It’s opening night for pop sensation John Lindahl. As he prepares to take his first steps onto center stage—a moment he’s worked for his entire life—he remembers all the setbacks he had to overcome and all the industry heads who told him he wasn’t a star and couldn’t fill a room. While many would have been deterred, the discouragement fueled John to work even harder, making the release of his debut album that much sweeter. Dedicated to those who have ever been told “no,” Opening Night marks an exciting new
Curtis Lum has always known his purpose in life is to entertain others, whether that be through acting, producing, or writing. When he started his career in the industry and opportunities weren’t coming his way, he created his own. Each project has played a pivotal role in shaping the artist he is today and led him to his biggest project to date on Freeform’s mermaid drama Siren, now in its third season. Pop Culturalist spoke with Curtis about forging his own path, what’s ahead for his character in Siren, and
Rena Owen has always known her purpose in life was to be a creative. But being a biracial woman living in the ’70s, acting wasn’t considered a viable career, so Rena made the pivot into medicine. But her passion for her craft never wavered, and Rena soon found herself enrolling in drama school, defying society’s expectation of her. Since then, she’s continued to blaze a trail in film and television with projects that include Shark in the Park, Adrenalin Junkies, Shortland Street, The Gloaming, and most recently, on Freeform’s Siren.
Actor John Apolinar is the poster child for hard work and determination. While living in San Francisco, John worked a nine-to-five job during the day and took classes at night to strengthen his craft. As it’s been said, hard work pays off, and it certainly has for John, who landed his breakout role in Disney+’s Stargirl. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Jerry Spinelli, Stargirl tells an endearing tale about embracing your true authentic self. John’s character, Wayne, is one of the popular kids and the definition of conformity, but