The Many Feathers in Rising Star Erika Tham's Cap
“Canadian actress” doesn’t quite cover the many sides that Kim Possible star Erika Tham (@erikatham) has to offer. Having cut her teeth at musicals and plays (she was first spotted at a performance of Oliver Twist), the 19-year-old got her big break when she landed the lead role in Nickelodeon’s Make It Pop. In 2019, Erika has her eye on a spot in the Marvel universe and intentions to release her own music — all while advocating for environmental causes. We catch up with her below.
Were you a fan of Kim Possible when you were younger?
Yes! I even had a little Kim Possible doll that said all her sayings like “what’s the sitch?” and “please and thank you!”. I think my favourite characters would have had to have been Shego and Bonnie, I love a good villain!
What was it like playing Bonnie?
I had so much fun playing Bonnie. She has some amazing lines in this movie and is such a personality, so I really enjoyed stepping into her shoes. This was a very different type of character for me as I’m used to playing the nice girl, so getting to be a little more villainous was really exciting. In this movie, Bonnie is a soccer player, not a cheerleader and I think the soccer element was the most challenging part for me. That was probably my worst sport in school so to have to look like I could be the captain of the team was a little challenging. It made for some great bloopers though!
As an actress, what kind of roles would you like to take on in future?
From the start, my dream role has been to play a superhero in a Marvel movie. I love those big budget action/sci-fi movies and I think getting to be in one would be so cool! Along those lines, I’d love to work with Benedict Cumberbatch. I think he’s absolutely brilliant!
You’re also releasing new music this year. What can we expect?
Music is such a huge part of me and I can’t wait for people who know me from my acting projects to see another side of me. I would describe the music as R&B-inspired pop. I start the writing process for almost every song alone on my piano, so this work will definitely be more personal than anything else I’ve ever done.
How would you describe your style?
That’s tough... Ever-changing? It really depends on the day and my mood because I could be wearing sweats a hoodie and Jordans one day, and then a sundress or silk skirt the next. I love having fun with fashion and I never stop myself from wearing anything that I think is dope because it doesn’t fit a “trend” or style or what someone might expect me to wear.
Having lived in several cities around the world including Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan, is there one place that you truly call home?
At this point in my life I guess I would have to say Los Angeles. Maybe it’s because my dogs are here now. When they lived in Thailand with us, I would’ve said Bangkok! I think home is wherever you make it and the people around you can make any place feel like home.
Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you always take with you whenever you travel?
My disposable camera!
What drives your passion for environmental causes?
The sense of urgency for change I think is what really drives my passion for this cause. I feel that my generation may be the last to make the decisive changes that will determine the state of our planet for many generations to come and truly the time is now for action.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Music and acting are not my only ventures. I’ve been working very hard on a secret project that hopefully will launch sometime this year!
This story first appeared in the February 2019 issue of L'Officiel Singapore.
