jamie.

PC: Speaking of relationships, which has been your favorite to explore and why?
Shelby: For me, I loved exploring the relationship between the girls. It’s very on the nose of how friendships work—sometimes friends come and go—and seeing that play out. It feels very true. I love exploring the relationship between Kate and Tennille and exploring Jeanette and Tennille, but also Renee and Tennille. I love the relationship between Renee and Tennille because they have each other’s back throughout the years. They’re as strong as ever.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Shelby: Right now, I’m watching a lot of K-dramas. I love watching K-dramas. They’re so cute. I also do watch a lot of reality TV. Everyone was obsessed with The Circle and so was I.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Shelby: Any Adam Sandler movie. I love 50 First Dates. I think that would be a guilty pleasure because I know some people are like, “That’s not my jam.” But I’m like, “It’s Adam Sandler. He’s a funny guy.”

PC: Favorite book?
Shelby: Right now, I’m reading Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Conversations with Friends. That’s what I’m reading right now. But my favorite book…I was really into young adult novels as a kid. Books like The Hunger Games.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Shelby: Dear Evan Hansen. I’d love to do that one day. Rocky Horror Picture Show—that’s good too.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Shelby: I remember one time I put Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B on, and my friends were very taken aback by that. I don’t know why. Probably because I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift. They’re like, “Wait, you listen to Megan Thee Stallion?” I’m like, “Who doesn’t? Who doesn’t listen to Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B?”

PC: Dream role?
Shelby: I don’t like to put myself in a box. I’m one of those people that want to do literally everything. My dream role is probably Teen Titans. They have a live-action one. I would love to be part of that, so maybe something with a little bit more action. That’s always fun and cool.

To keep up with Shelby, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Cruel Summer every Tuesday at 10/9c on Freeform.

Photo Credit: Anthony Chiang