Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Team Kaylie’s Eliza Pryor

Eliza Pryor is an exciting new face in the industry. In her short career, she’s already landed her first—of what we expect to be many—roles as a series regular. She’s starring and delivering a bewitching performance as Valeria in Netflix’s family-comedy, Team Kaylie. We caught up with this fast-rising star to chat about all things Team Kaylie.

Team Kaylie Questions

PC: Tell us about Team Kaylie, your character, and what drew you to this series.
Eliza: Team Kaylie is about a girl named Kaylie, who is a big reality TV star. She gets in trouble and is ordered by a judge to volunteer at a middle school as the leader of the wilderness club. The kids in the wilderness club are all different, and my character happens to be a witch named Valeria. She’s really into witchcraft and is kind of a weirdo, and she knows it—she actually takes it as a compliment. When I read the pilot, I really loved the concept of the show. I thought the writing was amazing and that the writers would come up with so many more funny episodes.

PC: What should audiences know about Valeria? How similar or different are you to her?
Eliza: You never know what Valeria is up to. She wants to be taken as a serious witch, but it doesn’t always work out for her. Even though she is strange (and maybe a little scary), she is actually someone audiences will find themselves cheering for. I’m really nothing like Valeria at all. I will say, though, that she is one of the most fun characters I have ever played, and I love becoming her week after week. Even though we aren’t much alike, I do look up to her for being proud of who she is.

PC: What is the dynamic like between Valeria and Kaylie, and the rest of the group? What can you tease about Valeria’s arc in season one?
Eliza: They are nothing alike but are definitely a team and learn to love each other. They work together and Valeria loves Kaylie and accepts that she is a self-obsessed reality star. Kaylie appreciates that Valeria is a scary little witch who is completely unpredictable.

PC: This is your first role as a series regular. Has anything surprised you about the experience? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Eliza: I loved the work and long hours even more than I thought I would. The cast and crew have really become my family. I was also surprised at how much work went into making each episode. I now really appreciate that there are so many people that contribute to the show’s creation and ultimate success.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Eliza: I’ve always been one of those kids people would describe as artsy. I began singing and found my way to acting through teachers and friends. I played around with an acting app called Scenebot and the success I found there encouraged me to keep going.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Eliza: I would have to say my parents because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t even have a career! My parents and brothers have sacrificed so much to help make my dreams come true. I am so grateful to have such a supportive family.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Eliza: I have to say Glee. I have re-watched all the episode so many times!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Eliza: Crazy Rich Asians

PC: Favorite book?
Eliza: Hunger Games

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Eliza: Hamilton hands down! There are still so many other great musicals though that I have yet to see.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Eliza: ’80s music—Wham! “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” is my jam!

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Eliza: Season three of Stranger Things

PC: Hidden talent?
Eliza: I love to paint, and I love Bob Ross videos!

To keep up with Eliza, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, binge-watch season one of Team Kaylie on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Netflix