Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Flash’s Victoria Park

Victoria Park is an exciting triple threat who’s equally comfortable in front of or behind the camera. She discovered her passion for acting while taking a class to become a better filmmaker and hasn’t looked back since. Currently, she’s starring opposite Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, and Carlos Valdes in the CW’s The Flash. Victoria joined the cast as Kamilla Hwang in Season 5 and quickly sped her way into the hearts of fans around the world. Pop Culturalist caught up with Victoria to chat about her career and The Flash.

Career

PC: You’re an actress, filmmaker, and cinematographer. How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Victoria: That’s a good question. I think I’ve always loved storytelling since I was a little girl. Like most children, I had a big imagination. I loved stories. I loved telling them. I think a lot of people grow out of it, but I never did. I’ve always been a storyteller. Growing up, my mom was really into movies and musicals, she raised us on them. That’s how I grew up.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Victoria: I think my dad had the biggest influence. He followed an unconventional career path. He followed his dreams and made a career for himself. I remember growing up and hearing, “Follow your passion. Follow your dreams. If you work hard, you can make your job whatever you want it to be.” I always heard him say that, and I saw him do it. For me, when I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker and an actor, I never had any doubt that I could do it because I saw my dad do it in his own life.

PC: How has acting made you a better filmmaker and vice versa?
Victoria: I actually started acting because I thought it would make me a better director. I took an acting class to understand how they’re taught and how they think to connect with them better. It’s funny that I actually ended up acting because I enjoyed it so much. Knowing both sides definitely helps influence the other. Knowing all the different bits and pieces that go into making a film or TV show can only be helpful.

PC: You’ve had a ton of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Victoria: Thank you for saying that! That’s really nice. Gosh, I don’t know. There have been so many projects that I’ve been a part of that I’ve enjoyed and been really fortunate to work on. One of them is obviously The Flash. It’s probably my favorite gig that I’ve ever worked on. I was talking with someone recently about how amazing the cast and crew is. The whole production is a well-oiled machine. We all get along really well. That can be really rare to find in TV and film. We’re very much a family, and I feel really fortunate to go into work each day.

The Flash

PC: Speaking of The Flash, you joined the cast in Season 5. Were there any nerves heading into that project, given how successful the show’s been and how dedicated the fan base is?
Victoria: Definitely. [laughs] I was pretty excited for sure, knowing that The Flash is a huge show with a huge fanbase. But I was definitely nervous. Coming into a project that’s been going for so long, you feel like the new kid in school. You don’t know how people will treat you or if you’ll be able to make friends. You know, those new kid feelings. Luckily, my first day on set was amazing. Everyone was so welcoming. They wanted to make sure I was comfortable, knew where everything was, who everyone was. I had the best first day on set. My nerves were quickly pushed aside. That’s only continued as I’ve continued on the show. I’ve been with the show for a year now. Every time I go back to work, I feel at home again. The fans have been great as well. You know, with social media, sometimes people can be mean. They’ve been so positive.

PC: Which of your character’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why? Has it changed from seasons?
Victoria: That’s a good question. I’ve really enjoyed my relationship with Iris. My character freelanced for Iris. I didn’t know what that was going to turn into. But the fact that Iris gets Kamilla a full-time job, and they’re now working together. We get to see their relationship both professionally and personally. It’s been really fun to explore. It’s really fun to work with Candice and see our friendship outside of filming grow. I’m excited to see that continue.

PC: Is there anything you can tease about your character’s arc this season?
Victoria: Not much, obviously. I will say that there is a lot more Team Citizen that happens in the second half of the season. The first half of the season is really focused on Crisis. The second half is very different. It’s really exciting. My favorite episode that I shot is coming up, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.

To keep up with Victoria, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch The Flash every Tuesday at 8/7c on the CW.