Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Kelsey Hale
We got to chat with actress Catherine Bradley who can be seen in The Really Loud House, about preparing for the role of Luan Loud, her advice for aspiring actors, and the cast feeling like family.
Did a particular television show or movie spark your interest in acting?
Actually, it was theatre that sparked my love for acting. As a really young child, my mother would take our family and me to Broadway shows. I remember seeing Wicked, Matilda, Cinderella, School of Rock, and Annie. These shows were magical – the acting, singing, dancing, costumes, and sets. I remember the excitement when the theatre would go dark and the anticipation. After watching my first Broadway show, I was hooked. I remember thinking that is what I want to do with my life!
You play Luan Loud in The Loud House Christmas and The Really Loud House. When preparing for the role, did you try to bring a bit of yourself to the character + inspiration from the cartoon version?
I did watch the cartoon to get the essence of Luan and especially Mr. Coconuts, her alter-ego puppet, who I also play. What I learned is that Luan is a lot like me, and we have more in common than I imagined. Like me, Luan is a performer, and we both love doing comedy and impersonations! Luan started her stand-up comedy career at 8 years old, which was when I began my acting career. We are both happy people and love to make people laugh and entertain them. We both just like to have fun and be silly! This being said, I wanted fans to see a more human and vulnerable side of Luan. Under her comedic facade, she has self-doubts and feels many of the same pressures teenagers feel today. Luan is learning to feel comfortable in her own skin. Throughout the season, Luan becomes more confident in herself and is not changing for anyone. I really think young kids and teenagers are going to love her, and I hope Luan inspires everyone to just be themselves!
Luan loves to play pranks and is obsessed with puns. Does playing her bring out your own silly and mischievous side?
Yes, definitely playing Luan has brought out my silly and goofy side even more, particularly on set. Luan does become a master of disguises in Season 1, and once I put those disguises on, I literally become those characters and “torment” the cast and crew. We have long days, and it’s fun sometimes to joke around and make the cast and crew laugh! I certainly have noticed that during the past few months of playing Luan, I have become more expressive and silly in my regular life!
Do you have a favorite episode or Luan moment from filming The Really Loud House?
There are a few that I really love for completely different reasons. One that definitely comes to mind is when you learn some new talents of Luan, master of disguise, and there is another episode where audiences will get to see a more vulnerable side of Luan. Luan is usually always joking and being funny, wanting to make people laugh and be happy; so a lot of times, you see the “Performer Luan.” In this episode, you see another side of Luan and the guest star in this episode that I work with is a comedy legend! It was an honor to work with her! I also have an episode where Lucy (who is played by my real sister Aubin) and I have a special kind of battle, and the chemistry between us was so special.
After working on The Loud House Christmas and now the show. Do you and your co-stars truly feel like siblings?
YES!!! We have become a family. I come from a large family, and now I have two of them. Having lots of people to work with that are around the same age, older, and younger makes going to work a lot of fun. I am never bored! I am also sharing this experience with my actual sibling, with is so amazing. I have made such incredible friendships with the cast, crew, hair, makeup, and costumes. We have really all bonded and become our own LOUD family!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Be kind, be humble, work hard and never give up. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work in theatre, TV, and film. I have had more disappointments and “no’s” than I can count, but I never quit. When pursuing a career in acting, you put yourself out there every day and let people see and feel your vulnerabilities. Most of the time, you get no “thank you,” no feedback, or negative feedback that is beyond your control. You have to stay positive and not give up. This is an incredible industry, but it can be a tough one. I also know my career would not have been possible without the support system I have at home. My entire family, brother, sisters, and parents, have made sacrifices, and I am so thankful for them.