Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Freaks’ Lexy Kolker

Lexy Kolker is an exciting new face quickly making a name for herself in Hollywood. At only ten years old, she’s building an impressive résumé that includes hit television programs such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Shooter. This fall, she starred opposite Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern in the dystopian sci-fi drama Freaks. The film follows Lexy’s character, Chloe, who discovers a completely new world after escaping her father’s protective and paranoid control. Pop Culturalist caught up with Lexy to chat about Freaks.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Lexy: I remember watching my sister Ava when she was preparing her auditions or when she was filming Girl Meets World when we were little, and it looked like a lot of fun. Then I would see her on TV, and I thought, I want to do that too.

PC: Who or what has been your biggest influence on your career?
Lexy: Definitely my sister, Ava. She was not only my inspiration but also always helps me get ready for anything I am doing, whether I am auditioning or working on a tough scene or filming a movie. She has had a huge impact on my career.

PC: Tell us about Freaks, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Lexy: Freaks is a sci-fi thriller about a seven-year-old girl named Chloe who I play, and she’s never been outside because her dad tells her that if she goes outside, the bad people will kill her. But she finally gets the courage to take the risk, disobeys her single dad played by Emile Hirsch, and goes on an adventure that is beyond what she could have ever expected. She realizes her dad could have been right.

PC: What was your favorite scene in the film?
Lexy: I have to say the scene where I eat ice cream with Mr. Snowcone, played by Bruce Dern. We just drove around and improv’d and ate ice cream so it was really fun to film.

PC: What was the most challenging scene?
Lexy: I would say the scene when I get upset with my dad and tell him to get out of my room, and the end scene. I really felt some deep emotions and had to make sure I got to a very intense place for it to be believable. So they were challenging to me, but once I got there, it wasn’t too bad.

PC: Being the lead in the film, did that give you any pressure?
Lexy: I didn’t feel any pressure at all. Adam [B. Stein] and Zack [Lipovsky] were so great and nice to me. Even when I was nervous because I knew a tough scene was coming up, I would just tell them, “I hope I’m going to do a good job,” and Adam would say, “I’m not worried. You’re going to be great.” He always took all the pressure away, so that felt really nice.

PC: The film touches upon a lot of political topics going on in the world today like immigration and racism. Which one of these topics resonated the most with you and how do you think the film did a good job portraying it?
Lexy: I agree. I think it just shows that sometimes people are persecuted just because they’re different, and when they’re persecuted, they become violent to protect themselves and then everything gets worse for everyone. So I think it does a good job showing how people can be born just wanting to be loved and accepted but society and hate makes them do what they need to do to survive.

PC: What was the biggest takeaway from this project for you?
Lexy: I realized that sometimes it’s good to do a lot of improv and use my own words and take freedom away from the script because some great moments can be born by being spontaneous. And I learned to just let myself feel whatever I’m feeling in the moment and just react to my scene partner instead of worrying about acting a certain emotion or saying my lines perfectly.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lexy: Riverdale

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lexy: Bohemian Rhapsody

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Lexy: Mamma Mia!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lexy: Queen

To keep up with Lexy, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.