Chandler Kinney is a breakthrough actress, dancer, and philanthropist currently starring in hit series “Lethal Weapon”. Krull Mag caught up with Chandler to find out more about this amazing young woman.

I’ve heard you’re a triple threat – tell me more!

I began dancing at the age of three. It was the first thing I was truly passionate about and from a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. I started taking acting lessons at the age of nine and was immediately intrigued. I was serious about both activities for several years until it became too much as I could no longer give 100% of myself to both dance and acting. So I made the difficult decision to focus on acting.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time to attend dance classes since I’ve taken on two full time jobs (filming and maintaining straight A’s throughout high school) in addition to everything else I am involved in. However, I definitely still have the qualities of a dancer. I’ll stretch while watching TV and dance around the house; and I can’t resist walking to the beat of music when I’m out! My time as a dancer will always be a part of me.

I’ve been told many times that I can sing…but, to be honest, I don’t like singing publicly. It’s a personal thing for me, as well as playing the piano. I can’t see myself releasing music, not anytime soon at least.

Most people at the moment will know you as Riana Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon. How did you feel when you got the role in a big TV series with such a well-known history?

To say I was very excited is an understatement. Although it was certainly a crazy challenge to take on a large franchise that holds such significance in the world of film, I initially didn’t approach it with that mindset simply because I was completely unaware of its acclaimed history. I had never seen the original films since they were before my time, but I was really looking forward to being a part of something that I knew was going to be an amazing opportunity and great learning experience.

What is it like working with the legend that is Damon Wayans (who plays Riana’s father Roger, LAPD detective)? I grew up on ‘My Wife and Kids’ and he’s a comedic genius – you must have a lot of fun on set.

Yes, as I’m sure you can imagine, working with Damon is great fun, and he’s a genius at what he does! He’s really a lovely human being whom I admire and respect deeply. He is also very wise, so I’ve learned a great deal from him about a large variety of things.

How important have friends and family been in supporting you and keeping you grounded?

I don’t think I can properly express just how major it is to have a strong, dependable support system when working in the entertainment industry. My friends and family have played a monumental role in keeping me sane through the craziest of days. Through all of the ups and downs, they help me stay true to who I am and I’m forever grateful to have them in my life.

As a young black woman you’re definitely a role model for girls everywhere, particularly young black girls. How do you feel about having that type of responsibility?

I’m so honoured to be contributing to positive representation for young black girls and to give inspiration and perspective. Because the category in which I operate in the entertainment industry is relatively small compared to others, I’ve recognised that I have been placed in a position of influence, and with that comes a great deal of responsibility. Having a voice and being able to be heard is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. There are some powerful girls doing outstanding work and I’m happy to be standing with them.

You’ve achieved so much in the last couple of years. In particular you received your first Teen Choice Award nomination this year – how did that feel? How did you celebrate?

When I was younger, I loved watching the Teen Choice Awards on TV, so to be nominated along with my cast this past year was quite astonishing to say the least.  I celebrated by stopping at In-N-Out and getting some French fries on the way home from the show.

Speaking of the Teen Choice Awards, you showed great style. How would you describe your style to our readers? Do you enjoy following fashion?

The one word that describes my style best is “eclectic.” I’m a very outgoing person who loves taking risks and pushing the envelope, and I think that is apparent in the way I express myself through fashion. I’ll wear most styles in almost any colour as long as it has an element of class and sophistication.

I definitely enjoy following fashion! I think it’s become easier than ever to become immersed in that world. You have a front row seat to the risk-taking and ever-changing fashion trends. The artistry and creative influence in the fashion industry is strong and it’s a pleasure to be able to contribute even just a small part to it.

You’re still only 17 – what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

With the very little free time I have, I love spending time with my friends and family. I’m very much a people person so being around those I love brings me peace and happiness. I love going to the movies, gardens, and museums. I also enjoy baking, photography, and just trying new things!

I can see that you’re involved in charity work, what causes are close to your heart?

I’m a member of an organisation called Compassion International that connects a sponsor with a child living in poverty. I sponsor a young girl in Ethiopia and I help her receive proper health care, stronger education, along with basic needs such as clean water and better food options. I also am a supporter of ASPCA which does wonderful work for the prevention of animal cruelty.

Chandler’s Friends is an organisation that my mom and I created about 3 years ago! From a young age, my parents emphasised the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community, so I’ve always had that part of me that wants to do work where work is needed. We have a family friend that takes in foster children, and we recognised that she needed help. These children were taken from their homes without any of their personal items, so we decided to start with the idea of a blanket; it was like sending a hug, and it was something that the child could call their own. We were inspired by the pictures the mother sent us of the little kids beaming with their new blankets. She told us how special we made them feel, and it was in that moment that I realised I really could make a difference. Since then, we’ve expanded and are now giving back on a much larger scale. Last year for the holiday season, we were able to donate 300 toys to homeless youth. This year, we’re doing another toy wrapping event for the holidays and we hope to reach even more children!

You’re still so young but have achieved so much – what do you want to do in the long term?

I definitely would like to pursue my career in acting but I do plan to go to college as well! I’m hoping to find a college that will work in conjunction with the show. I want to double major in Psychology with a specialisation in Social Psych along with Drama or Theatre, focusing on directing and playwright or film studies (depending on the courses available).

When you look back in 20 years, what would you want to be most proud of?

When I look back in 20 years, I’d want to be most proud of the fact I never stopped learning and growing as a human being.

5 Fun Questions to get to know the real Chandler Kinney

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

I’d say the time that I snuck into the prop kitchen and stole a bunch of cookies right as the director, a producer, and our show runner walked by and witnessed me stuffing them into my mouth. But the cookies were really good, so it was worth it.

Where would you love your next holiday to be?

Venice, Italy is the #1 place on my list of places to travel to! It’s absolutely beautiful there.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession would either be my personal jewellery box my mom gave me or my custom jacket from season one of Lethal Weapon.

Who do you most look up to?

I most look up to my mom. She is such a strong, intelligent woman and she inspires me to work harder and be better every single day.

If you could meet any actor, dancer, or singer living or dead, who would it be?

I would have loved to meet Nat King Cole. He was so brave and intelligent with his artistry and I would have enjoyed having a conversation with him and hearing him play live.

Lethal Weapon, based on the hit movie franchise of the same name, is set to return for season two on TV6 Sweden.