Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Van Helsing’s Jennifer Cheon Garcia Warn

Jennifer Cheon Garcia Warn sinks her teeth into any role she plays, whether that’s as the bloodthirsty vampire Ivory on Syfy’s Van Helsing or in her upcoming guest spot as the villainous Midnight on The CW’s Supergirl. Pop Culturalist recently caught up with Jennifer to chat about both projects, working alongside her husband, and how her craft saved her life.

Van Helsing Questions

PC: When you signed on for Van Helsing, you were only supposed to be on two episodes, but your role kept getting extended. How did that change the way you approached Ivory?
Jennifer: It’s a different process. Typically, when you sign on for a show and it’s already been decided that it will be for a limited amount of episodes, there’s an arc that’s been discussed. But in this case, like you said, it kept building and building. Every time you get a script, you learn more and more about who she is and what she’s all about. You have to interpret and work with the writers to figure out that trajectory. It was a fun surprise every time.

PC: When you look back at your journey with this character and the show, what’s been the biggest takeaway for you?
Jennifer: I think the biggest takeaway from playing Ivory is to really enjoy it. Sometimes I get in my head, especially when it’s something that you care about. It’s taught me that there are so many different approaches and views that someone can see from your character. It’s been such a learning process, and I’m super grateful about it. Honestly, I really, really love her. We’re on hiatus right now, and the other day I was looking through my camera roll, and I was like, “Oh, I miss her!”

PC: We know you can’t say too much, but is there anything you can tease about Ivory’s storyline in season four?
Jennifer: You guys are going to see some vulnerabilities through her journey as a vampire, which is something that you probably wouldn’t think you’d see, considering she’s a bloodthirsty immortal.

PC: There are a couple of new faces being added into the mix this season. How will that affect Ivory and her relationships?
Jennifer: In season four, we’ve really switched up a lot of things—from the tone and direction of where all the characters are going. It’s exciting because you need to continue to grow, shape, and change. Without giving away too much, the newcomers in the cast are so lovely and talented. They added a lot of dynamic to the cast and story. I’m really excited for you guys to see it! It’s such an ass-kicking crew of chicks now.

It was so different for me. In season two and three, I was the newcomer. I always felt like I was the rookie. But this was the first season where I was like, “Oh my gosh, I’m an oldie! I’m a vet now!” When we went to Comic Con, Aleks [Paunovic], Christopher [Heyerdahl], and I were like, “Oh my gosh, we’re the OGs out of the group.” [Laughs.]

Supergirl Questions

PC: In addition to Van Helsing, you also have a guest starring role in Supergirl. What can you tell us about that project?
Jennifer: Oh my gosh! I’m really emotionally connected to this one because I actually got to work with my husband, Jesse Warn, who directed. He’s a producer and director of Supergirl and directed the season opener. I’ve never worked with him before. So I have an emotional attachment to this because I got to see him in his element and what he does so well.

I think the fans are going to be really, really happy with it. That cast and crew were so welcoming, professional, and really masters of their craft. It was a such a treat and learning experience to sit there and watch Melissa [Benoist], Jesse [Rath], and the rest of the cast. Brainy is my favorite character, so it was exciting to watch him do his thing.

Fans can expect everything they love about the show. I love how the writers tackle a lot of social and political issues. They navigate it so well. It’s another thing I can’t wait for you guys to see.

PC: What was that like—working with your husband?
Jennifer: It went really, really well. I was like, “If something’s going wrong, and you don’t know how to tell me, just tap your nose a bunch of times.” I always make him help me out if I have to put something on tape or if I’m having trouble trying to navigate through something. He’s always been so supportive, and his insight to the other side is really helpful. It’s helped me gauge how much to push and when not to.

Career Questions

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Jennifer: I mean, every day! I wake up and say, “I’m still here, and I’m getting to do what I love.”
Supergirl was one of those big moments for me because it’s such an iconic character. I remember doing a scene with Melissa and I was like, “I’m looking at Supergirl!” I remember when I used to pretend that I was these characters. Now I’m actually battling them. It was a pretty big “wow” moment for the twelve-year-old inside of me.

PC: The last time we spoke, you shared a personal story about your parents, their farm, and their journey to America. Have you all had a chance to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished?
Jennifer: Oh my gosh, every day. It wasn’t easy what my dad and my mom decided to do when they didn’t even speak the same language. It’s always been in the forefront of my mind because I have to succeed because of everything they’ve risked and everything they’ve done. They came from nothing and made something of themselves. I admire that so much about them. Every day is a journey. They’re still pushing through things. I always think about the fact that I was born in Canada with freedom, and I’m grateful they chose well.

PC: Art and fitness have played a huge role in your life. Can you talk a bit about that?
Jennifer: The arts saved my life. I truly believe that. I grew up in a very small town, predominantly Caucasians. If there were any Asian or Latin influences, I didn’t fall into any of those boxes. I am mixed race, and that wasn’t very common—especially the type of mix I am. There was a lot of alone time and a lot of down time. The arts gives you a friend. Art is a healthy way to help you become a good, healthy human. Whether it’s reading or painting, try and tap into what that makes you feel. It’s important because we get so lost in our devices, and within those devices there are always ads or these influences that are selling you an idea of what life is, which isn’t real.

PC: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Jennifer: It would be screw them, screw the haters! [laughs] I think I cared too much about what they thought. I mean, I still do sometimes, but it’s a little less now. When I was younger, I cared so much about what people thought. Every mean thing that anyone ever said to me, I would carry it and carry it and carry it.

I’m finally now in my thirties, and I’m like, “‘F’ it.” I wish I knew that so much earlier. If I could tell my younger self anything, it’d be just ignore it. When you’re in it, it’s hard to take that advice. My mom was always like, “Ignore it! Ignore it!” But it’s hard. But it’s also part of growth.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only have three things, what would they be and why?
Jennifer: It would be food, water, a good SPF, and my husband. If we had all those things, we’d be good to go. You can leave us there.

PC: Who was the last person you called or texted?
Jennifer: Well, the last person I called was you. [Laughs] I’m cheeky, huh? The last person I text was actually my stylist on this last shoot, Lauren Taylor. We were texting about our looks and stuff. She’s a super-talented woman. You have to look her up if you ever need a stylist! She’s the bomb.

PC: Most used emoji?
Jennifer: The Saturday Night Fever guy or the guy that’s like, “Did you go dancing?” Him and the grimacing face emoji. That one is super awkward, and I am too! Those are my two top. I also really love the firecracker that’s like “boom.”

PC: Place you’d like to visit?
Jennifer: I would love to visit Korea. I haven’t been to Korea yet and since I’m half Korean, I feel like it is my duty to walk on that soil.

PC: Person you’d like to meet, dead or alive?
Jennifer: Cher. Oh my God, Cher. All the way, Cher. And then I’d die. I think that would be it. I remember they were actually talking about Cher being Dracula at one point, and I was like, “You guys don’t understand—like I would die.” Like I’m not even saying that to be cute. I would walk up to the makeup trailer, see Cher, and then “R.I.P.” me.

Make sure to follow Jennifer on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Van Helsing every Friday at 10/9c on Syfy.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Fountain