Erin Luo is a rising actress in film, most known for her recent roles in the films Ed Kemper, Pacify (2023), and Gracie Abrams: I Love You, I’m Sorry (2024). We had the chance to do an exclusive interview with Erin, read below our exclusive Q & A to find out more about Actress Erin Luo and a behind the scenes look on her recent film role!
Q: Where are you originally from and where are you based now?
Erin Luo– A: I was born and raised in China, and I moved to the state of Iowa when I was 18 for college. I attended the University of Iowa, where I got my bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Theater Arts. I was on the acting track, and shortly after I graduated from undergrad, I moved to Chicago to start my training in graduate school for Acting and Contemporary Performance Making. On one random Friday afternoon in late April 2024, I decided to skip the ceremony and pack up my stuff and rent a car and drive to Los Angeles from Chicago, which made me currently an LA-based actor.
Q: As a rising actress, what motivates and inspires you to be the best at your profession in acting, and do you have a top 3 favorite actors, filmmakers, or directors that you want to work with in the business?
Erin Luo– A:As a rising actress, what motivates and inspires me is the drive to constantly evolve and challenge myself in this industry. Coming to the United States by myself at 18, without knowing exactly how things would unfold, was a huge leap of faith. That willingness to take risks, stay curious, and push my boundaries continues to fuel me every day. I believe it’s essential to embrace every opportunity for growth, whether it’s learning a new technique or taking on a role that challenges me.
My experiences have taught me the value of pushing myself to explore new horizons, and it’s that mindset that keeps me motivated to be the best artist I can be. I’m also inspired by the power of representation and the importance of seeing diverse stories told on screen, especially in a way that resonates with my experiences as an actor who has navigated multiple cultures.
In terms of directors and actors I want to work with, my top three would be:
Gong Li – I’ve always admired her not only for her incredible talent as an actress but also for how she transitioned from a major star in China to an international force in Hollywood. She’s paved the way for so many of us to see what’s possible, and it’s definitely my dream to share the screen with someone whose journey has inspired mine. Her performances in films like Memoirs of a Geisha are simply mesmerizing. She has this depth and grace in her portrayals that I deeply admire.
Saoirse Ronan – Her ability to embody such a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity is something I deeply admire. Watching her work has encouraged me to strive for that same versatility, and I would be honored to collaborate with her or a director who nurtures that level of transformation. Her range is incredible, and she brings such an authenticity to every character she plays. I’ve always admired how she can transform so effortlessly.
Wes Anderson – His storytelling style is so unique and visually stunning. The Grand Budapest is my favorite movie of all time. The way he blends humor with poignant moments is inspiring.
Q:What is your favorite genre in roles you play (Drama, Comedy, Action, Thriller, a little bit of all)?
Erin Luo– A: My current favorite genre is thriller. There’s something uniquely compelling about exploring darker, more intense emotions and situations. I recently had the opportunity to play Amanda in my very first short horror film directed by Jacob Arbittier, CLAP CLAP, which will soon premiere on Crypt TV. It was such a thrilling experience, and the genre really pushed me to explore new facets of myself as an actor.
While I love the challenge of playing more sophisticated, dramatic roles, I also have a deep appreciation for comedy and musical theatre as an audience member. There’s something so refreshing and uplifting about comedy, and I enjoy the energy and joy that musical theatre brings. I think as an actor, being exposed to a wide range of genres and performances helps me grow, and it fuels my curiosity to take on new, unexpected roles.
Q: Can you share with us something people may not know about you? Any hobbies or other talents you have and/or like to do in your spare time?
Erin Luo– A:One thing people might not know about me is that I absolutely love cooking. It’s something I do in my spare time to unwind and relax. I make everything from scratch—whether it’s traditional Chinese cuisine, dim sum, or even baking. For me, cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it’s meditative. The process of creating something from scratch, paying attention to every detail, helps me clear my mind and find a sense of peace.
One of my most recent challenges was perfecting my recipe for the fluffiest plain Chinese steamed buns. I spent two months experimenting with the perfect balance of water, flour, yeast, and sugar to get it just right. It’s all about the small details, and I really enjoy the trial and error process that comes with cooking.It’s my way of recharging and staying connected to my roots while also embracing a creative outlet outside of acting.
Q: What are some projects that you’ve just wrapped up recently or that you’re currently working on?
Erin Luo– A: Other than CLAP CLAP, I previously finished working on a biographical crime drama titled Ed Kemper, directed by Chat Ferrin, which is set to be released in 2025. The film delves into the true story of Edmund Kemper, an American serial killer who committed multiple murders in the 1970s. I had the honor to portray the role of Aiko Koo, a 15-year-old dance student who tragically became one of his victims.
Playing a real-life character was an incredibly profound experience for me. Aiko was a real person with hopes, dreams, and a future ahead of her, and I held a tremendous amount of respect for her story. My goal was to bring as much authenticity and humanity as possible to the role, ensuring that her memory was portrayed with dignity. This project challenged me as an actor in ways I hadn’t experienced before, and I’m proud to be part of a film that sheds light on such a powerful and haunting story.
Q: What are your official social sites on the web that we can follow?
IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15448541/?language=pt-br
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinluo28/
Headshots Photo Credits Copyright: Joanna DeGeneres
