Interview with Sydney Park

Sydney Park Interview for Runway Teen Summer 2014
By Mandi Pimental


Holding the title as the “youngest comedian to ever perform at the Hollywood Improv”, actress Sydney Park came out of the gates swinging.  Making her television debut on That’s So Raven, Park has found her niche in an industry that others take years to master.  With credits that include appearances in Entourage, Hannah Montana, and Gary Unmarried, Park is now starring as Gabby in Nick At Nite’s Instant Mom alongside Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Michael Boatman.  This young star talks to us about beauty products, playing a teenage big sister and why she loves being a California girl.


You have an impressive resume for being such a young actress and it has been said you were the youngest person to perform stand-up at the Hollywood Improv.  Have you just always known this is what you wanted? 
In preschool, I took ballet and every night I would dress up in my tutu and make my parents sit down in the living room to watch me perform.  I would say, “I have a performance, you gotta take me seriously!”  I’ve just always been an entertainer and I knew that someday I would do it professionally.
 

You have worked primarily in the comedy genre, having roles in Hannah Montana, That’s So Raven and now starring in your new project, Instant Mom.  You have also played in a recurring role as Ellie on the popular TV crime drama CSI: NY.  Do you prefer comedic projects to dramatic roles?  How do you decide what projects you will take?
I started out as a stand-up comedian at the age of six, so comedy is where it all began.  Even though I’m mostly known for doing comedy, I really love drama!  I can see myself doing gritty roles in the future, yet still doing comedy. I love it all!


On Instant Mom, you play Gabby Phillips, one of three children whose dad meets and marries a 25-year old party girl.  That sounds like a fun concept for a show, what has been your favorite part of playing this role? 
Gabby Phillips is very similar to who I am in real life!  I love the fact that I get to incorporate different parts of my personality into the role of Gabby.  It also doesn’t hurt that I get to work with Tia Mowry-Hardrict who is my childhood idol!  Every day on set is just loads of laughter and fun!


On the show, Gabby has two little brothers.  Do they act like true little brothers on set?  Any fun pranks or stories?
I love my little boys!  Damarr, Tylen, and I have our “brother-sister” moments but I love them and we always have so much fun together.  There are many stories to share from set and I will tell you that a majority of them have something to do with farts.   We’re gassy siblings, what can I say?


On Twitter you proclaim “LA is everything”, so, what is your favorite part of being a California girl?  What do you do on your down time?  And any fun plans for summer?
In my life, Los Angeles is everything because this is where it all began for me.  The opportunities are out here and c’mon, you just can’t beat the weather.  When I have free time I always make an effort to hang out with my friends, read, exercise, and even draw if I’m feeling it!  This summer I’ll be working on another season of Instant Mom and I’m super excited.  Gotta make time for the beach on the weekends of course!


Your skin is flawless!  What three summer beauty products can you not live without?
Well thank you for the compliment!  I always make sure to use my Smith’s Rosebud Salve lip balm for the dry weather.  Also, NARS Lip Pencils are the bomb because you can get your favorite colors in matte, velvet, or satin and it lasts!  Last but not least is my Proactiv Renewing Cleanser that I wash my face with twice a day.  It has benzoyl peroxide crystals that target breakouts while keeping your skin clean and radiant


Fashion is a huge part of the culture of LA, who is your favorite designer to wear on the red carpet?
I am such a fan of Ted Baker!  The designs are always classy, yet fun and flirty!  I love how he always incorporates beautiful, bold colors and I think the clothes are timeless.


As a fashion icon to young girls around the world, do you have any advice for dressing for the summer season?
My main advice is to try and be as comfortable as possible!  You want to avoid the high-heels in the heat and wear something funky like sneakers, strappy sandals, or espadrilles.  Also, step out of your comfort zone and rock some floral and bright colors!

 

We agree with the brights and florals!  What is up next for you?  Do you have any other projects in the works that you can talk about?  And where can fans keep up with what you are doing?
I’ve been working on Nickelodeon’s Awesomeness TV, Nickelodeon’s new Nick App where I’m in a number of sketches, and I’ll be on an upcoming episode of The Thunderman’s.  I’m always doing sketches, so look out for more videos coming soon.  Also, I’ll be filming the second season of Instant Mom all summer!  Keep up with my daily life on Instagram: @heysydneypark and Twitter: @iamsydneypark