Kayden Grace Swan is delivering an out-of-this-world performance in Nickelodeon’s The Astronauts. The sci-fi adventure series follows a group of kids who are accidentally launched into space and embark on an adventure of a lifetime to get back home.
Kayden shines as Doria Taylor, the super confident and sassy little sister of Martin Taylor.
Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Kayden about this breakout role.
PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Kayden: I discovered my passion for acting when I was about eight years old. I did a one-woman show at my cultural arts school. My mom came and saw it. I gave it my all and she decided to sign me up. I took a couple of classes here and there, and then it started getting serious.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Kayden: That’s a good question. Definitely my mom. She’s inspired me to do everything I’m doing and has motivated and pushed me to the best of my abilities.
PC: You have a new series out now. Tell us about The Astronauts, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Kayden: The Astronauts is about five unlikely kids who become friends and end up getting launched into outer space after sneaking onto a ship for pictures. They end up learning how to work together in order to return home safely.
My character is the little sister of Martin Taylor. I play Doria Taylor. She’s super self-confident, really independent, super smart, creative, stubborn, and of course sassy. She has somewhat of an attitude, but overall she’s super helpful and caring.
This project was such a natural fit because my character and I have so much in common.
PC: You can tell that you and the cast got really close. How did you guys build that bond?
Kayden: We spent a lot of time together on and offset, going swimming, getting food, exploring Vancouver, dinners, lunches, and just hanging out a lot.
PC: In addition to being an actress, you’re also an author. Can you tell us about the two books you released during quarantine and how that came about?
Kayden: Of course! Over quarantine, I wanted to do something productive, so I told my mom that I wanted to start writing a book. I thought it was just going to be one book, but then I came up with ideas for multiple other things to go alongside the book. So I created a second book, which is similar to the first one.
PC: You’re also an entrepreneur. What do you hope to do with your hair accessory line?
Kayden: I love accessories and I’m super creative. I want to motivate others to be the best they can be and to help others.
PC: Favorite TV show?
Kayden: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
PC: Favorite movie?
Kayden: The Twilight movies.
PC: Favorite book?
Kayden: One Crazy Summer.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Kayden: Hamilton, obvi. [laughs]
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Kayden: Earth, Wind & Fire.
PC: Hidden talent?
Kayden: I’m double-jointed!
To keep up with Kayden, follow her on Instagram. Catch new episodes of The Astronauts every Friday at 7/6c on Nickelodeon.
Photo Credit: William Sikora III
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