IN CONVERSATION DANIELLE CHAND

interview by JANA LETONJA

Fresh, instinctive, and quietly magnetic, Danielle Chand is stepping into the spotlight with her role as Shannon in Elle, a coming-of-age Legally Blonde prequel that reimagines the origins of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters. Set against a 90s backdrop of grunge and teenage contradictions, portrayal brings warmth and emotional clarity to a character who feels both effortless and deeply grounded. With a multicultural background and a strong commitment to storytelling as a space for truth and exploration, she represents a new generation of actors shaped as much by perspective as by presence.

Elle marks a major moment in your career. How did it feel stepping into this world?

It really didn’t feel real. I remember getting the call in acting class and just bursting into tears. My classmates at TriCities Acting Studio were just the most supportive and I couldn’t have asked for better people to surround me. 

After the initial shock and panic about the weight of the Legally Blonde franchise, I was just so excited to bring this story to life.

Shannon is described as both popular and deeply kind. How did you approach that balance?

Honestly, I think we should normalize characters that are popular and deeply kind. I think someone who does treat everyone like their friend should be the type of person that is popular. Shannon just sees the best in everyone and I think we need more of that in the world. Genuine positivity.

The series is set in the 90s. How did that era influence your performance?

 I think the grunge era the show is set in totally influenced my performance because even though Shannon is so warm and genuine, Shannon also sees everyone else’s abruptness toward Elle. Shannon takes Elle under her wing. She’s still living within that vibe of everyone else and navigating that.

Did the fashion, music, or cultural tone shape how you connected to the character?

Of course. The show is amazing with the costumes, makeup, hair, sets and props. It all really feels intentional and authentic. I love how fashion-forward Shannon is, and wish I looked like that in high school. As soon as I put on my Shannon boots, I’m her.

What can the fans expect from this prequel series when it premieres?

They will see the amount of love and talent this show has. Everyone is just so amazing in this. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

You started performing at a young age. What first drew you to acting?

I don’t think I knew it at the time, but the escapism of it all. It was just so fun. I remember the improv days of being a talking tree and making random stuff up on the spot. Just pure joy and the space to be silly. 

You come from a diverse cultural background. How does that influence your work?

I’m grateful for my diverse background because it’s introduced me to a lot different perspectives in the world. I think it’s just really important for all voices to be heard and untold stories to be told. I hope to be a vessel to tell those untold stories and also learn in that process as well, because there's so much to learn in this world and what better way to learn than through storytelling.

As this project brings more visibility, how are you navigating this transition?

I definitely had a lot of navigating to do last year, learning how to be on set for the first time and just learning to trust myself and the process. This was my first booking and I was, of course, honoured to be a part of it, but was also a little nervous. 

When you’re not working, how do you disconnect and recharge?

I love being outdoors, going on walks, or sitting in a coffee shop. I also love turning on one of the streamers and just watching a show or movie. Exercise is also a must. Something about breaking a serious sweat just calms me right down. 

What kinds of roles or projects excite you moving forward?

I’m drawn to all genres, but I’d love to work on something a little darker and grittier. Basically the type of stuff I like to watch on my own, things that tug on the heart strings. That would be so fun to dive into. 

What do you hope audiences take away from your performance in Elle?

I really hope to reach people who can relate to someone like Shannon and all the experiences she faces. I think that what makes this show awesome is there's so much for younger audiences to take away from, but also a lot of entertaining moments too.