Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Andi Mack’s Lilan Bowden

As a passionate activist, gifted actress, and one half of the comedy duo, Lilan and Wilder, Lilan Bowden’s talent is endless. Currently, she’s starring in the Disney Channel award-winning, coming-of-age series, Andi Mack, playing the free-spirited Bex. Her character returns home to get her life together, just in time for her younger sister Andi’s 13th birthday party. But it’s later revealed that Bex isn’t Andi’s sister, she’s her mother! Pop Culturalist chatted with Lilan about the groundbreaking series.

PC: Tell us about Andi Mack, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Lilan: Andi Mack is a coming-of-age story about a thirteen-year-old girl who finds out her older sister is actually her mother. I’m the sister-mom, also known as Bex. When I first got my audition for Andi Mack and was reading the material, I could tell by the first couple of lines that this was a very clever, unique show. There were jokes in it I liked, and I was hooked by the first page. Then, when I read the plot twist of my character revealing she’s Andi’s mother, I thought, “I have to book this.” I’m not sure I’ve wanted any role more.

PC: How has Bex changed over the course of the series? If you could write a storyline for her, what would it be?
Lilan: Bex started season one as a homeless, unemployed, irresponsible, motorcycle-riding runaway. Since then, she’s done a complete 180. She’s got her own place, her own salon, and is becoming a great mom! It wasn’t easy for her, but I love how through the seasons we get to see Bex’s struggles, successes, and failures. She definitely doesn’t change overnight.

PC: Andi Mack is a groundbreaking show for several different reasons. What has being a part of this project meant to you?
Lilan: I can’t even tell you how much this show means to me. I don’t know how I got to be so lucky to play a part I love, to work with a cast I love, and to also be a part of changing the landscape of children’s television. When I was Andi Mack’s age, I was a lot like her. I was a little awkward, had a few close friends, and loved arts and crafts. Now I’m part of a show that I think would have helped me at that age. I feel like this show makes people feel less alone, whether it’s through racial or LGBT representation, or through inclusive dialogue and storylines.

PC: What can you tease for the remainder of season three?
Lilan: Well, the Bex and Bowie saga will definitely continue! This is the season about connections and friendships, and we’ll be able to see that through Andi and her friends.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Lilan: You know, it was something that was always with me. I wanted to be in every school play, I chose assignments for class that I could act out, and I always found my way to drama classes one way or another. Even when I was shy in my classes, being onstage felt comfortable.

PC: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Lilan: Talent only gets you so far. Of course you need it, but it’s that hard work and tolerance of rejection that will sustain you in a career like this.


PC: There have been a lot of conversation about diversity and representation in Hollywood. As an Asian actor, what has your experience been like? Have you felt or seen the slow progress that’s being made?
Lilan: It’s really exciting that diversity is finally a valued topic in Hollywood. I feel like years ago, there wasn’t even the vocabulary to describe a lack of minority representation onscreen. I remember the first time I read an article about it, my mind was blown. It felt like, “Oh, so I’m not crazy.” However, I think being an Asian American actor has helped me to hone my work ethic. When you’re a minority that has to work extra hard to be seen on screen, you increase your hustle, and that hustle I see from so many of my Asian American peers is paying off and will continue to do so.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lilan: Dancing with the Stars

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lilan: Blue Jasmine. I guess it’s “guilty” because who wants to feel that bummed out all the time?

PC: Favorite book?
Lilan: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Lilan: Hamlet. I’ll watch any new or traditional take on Hamlet.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lilan: Against Me!—the older albums

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Lilan: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo


PC: Hidden talent?
Lilan: I am SO CLOSE to doing the splits. I’ll get there one day.

Make sure to follow Lilan on Twitter and Instagram, and catch  Andi Mack on Disney Channel.

Photo Credit: Eric Schwabel