IN CONVERSATION WITH SYDNEY AGUDONG

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress, singer, and professional songwriter Sydney Agudong is starring in Disney’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ movie, which just released theatrically globally. Also coming up, Sydney will star in the psychological thriller ‘Ether’, which she is executive producing as well as starring in. 

You’ve been cast as Nani in the live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ movie. What does it mean to you personally to be a part of this film, especially considering your Hawaiian roots and how closely tied the story is to your heritage?

This movie has been the gift that keeps on giving. As a child, I remember deeply resonating with Nani. I grew up in Hawai’i, and because of that, it will always hold a special place in my heart. This movie depicts the unmatched version of family and loyalty that have always been the constant of my life. 

Nani is such an iconic character, and she plays a vital role in the story as Lilo’s older sister. How did you approach stepping into her shoes, and what unique qualities or emotions did you want to bring to the character in the live-action adaptation?

I think something beautiful about acting is that everyone’s lived experiences are inherently unique. Having been born and raised in Hawai’i and being an older sister, I took a large part of myself into this role along with the other influences who have shaped me and my community. I was set on honoring Tia Carrere’s iconic characteristics of Nani, while also allowing myself to portray her through my own lived experiences. The sentiment that Nani encapsulates, by sacrificing everything for Lilo has been my reality, therefore, it was very easy for me to portray. 

The original ‘Lilo & Stitch’ is beloved by so many people, including yourself. How did you feel about the responsibility of playing a character that has such a strong connection to fans of the original animated film?

Off the bat, I was screaming with excitement, but at the same time, I was entirely daunted by the pursuit. There were heavy expectations given the character’s iconic nature, and the film’s impact in so many people's lives. I strove to honor that in my portrayal as I was also an avid fan of the character. This drove me to take careful consideration as to how I approached this role and dive deeper into the nuances of human connection as the live-action film evolved from the original animation. 

As someone from Hawai’i, how did your personal experience and cultural background influence your portrayal of Nani? Were there any specific Hawaiian values or customs that you wanted to highlight in your performance?

One of the main takeaways of my life, and this role has been the importance of Ohana and tough love. This was not far from my reality, as I grew up with my family and community being the most important part of my life. The community of Hawai'i is an essential part of who I have become, and is an essential part of both Nani and the story. My upbringing and my community's support has given me the confidence and encouragement to embody the role with freedom and childhood reminiscence. It has all felt completely surreal. This role has been the first role that felt like I wasn't acting, because so much of it felt like myself, and resonated with me. I knew who she was, because of all of the amazing role models in my life in Hawai’i. 

You were born and raised on the island of Kaua’I before moving to Los Angeles. How was that transition for you, both personally and professionally, as you pursued a career in entertainment?

To say the least, it was a culture shock. My sister and I never thought it was possible. There was a growing industry, specifically in Honolulu, whereas Kaua’i has always had the talent but, the opportunities were few and far between. However, I was so blessed to have programs such as Hawai’i children’s theatre that supported and provided me with the safe space and motivation to pursue a dream that felt so impossible. 

You have a diverse skill set as an actress, singer, and songwriter. How do you balance these different creative passions, and do you find any of them overlapping or influencing each other in your projects?

I have found that there is always an overlap between my creative projects. In my experience, I have understood there is an expectation to try all of creative facets to further myself as a creative. I think my exposure to all of the different forms of art has allowed me to learn skills from each facet that I wouldn't have learned otherwise, and be able to incorporate them into my other projects. It has truly been a gift to be able to find an ebb and flow between all the industries. 

Growing up in Hawai’i, what were some of your early influences in entertainment? Were there any specific actors, singers, or films that inspired you to pursue a career in the arts?

Honestly, ‘Lilo & Stich’ was the first film that I fell in love with. It reinforced my belief system in the importance of representation through authentic media and interpretive storytelling. To this day, that is what brings me the most joy. I am so blessed to be able to share this with my family, my community, and the rest of the world. 

When you’re not filming, what is your favorite way to unwind? Do you have any favorite Hawaiian traditions you can share with us?

When I am not filming, I spend time at home and outside with my family and friends. This is inherently Hawaiian because of the emphasis on familial values, and remembering who you are and where you come from, and I owe so much of that to my parents and my support system. 

You are executive producing and starring in the psychological thriller ‘Ether’. What attracted you to this project, and what has the experience of both acting and producing been like for you?

It has all been a growing dream come true. The more that I learn about the industry as a whole, I am learning how much respect I have for all of the details and hard work that goes into all of the projects for everyone involved. Especially those who are often forgotten about who do the most for all of the behind the scenes work. The ability to have more creative control has definitely been the best part of producing, and has been entirely different than my experience as an actor. I have been able to translate my experience as an actor into the details of the film, which has allowed me to have my ideas seen in ways I never understood before this experience. 

You have so many exciting projects coming up. What’s next for you after ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘Ether’? Are there any specific genres or roles you’re particularly excited to explore in the future?

I have poured my all into every project that I have been fortunate to be a part of. And I have felt a deep connection with each project. I have been so fulfilled with my work, in the sense of personal healing, and furthering my art, so I want to start with that. Both of these projects, as well as ‘Ripple’, have been dream projects for me. I have been so blessed to work with the most outrageously talented and good willed people I call family. The fact that I am able to call them my family speaks volumes, especially in this industry. And as my answers to the previous questions have shown, family is the greatest compliment I could ever give. I am thrilled for people to see what we have created in both of these works. Firstly, ‘Ether’ gave me the gift of perspective, it truly reminded me why I do this. This gift grows me as a person, and I think it is why acting in such a creative light is so important to me. On another note, ‘Ripple’ allowed me to explore a lot of personal inhibitions because I have struggled with imposter syndrome as a singer-songwriter. This role allowed me to pay tribute to that side of myself and heal. I can only hope to keep learning this much, and keep being able to work with such incredible people.

CREDITS:

photography JONNY MARLOW