Sydney Park can be seen reprising her role of Cyndie on AMC’s The Walking Dead Season 8, which will return on Sunday, October 22 at 10 PM.
She will also star as Norah opposite Zach Gilford in YouTube Red’s Lifeline, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Set in the not-too-distant future, Lifeline follows a little-known life insurance company that sends its agents forward 33 days to prevent the accidental deaths of their clients. The company’s best agent, Connor Hooks (Zach Gilford), has never missed a save, but when 16-year-old Norah (Sydney Park) is orphaned on his watch, Connor pledges to protect her, even if it means putting his career — or his own life — in jeopardy.
Black Girl Nerds: What are your Halloween plans for this year?
Sydney Park: Since my birthday falls on Halloween I’m thinking about treating myself to a tropical vacation! Oh yeah, and dressing up as Moana.
BGNs: Have you ever asked Walking Dead makeup and props to pimp you out zombie-style for Halloween?
SP: Last year, I was actually able to celebrate my birthday with my Walking Dead family and everyone came to work in their Halloween costumes. I was off that day but a friend of mine/member of the crew sent me “Happy Birthday” videos from the cast and crew! Then, to top it off they surprised me with a birthday cake the next day! I cried. It was so special!
BGNs: What is some advice you have for aspiring actors/actresses who want to make it in this business but don’t have the funds to relocate or opportunities in their areas?
SP: My advice is to do your research and study the business, whether it’s at your local library or watching films! The best thing you can do as an actress/actor is really know television, movies, other performers, and just the overall craft of acting. The more you know, the better.
BGNs: How was it working with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as a producer on YouTube Red’s Lifeline?
SP: I actually have yet to meet Dwayne, but he is very hands-on when it comes to this project and he also makes a cameo in the series! I’ve heard from our directors/producers he is wonderful to work with.
BGNs: What would you be doing if you weren’t an actress?
SP: In my next life, I would want to be a famous surfer and painter! But hey, you never know. It could still very well happen!
BGNs: What do you value most about your cultural heritage having a Korean-American father and African-American mother?
SP: I really cherish the fact that I come from incredibly strong cultures. They are both very different from each other, which is a beautiful thing! Being biracial is a blessing and I’m proud of who I am; I’m even more proud that I can represent all of the people who look like I do, but aren’t getting the opportunities to have their voice be heard. That’s why I will continue to fight for what is right and not settle for less.
BGNs: As an avid writer, do you have any content online my BGNs audience can view?
SP: I’m thinking about potentially starting a podcast or a blog, but as of right now, I mostly write scripts. I have a project I wrote that is going through revisions, but I would like to see it get developed in 2018!
BGNs: As a singer, is this just for fun or can audiences expect an album?
SP: Singing and songwriting have always been a passion of mine and I’m starting to learn more and more about the music industry. I would love to release my own EP soon… I think that would be another great way for me to express myself as an artist. Keep a lookout! Thanks, y’all.
Sydney is best known for her role as Gabby Phillips, Tia Mowry-Hardrict’s daughter, on Nickelodeon’s Instant Mom and as Meredith opposite Joey King in the horror film, Wish Upon. She hails from Philadelphia and is the daughter of a Korean-American father and African-American mother. In her free time, she sings, does yoga and is an avid writer.
Be sure to check out Sydney on The Walking Dead Season 8 premiered October 22 at 10 PM on AMC and Lifeline which premieres later this fall.
By: Angel Jeter
