IN CONVERSATION WITH LIZA KOSHY

interview by MAREK BARTEK

Liza Koshy is a multifaceted talent who has trailblazed a path from digital creator to one of Hollywood's brightest young stars. She is currently in production on Amazon's feature ‘The Man with the Bag’, starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, and will next be seen on the Paramount Pictures feature ‘Naked Gun’ and Hulu's ‘Summer of 69’.

bodysuit CHRISTIAN DIOR

You started your journey as digital creator and are now a Hollywood star. How did your background in creating online content shape the way you approach acting, directing, and producing today?

I didn’t own a camera, other than the one on my phone, until 2015, while I was attending the American Digital Media Conservatory for Dramatic Arts… also known as “Vine”. (I’m a college drop out… shout out to the University of Houston… We had a nice one-year-run that I barely remember because, weed.) I was only able to get my Associate’s degree in Vine from 2014 to 2016 before the app was shut down and deleted forever. The six-second-video app was my Disney-channel-kid training grounds and my crash course in comedy and writing. Vine was merely six seconds long because it was “entertainment in the blink of an eye”, since humans average blinking every six seconds… a genius, but entirely missed marketing tagline for Vine. Humans blink every six, Hollywood casting director’s blink every five. I translated the skill of attention-capturing and poured it into name slates and auditions. “Hi, I’m Liza Koshy, and I’m 5 feet tall with socks on”… I’ve now said at least 100+ times. I’ve fortunately booked several of those jobs that have stoked the fire beneath my ass and have kept the title of “working actor” under my belt. 

full look VINTAGE CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

You’ve worked alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment, from Tyler Perry, Nicole Kidman, Liam Neeson to Arnold Schwarzenegger. What have been the most surprising lessons you’ve learned from collaborating with such seasoned actors?

Way to name drop… I credit the genius that is Tyler Perry for gifting me my first acting job ever in 2016 in his film, ‘Boo: A Madea Halloween’. He offered me the role of the pastor’s daughter (he clocked my Houston Christian megachurch energy) and entrusted my voice as a digital storyteller to help tell another iconic Madea story on the big screen. He also might have trusted my beautifully engaged online audience to bring in the guap at the box office… and that they did. I fed Tyler Perry. And he fed me by teaching me how to fish and film efficiently. The entire movie was shot in six days. SIX. DAYS. As the writer, director, producer, star and improviser, Tyler Perry never yelled cut. He kept the cameras rolling, the improv flowing and was the most present human being with each actor as their director, collaborator and newfound friend. I ripped pages out of his book. I may have stolen his book and plagiarised it. His bedside manner became my own when I directed my first episode of TV two years later. I pray I was as direct, concise, collaborative, encouraging and open to ideas as he was. 

I’ve had some ridiculously brilliant directors and a few that I’d like to suck up to in hopes of this article popping up in their inbox as a Google alert for their name. Greta Gerwig, Jon Chu, JJ Abrams, Jordan Peele, M. Night Shyamalan, Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton. Thank you for taking the time to read this article in search of your mentioned name. Please continue. I’ve had the honour of working with JUST AS MANY female directors as male directors. That’s a testament to our evolving industry that should continue to evolve and empower women to portray a female perspective accurately on screen… CAN I GET AN AMEN OR A WOMAN. I’ve loved every second on set with Trish Sie (‘Players’ on Netflix), with Laura Terruso (‘Work It’ on Netflix), Jillian Bell (‘Summer of ’69’ on Hulu) and Deborah Kaplan (‘Liza on Demand’ on Youtube Premium). I adore my kings as well, shout out to Richard LaGravenese (‘Family Affair’ on Netflix), Akiva Schaffer (Paramount’s ‘Naked Gun’) and my director I’m currently on set with, the mad genius that is Adam Shankman, who’s directed a plethora of top films of mine that are bricks in my comedic foundation. I’m living a dream. 

What the hell was the question again? Did I answer it? Nicole, Liam and Arnold are all otherworldly forces that are recognised as human beings that I’ve had the privilege of witnessing nap on set. Each of them are genuinely curious, kind-hearted and the most unserious professionals that I’ve had the honour of playing on the playground with. They are decades deep into their work, and yet, arrive on set excited by the possibility of each and every moment. Nothing fuels me more than to learn first-hand from experts at play.

Your role as Arcee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ was groundbreaking as the first female Transformer. How does it feel to bring representation to such an iconic franchise, and what drew you to the project?

Steven Caple Jr. was the reason that I had the honour to play Arcee. Did I disassociate when I was offered the role? Absolutely! But when the universe, also known as Steven Caple Jr., offers, you snatch it and run. Question nothing. But I did question Google: “Who all have voiced the iconic character of Arcee?” Sumalee Montano, Susan Blu, Masako Katsuki… badass voice actors of the animated series, whose shoes (or wheels) I was going to do my damn best to fill with honour. “How much of Arcee have we seen within the film franchise?” Between all of the Transformers films, Arcee has had maybe a minute worth of screen time? Do you SEE the way she’s built? (Shout out to the artists and animators who knew exactly what they were doing.) She deserved more and Steven Caple Jr. and Joby Harold, the film’s head writer, knew it. The power stance I hit in the VO booth was the most intense woman-spreading. I was standing on Arcee’s assertive personality and I was 6’4 in that booth (I’m 5’). I am beyond proud to be the voice of a beloved character, whose devoted fanbase has patiently waited and complained on Reddit for her story to develop. Putting this film in the hands of a true diehard Transformer’s fan (Steven) guaranteed the thoughtful tying of all loose ends with zero plot-holes while leaving you respectfully unsatiated and ready for his next. It was an honour to bring a direct, no bullshit, assertive, respected, fighter, protector and warrior of a woman to life.

dress SUE WONG

From ‘Players' to ‘A Family Affair’ and now ‘The Man with the Bag', your filmography spans a range of genres. What excites you most about stepping into roles that challenge and diversify your portfolio?

Comedy is my love language. But give me the drama, dammit. I’m ready for it. I’ve been the tension-melting, problem-solving, all-knowing best friend to the beauty and beasts that are Joey King (‘Family Affair’), Gina Rodriguez (‘Players’) and Sabrina Carpenter (‘Work It’), and ’tis been my honour… but I’m ready to be disliked. I’m ready to be as fallible as I am in real life. I’m ready to be the tension and frustrate the audience with my poor choices. I want to play a nuanced, confused, emotionally textured human being that normalises being a fuck up, striving to fix it only to fuck it up even more. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some of the world’s comedic forces and I will always pepper even the darkest of characters with humour… but I’m so excited to shine a light on a darker, dramatic role that ignites me, too.

Directing episodes of ‘Liza on Demand' gave you the chance to shape narratives from behind the camera. How does wearing the director’s hat influence the way you approach storytelling?

I realise how lucky I am to say that I’ve consistently worked in an industry that has been hit with an unprecedented pandemic, precedented strikes and a major transition to streaming. But I do know that luck favours the prepared, and performing on Vine, writing comedy sketches on Youtube and directing/producing/starring in three seasons of my Youtube Premium scripted series, ‘Liza on Demand’, has readied me for any other stage I’m fortunate to step onto. I’m a proud woman member of the Director’s Guild of America (WE NEED MORE WOMEN DIRECTORS), and through my own directorial experience, I understand how LITTLE of a factor I am as an actor. A director has a 10,000 piece puzzle to put together, and as an actor, you are a singular, sensitive, self-absorbed little piece. Nine out of ten times that a director will tell you to “go again”, isn’t because of the actors’ performance. It’s usually because the boom mic was in the frame, the camera operator’s double-jointed hip popped and bounced the shot or because the camera was focused on a questionably filled thermos that someone accidentally left in the background. As a two-time director and producer over three TV seasons, I recognise that it doesn’t take a village… it takes the sweet synchronicity of an entire swamp ecosystem of cross-union, symbiotic relationships all wearing black outfits with butt cracks on display and Hoka’s for 12-16 hours a day. You witness all of the ebbs and flows and crust and cracks of emotions and humanity for months on end… only to summarise the joy of it all with a glamorous Numéro Netherland cover and memories to savour forever.

You’ve been celebrated as a trailblazer for digital creators crossing into traditional entertainment. What do you think the industry still needs to do to better embrace talent from non-traditional backgrounds?

In a world that’s embracing the non-traditional, be a Tyler Perry. Trust that another storyteller, no matter what creative medium they come from or how “green” or new they might be to traditional… can play the part, host the show, write the script or edit the final product in a way that’s refreshing and invigorating. Those from “non-traditional backgrounds” have a constant, impressive pulse on the wider culture and a taste for what it’s craving in traditional media & stories.

Your hosting roles have ranged from the Met Gala to Amazon Music Live. What does hosting allow you to express creatively that acting or directing doesn’t?

I’ve got my blinders on and tunnel vision focused on acting and writing at the moment... but I’ve had the most fun hosting and executive producing over 100+ episodes of unscripted television. From hosting seasons of Nickelodeon’s reboot of “Double Dare”, to hosting chefs on Discovery+’s “Chopped: Next Gen” to a competitive dance show on Roku by the name of “Floored”, to a Roku home renovation show titled “Empty Nest Refresh”… I’ve experienced range as a host that I now aspire to have as an actor. I’d love to dip my toe and attached foot in drama, a musical, horror and especially, action. My cup/pitcher is full in the hosting department, and if the right project presents itself to host and produce again, my gut and I will discuss and get back to you on it… but as of right now, the focus is on acting and writing for me. We need more buddy comedies like “One of Them Days” starring Keke Palmer and SZA… and I take it as my personal responsibility to write, star and crank out some more…

dress KHAITE
boots CHRISTIAN DIOR

bodysuit CHRISTIAN DIOR

With projects like ‘Empty Nest Refresh’, you’ve ventured into the world of home renovation. What inspired you to explore this new avenue, and how does it compare to your work in entertainment?

I moved out at 19 years old to LA and told my parents “brb”… I left them on a cliffhanger and as the youngest of three, I left them with an empty nest. ‘Empty Nest Refresh’ on Roku focuses on bringing new life into a space for parents once the life they’ve raised has flown the coop. An incredible design team led by Roku and beast interior designers Tyka Pryde and Orlando Soria, have transformed multiple childhood bedrooms into parent’s wildest dreams. I’m forever indebted to my mom and dad for giving me such a blessed childhood to cherish and unshakeable foundation… so helping young adults express their gratitude for their own? An easy yes and the most jovial job I’ve ever had to thank the humans who have the hardest job of all: being a parent.

Your collaboration with Michelle Obama for ‘Creators for Change’ and initiatives like ‘When We All Vote’ showcase your passion for social causes. How do you balance advocacy with your demanding creative career, and why do you believe people with a platform in creative industries should speak out about social issues?

For clarification, I am not an activist, I am an active child. I am a hype woman for humanity. I do my damn best to speak out as I feel spiritually called, but I am never the most informed person to do so. I leave that to the powers and wise leaders, be that Momo (Michelle Obama) and many others. I try to drive my audience towards those informed speakers & teachers who pair words poetically in a way that strikes our ego-less core.  I’m too wordy… clearly, lol. I tend to pass the mic, shine the light and re-share the post that aligns with my moral compass, my values and in the way I would say it, if God gave me that mouth. I chime in with my addendums to said posts… but my motto: Speak when you have something to say, and it’s okay to say “I don’t know… but I am seeking to understand, and here’s who’s helping me learn”. Be a student of life for life. That’s not a cop out… just speak out once you’ve soaked up. Be informed and seek the truth from accredited sources, then share your wealth of knowledge.

You’ve often been described as a “one-woman studio.” How do you maintain creative control while juggling the many facets of your career—acting, producing, directing, and more?

I don’t. Lol. I’ve had zero control while relinquishing it to every director, producer, show-runner and writer I’ve worked with… but I do have *raises finger* the power of collaboration. I give my hot take… I pitch my soft, gentle pitch… I give my POV… and I have been fortunate to have been heard, considered and listened to. Do my ideas always make the cut? Hell nah. I’ll save the ideas that have hit their cutting room floor, throw ‘em into a script and birth it one day. Until then, I am enjoying being a collaborator, actor and tiny puzzle piece in their motion picture. I’m creepily observing every director’s approach and absorbing what I love to hopefully Greta Gerwig this shit one day, God willing.  

full look VINTAGE CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

full look SALONI

Your comedic timing is legendary, but you’ve also excelled in more dramatic roles. How do you prepare for roles that push you into new emotional territories?

Oh my, thank you?! I loved leaning into the more dramatic turning point across from Joey King in ‘A Family Affair’. Our writer, Carrie Solomon, has a phenomenally moisturised brain. She wrote this delicious moment between Joey’s character, Zara, and my character, Genie, that allowed me to express what every lead character’s best friend feels: overstimulated by problems that ain’t yours to solve. It was written as a realistic moment of rupture in their friendship, one that I was actually experiencing parallel to my real life friendship. Genie’s feelings were abandoned by her best friend, Zara, who’s living inside of her own booty hole. Genie finally points a finger at the problem (Zara) and checks her back into a reality outside of her own. I LOVED building tension and becoming a part of our lead’s problem, and not playing the phone-a-friend problem solver. To more of that please @hollywoodcasting. I played a character by the name of Violet on Hulu’s ‘Freakish’ that also allowed room for more dramatic moments. 

Looking back on your career so far, what moment stands out as a turning point, and what’s next on your list of goals to accomplish?

Moving to NYC exactly one month ago feels like a turning point. I meant to move to NY my entire life but I kept forgetting to do so because of my ADHD and booking work in LA… but we are here now, baby! Let’s see where this leads. I’d like for it to lead to being a lead of an action, dramedy, horror film that I’d proudly produce, too, but we’ll all just have to see, won’t we?

bodysuit CHRISTIAN DIOR

TEAM CREDITS:

talent LIZA KOSHY
photography and direction EMILYNN ROSE
executive producer ALEXANDER JOHN at ONE TEN MEDIA
producer JILL TAYMANY
styling ALEXUS SHEFTS
makeup KEVIN LUONG
hair RAY CHRISTOPHER
assistance BYRON NICKLEBERRY, MATTEO DALLA CHIESA, LAUREN NIEVES
production assistance DAVID CHOI
dp TY ROGERS
sound STEVEN VIEGAS at ONE TEN MEDIA
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN