Luna Blaise is not your ordinary 16-year-old, she has some huge plans for herself. In addition to starring as ‘Nicole’ on ABC’s hit show, Fresh Off The Boat, she is paving her way in the music industry as well. It seems there isn’t anything this girl can’t do.
We had the opportunity to learn a little more about this young star, keep reading to find out what she has to say.
(Payton Hartsell)
Can you tell us a little bit about your character, ‘Nicole,” on ABC’s “Fresh Off The Boat?”
From the beginning Nicole has always been tough on the outside and sensitive on the inside. She is confident, outspoken, sassy and a solid true friend to Eddie (Hudson Yang) and this season we learn that she is gay.
What does it mean to you to be representing the LGBTQ community because of your character on the show?
Having the opportunity to be representing a gay teen on Fresh Off The Boat through my character Nicole is such an important responsibility for the LGBTQ community. I feel so proud and honored that our show runner Nanatchka Khan, the incredible writers on the show and ABC Network trusted me enough to bring this side of Nicole’s story to life. I am so inspired as I learn more about her character and I’m so excited to share it to the world.
You have also partnered with GLAAD to support the role, and, other teens today who are still struggling with coming out. Could you tell us about this partnership?
I am so excited and love working with GLAAD. They have welcomed me into the community with open arms. I am a proud ally for the LGBTQ community. My partnership with GLAAD is a long term one. I will stand proud to raise awareness and help teens through their journey any way I can.
Before the amazing role of ‘Nicole’, you were cast in the indie film, “Memoria,” produced by James Franco. Tell us about this role. Memoria will always hold a special place in my heart.
I was eleven when I shot the film. Working on that film was when I realized how much I truly love being an actress. The cast is filled with some of the most talented up and coming actors. It’s an art house film, real and raw. I loved being in that film. James Franco is a true legend.
In addition to acting, you have also transitioned into the music industry. How did this happen?
Yes! Music has always been a huge party of my life. I grew up in a home where we didn’t really watch TV so instead we played music. My dad is a film director but is also very musical. He plays piano and guitar by ear and has been writing songs since he was a teenager. My mom was a professional back up singer up until she had me. My mom played The Beatles and Classical music all during her pregnancy. We always had a drum kit, guitars and a Fender Rhodes set up in our dining room. I was always singing, dancing and performing ever since I can remember. It’s just a part of who I am and it comes naturally for me. I didn’t know that I would start taking it seriously until I was fourteen, when I was asked to audition for a role that required me to sing. I didn’t land the role, but had so much fun that I was inspired to go into the studio to record a cover song and instead ended up writing a song of my own. It was really the songwriting that ignited the passion in me to continue pursing music.
What is the meaning behind your debut single, “Over You” and how did it feel for it to be in the Top 10 of the 2017 Macy’s iHeart Radio Rising Star competition?
“Over You” was the second song I ever wrote and it was inspired by the experiences that my friends and I had with our first crushes. Being in the Top 10 for Macy’s iHeart Radio Rising Star competition was so incredible! To be included with such incredible talent like Skylar Stecker and James Maslow was mind blowing for me.
Who is your inspiration in the music industry?
My inspiration are other songwriters that are also performers like Julia Michaels, Sia, Khalid and John Mayer.
You are also extremely passionate about breast cancer awareness. Can you tell us about some projects you have been involved with for this great cause?
Breast Cancer is a yearly ongoing cause for me because my Aunt Lisa lost her battle with the disease at 35. She was my second mom and I loved her so much. She never gave up the fight and I will always continue to fight in her honor. I always give back any way I can.
What is one thing you want your fans to know about you?
I want my fans to know that to me they are my family, that everything I do is for them. We are growing up together, and there is so much more ahead. I want them to know I LOVE THEM ❤
Be sure to keep up with Luna Blaise on social media!
Instagram: @lunablaise
Twitter: @lunablaise
Snapchat: @lunaxoxo
