Exclusive Interview with Lexy Kolker of ‘Freaks’
Lexy Kolker will turn 10 later this month but she already has a solid resume under her belt. In 2017-18, she had a six episode arc on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. but is probably best known for her recurring role as Mary Swagger on the USA network thriller Shooter.
In September, Lexy can be seen in Freaks, alongside Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern. This futuristic thriller, directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2018. I got the chance to talk with her about what it’s like to be the youngest of the Kolker sisters, how she’s feeling about 5th grade and more. Read on to see what she had to say!
First of all, happy almost birthday. You’re going to be 10 and already have a pretty substantial resume. What role would you say has been your favorite so far and why?
Aww, thank you. My favorite role is definitely playing Chloe in Freaks. It was by far the most challenging role I have ever played, and it allowed me to play all of the emotions in one movie. I was able to be happy and curious and intense and mad and sad and scared and strong. So I learned a lot playing the role of Chloe in Freaks.
Tell me a little more about Freaks. It seems kind of scary. Does that kind of stuff ever bother you? Also, can you share a little bit about your character in Freaks?
Yes, it definitely has its scary moments. No, it doesn’t bother me. I know it’s make believe, kind of like Halloween, so I love to see how scary we can make it and be part of creating that world.
My character in Freaks is Chloe. She’s a 7 year old strong little girl who has never been outside in her whole life. Her dad played by Emile Hirsh always tells her that if she goes outside, she will get killed. But she gets more and more curious and finally gets the courage to take her chances and go outside. She is very brave and goes on an adventure with Mr. Snowcone, played by Bruce Dern, that she could never have imagined. As we get to know her, we realize she will do anything to protect her family.
How do you get ready for an audition? More specifically, how did you prepare for your audition for Freaks?
For an audition, I learn my lines the first day I get the audition always so that I can get that out of the way. Then, I like to sleep on it so that it gets in my brain and I can focus on the acting for the rest of the time I have to prepare. Then I practice with my mom and my sister. For Freaks, though, it was very different. After the initial audition, the producer session was all about improv, so I sat on the floor as they asked me to and they told me to fight with an actor who was in the room. No lines, no script – I just had to say whatever came to my mind so there was really no way to prepare for that audition. I think I just had to imagine the situation as much as I could when I was in the room. The audition was pretty intense because we were yelling at each other for about 30 minutes and I started getting tears in my eyes, but as soon as they said cut, I was like, “Wow, that was cool. That actor is really good!”
Do you have any good stories from shooting Freaks?
Yes, I had my 8th birthday party on set and Adam and Zach and the whole crew surprised me by decorating my trailer and they got me a real ice cream truck so that I could serve ice cream to everyone. They made it super special for me and I won’t forget it.
So would you say you prefer shooting television or movies?
I have to say I love both. I like to travel and meet people on location and take on a role and tell a story. But I love TV because it’s a longer experience and you can be on a show for years so you can get very close to people for a longer period of time.
Speaking of travel, you recently went to South Africa to shoot a pilot. How was that trip? Do you like to travel and if so, where is the best place you’ve been so far?
It was amazing. I had the best time. We were there for three weeks and had a lot of time in between shoot days to visit so we did two safaris, and went to the beach and went sightseeing a lot. Cape Town was absolutely beautiful and we loved the people. That was definitely the best place I’ve been to so far.
Let’s get to know Lexy! You’re about to start 5th grade, right? What are you looking forward to and what are you dreading about 5th grade?
Yes that’s right. I’m looking forward to the field trips and I’m dreading having more homework but hopefully it won’t be too bad.
You’ve got a lot of sisters. How is it being the youngest? Do you get a lot of advice from your older sisters?
Yes, I do. I have three. I love being the youngest but sometimes I feel like I have to fight to do what I want to do, because they usually want to do something different. I do get a lot of advice from my older sisters, especially my sister Ava who helps me with everything all the time.
What is your dream role to play and/or if you could choose any kind of movie for your next part, what would it be? (rom-com, historical, time-travel, super hero)?
I would love to be in a dramedy. I haven’t done comedy yet, so it would be fun to do a movie where I can be funny but still have some serious moments and emotions. Of course, being a super hero is very high on my list.
What do you like to do on set, in between takes?
I like to play on my phone and go to Krafty, and sometimes play games with whoever is willing to play with me. But most of the time, there isn’t a lot of time between takes so I try to stay focused and make sure I’m ready.
Have you read any great books lately? What is your favorite book?
Yes, I loved Goosebumps Graveyard Ghouls.
Let’s do some silly questions. Cat or Dog person?
Dog person.
Favorite ride at Disneyland?
Splash Mountain.
If you could be any Avenger, which one would you choose?
Iron Man.
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Chocolate Malted Crunch.
Ok, last question. Our website is called “Talk Nerdy with Us” so tell me: what do you get “nerdy” about?
I am so nerdy about Stranger Things and Riverdale. I love those shows. I also love TikTok. I could do it all day.
Freaks will be released in theaters nationwide on September 13, 2019. You can follow Lexy on Twitter and Instagram.