Exclusive Interview: Emmy Liu-Wang Talks ‘Hollywood Arts,’ Bringing Pepper to Life, and Honoring ‘Victorious’

Emmy Liu-Wang is bringing her voice, comedic spark, and infectious energy to the next chapter of a universe she grew up loving. In Hollywood Arts, she stars as Pepper, a fiercely loyal friend whose boundless confidence and unpredictable humor make her an exciting presence among the school’s aspiring performers. Drawing on her own performing arts background, Emmy fills the role with personality and heart, embracing Pepper’s boldness while discovering a little more of her own along the way.

The Victorious spin-off returns to the familiar performing arts school, where Daniella Monet’s Trina Vega takes an unexpected turn from aspiring star to substitute teacher. Still searching for her own big break, Trina finds herself guiding a new generation of ambitious students. Emmy joins the ensemble as they bring fresh personalities and perspectives to a world that audiences have loved for years.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Emmy to discuss honoring the original series, bringing her own experiences to Pepper, and finding confidence through the role. She also shared her favorite moments of improvisation, the friendships that shape her character, and the song that captures Pepper’s journey.

PC: You’re joining the next chapter of the Victorious universe, which means so much to a generation of viewers. How does the show honor the original while creating something fresh and distinctly its own for a new generation?
Emmy: Well, first, I’d say that all of our cast members are part of that generation of viewers. We were all such fans watching the show growing up, and I think honoring the original was something that was important to everyone involved. The sets are pretty identical to the Hollywood Arts all the Victorious fans know and love. And, of course, we have some iconic faces from Victorious returning: Trina, Robbie, Principal Helen, Sikowitz, and so many other iconic guest stars I’m so excited for people to see.

As for what’s a little different, I would say that there’s a lot more dancing in Hollywood Arts. And, of course, we have the new generation of students, whose personalities are pretty different from the Victorious cast. But I think the bond between our characters reminds me of the chemistry I saw in the original cast, and to me, there’s some nostalgia in that.

PC: Speaking of Trina, she unexpectedly becomes a mentor to these young students in the series. Who are the mentors in your own life who have helped shape the artist you are today, and how do you see their influence in your work?
Emmy: Wow, I feel like so many people have been mentors at so many different points in my life. I have to shout out Daniella, who was our fearless leader throughout this whole journey. And my voice coach, dance teacher, and all the school teachers I’ve had were such mentors in my life. But I think my everyday mentors would have to be my parents and my late grandmother.

PC: Like Pepper, you attended a performing arts school and knew from an early age that this was your path. Was that what first connected you to her? In what other ways are you similar, and where do you differ?
Emmy: Actually, when I first auditioned, I auditioned for Emmy, but I felt a connection to Pepper. Funny enough, a few weeks later, I got called back for Pepper. I think I was just so looking forward to the opportunity to play around with her character because she has so many different and fun sides to her. I was also very grateful for the opportunity the writers gave me to put so much of myself into her. A lot of her special skills and clueless moments, I will admit, are inspired by me. We also both show our most authentic selves while performing. The biggest difference is that Pepper is much more confident than I am in real life, so playing her has given me some of that confidence.

PC: There are so many fun dynamics between Pepper and her friends, as well as her frenemy, at Hollywood Arts. Which was your favorite to explore, and why?
Emmy: There are so many fun relationships for Pepper in the show. She is such a loyal, supportive friend. She is always the first to lift up her friends and make sure they feel as amazing as they are. We see a lot of that with her girl bestie, Emmy. She also partners with Qwest a lot for musical themes. They have a super fun friendship that really reminds me of my real-life friendship with Peyton [Jackson]. My favorite dynamic to play on screen was the frenemy dynamic with Jen. There was so much room for improv there, and the scenes were written so well. Our scenes were the hardest for me to keep from breaking character.

PC: You come from a musical background. If you had to choose a song that captures Pepper’s arc in Season 1, what would it be, and why?
Emmy: It would be “Hold You Up,” my personal favorite song in the show. It blends unapologetic confidence with the theme of supporting your girls, which I think fits Pepper to a T.

PC: You mentioned having room to improvise in your scenes with Jen, and Pepper’s unpredictability feels perfect for that. What’s a favorite moment when you got to go off script that made it into the show?
Emmy: Yes! A few of my improvisations actually made it into the show. One of my favorite moments is when I’m teaching the group how to subway dance. The director kind of just rolled the camera and let me riff for a bit, so a few of my lines in that training sequence are improvised.

Another really fun part of filming was when one of our EPs would walk on with an “alt line,” an alternate joke or line that the writers had prepared. It helped keep everything fresh and fun.

PC: In one of the earlier episodes, the show highlights the healing power of karaoke. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Emmy: My go-to karaoke song is “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. That song is the definition of healing power to me! The Victorious soundtrack is also a huge staple in my karaoke setlist!

PC: I also love that every student at Hollywood Arts has a locker designed to reflect their personality. If you were designing your own locker, what would it look like?
Emmy: That’s such a fun question! I think my locker would have a built-in karaoke system so people could upload their own tracks and sing whatever songs they want. It’s my own personal invitation for anyone to spontaneously break out in song whenever they please.

To keep up with Emmy, follow her on Instagram. Stream Hollywood Arts on Netflix today.