Chandler Lovelle on Joining 'Dexter: Original Sin' and Bringing Daniela to Life

[00:00:09] Chandler, thank you for joining me today on Pop Culture Unplugged.

[00:00:13] Hello! Thanks so much for having me.

[00:00:15] Excited times. Right before we went on, I was doing some more research on you and you've been busy the last few years and now we see you on Dexter, Original Sin as well. Let's talk a little bit about your journey. I'm kind of curious, what made you get into the industry? Because I saw you did a musical theater, opera, TV, film. What's left on that bucket list of yours?

[00:00:35] Yeah, I just love the entertainment industry, clearly. I did start doing musical theater and I was like, this is my be all end all. And I was Broadway bound. And then I discovered film and TV after a few years and I just fell so in love with it. And I started on Bloodline. And I'm originally from Florida, so I got to film in Florida and all that. And it was, it was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

[00:01:03] And then I got really bit by the film and TV bug. So I just decided to throw myself into it. And I've gotten to do some really cool projects over the last couple of years, especially. I got to work with Steven Spielberg, which was a dream on the Fablemans.

[00:01:17] And Anne Hathaway and Michael Showalter on the idea of you, these last couple of years as well. And it's just been a dream. And now I'm on Dexter. And that's been such an incredible experience as well. I mean, the people I got to work with are just like the greatest people of all time. And it's legendary. Dexter is legendary.

[00:01:41] Dexter is legendary.

[00:01:41] Dexter is legendary.

[00:01:42] Dexter is legendary. What's next? What's the goal after all this?

[00:01:45] Oh, oh, just continuing to immerse myself in film and TV and theater as well when those opportunities come along. But, you know, I'd love to continue on with TV. The dream is always to, you know, get on a show that runs for seven years and get to build like an on-set family. So hopefully that dream happens soon. That's what I'm manifesting for myself.

[00:02:13] Any comedy that you want to hit someday, like a sitcom or something?

[00:02:16] Oh my gosh, that'd be so fun. You know, I feel like we don't see as much of that like true sitcom work nowadays. You know, it's a lot more single cam, which is fantastic. But I would love to do a comedy. I mean, that would just be so fun to just go on set and have people make you laugh and make people laugh all day. That's a dream for sure.

[00:02:39] What made you jump into the entertainment industry though? Like when you were younger, was there like something to you just like, you started watching something you're like, this is what I think I want to do. Like, how did that happen?

[00:02:48] Well, I was a natural singer growing up. So once I started singing in middle school, it was just kind of a no brainer. I was like, oh, I'm really good at this. And, and I enjoy it comes naturally. And so I started training for it. And once I stepped on stage and started like combining the two acting and singing, I was like, oh, I can do both. Like, this is, this is allowed. Like, and I can make this a career. Okay, let's do it.

[00:03:16] And it was just kind of not even a question. I didn't even think about it. It just was like, once the foot was on the stage, I was like, oh, this is, this is it. This is where I belong, you know?

[00:03:28] Was there a backup plan just in case you didn't make it or anything you would like, or like if I don't make it into TV film, maybe work behind the scenes? Was there always something like that?

[00:03:37] Yeah, I guess, I guess I really wanted to be an eye doctor's assistant. I didn't want to be the eye doctor. I wanted to be the eye doctor's assistant, because they get to do all the cool stuff.

[00:03:48] And do all the fun tests. I love the eye doctor. Everybody hates the eye doctor. I love the eye doctor. But that was my that was my plan B.

[00:03:59] What's been like your parents reaction see you do on TV and film?

[00:04:04] You know, they've been incredibly supportive. My mom is so supportive. You know, she's the one who originally encouraged me to, to, you know, take voice lessons and join choir.

[00:04:15] She was like, you're humming all the time, you need to need to join choir. And I was really shy. And I was like, no, and then she made me do it. And I was like, oh, this is so much fun.

[00:04:24] And then it just kind of snowballed from there. It went to theater camp to going to high school for theater and to, you know, going to all these theater intensives, and then film and TV intensives, and then getting into commercials and, like doing movies.

[00:04:39] And so it just, yeah, they've been so supportive. My mom is just like, they're every step of the way. And, and is so excited every time I'm in something. And I'm lucky, I'm lucky. Some people have parents who are like, don't get into the arts. And my mom was like, whatever you do pursue your dreams.

[00:04:59] You mentioned Spielberg, but you also worked with like Showalter also, like, when you worked with them, did they give you any advice for your future or anything or your career?

[00:05:09] That's such an interesting question. I wouldn't say we had many talks about the future because everything just moved so quickly on set.

[00:05:20] But, but, but I'd say that working with them did inform my future because working with Spielberg, like when I got that audition, I was like, yeah, everything was so secret. And I was like, this, they're like veiling the production company and they're, they're keeping everything under wraps. So this must be important. This must be big.

[00:05:39] And then I did some digging and figured out that it was working with Spielberg as the director, his production company, and it's his biopic essentially. So I was like, okay, this is, this is a big deal. And then when I booked it, I was like, okay, I'm worthy. I shouldn't be in this industry. I should, you know, there's, there's all these milestones of validation within the entertainment industry. I feel like you need validation because there's so much rejection.

[00:06:06] So once I got the opportunity to work with these Oscar award-winning directors, Showalter, Spielberg, Oscar award-winning actors, actresses, it's, it just, it makes you want to continue doing it. It makes you feel like I'm in the right place, you know?

[00:06:23] So.

[00:06:23] Did you audition in front of Spielberg or was there, did you have to go through certain levels to get them?

[00:06:29] It was in the midst of COVID. I think I auditioned in 2021, if I'm not mistaken. So it was still like at all the COVID response.

[00:06:36] Restrictions. So everything was via zoom. And I think pretty much everyone auditioned via zoom callbacks, via zoom, everything on online only. So when I showed up to my first day on set, I was like, is this real? Cause like Steven Spielberg was dressed up in all the, the COVID garb, you know, like face mask, face shield, like in,

[00:07:01] in long sleeves at the beach in July in like 95 degree weather. And I was like, his name tag says Steven Spielberg, but he couldn't be anyone. I can't see him.

[00:07:13] Awesome. Yeah.

[00:07:15] Let's jump into now Dexter, Richard. How did this happen? We see you as Daniela, one of Deb's friends. Was that an audition? Was that somebody that you've worked with before? They said, Hey, we might have a part for you. Come on in. How did that happen?

[00:07:28] Yeah. I mean, it was, it was a regular audition process, but they did bring me in for a couple other roles before.

[00:07:33] Really?

[00:07:45] I, you know, I, I, it was, I was Dexter's mom. I think that I was auditioning for. So I was like, maybe in the flashbacks, I don't quite look like the original actor that played that role.

[00:07:56] So all these factors, but I was like, but they like me, I can tell that they like me. They want to keep seeing me because they keep asking me back. So hopefully they find a place for me. And, and eventually they did. And I get to play Daniela.

[00:08:08] That's awesome. So you originally, you went for the mother role. Is that what it was?

[00:08:12] Yeah. I think that one was first. Yeah.

[00:08:15] That's awesome.

[00:08:18] What was the description you were giving for Daniela after you booked her?

[00:08:23] Oh gosh. The description, party girl. That was, I remember that being in the description. She's a party girl. She goes where, where the fun is happening. And she's kind of a way weather friend.

[00:08:36] And, and she's one of Deb's volleyball teammates. So we're, we're really into volleyball. We trained like half the summer to play volleyball really well.

[00:08:48] That's awesome.

[00:08:49] Which is so fun. So after I booked the role, they were like, all right, volleyball camp starts next week. And I was like, volleyball camp. What are you talking about?

[00:08:58] Did you find that easy at least after you went to the camp?

[00:09:01] Yeah. Luckily I'm pretty athletic. So I was like, this will be, this will be fun. Haven't played since like middle school, but it'll be, it'll be an easy pickup for me. And, and it was so much fun.

[00:09:13] We, we all learned really quickly and they were such good coaches to us and it really helped create that camaraderie, like a real sports team would have. So we all got to get to know each other before actually going on set and recording anything.

[00:09:28] 10 out of 10 experience. I mean, the girls are just the nicest people ever.

[00:09:33] That's awesome.

[00:09:34] Did you, for, for Daniela to like, where I'm going with this is like, this is a prequel to the original Dexter. So these are characters are a lot, the younger version.

[00:09:43] Had to go and like study the older version to prepare for this for you. You didn't have to do that. So did you find this easier to portray in this character?

[00:09:52] Yeah. I mean, seeing them embody these, you know, they have their original takes on the characters, but like the, the casting for the young versions of the characters, you want to have that essence of the, the original cast member, you know?

[00:10:06] So watching them emulate those actors was so cool. And, and I got to, you know, originate a character.

[00:10:14] So I just pretty much got to do whatever I wanted and whatever the director guided me to do.

[00:10:21] I mean, that sounds so fun to have to like copy the voice and the mannerisms and all that. But I, I, yes, I would say I had an easier, an easier job because I didn't have to copy people exactly.

[00:10:34] But that sounds like so much fun.

[00:10:35] Right. Right. Right. Right. Now for you as an actor, like how did it, how did, how did you feel like stepping into like this universe? Cause it's got a huge fan base.

[00:10:42] Like I'm a huge fan of Dexter. I've seen the first three episodes of the original sin also, but for you as an actor stepping into this, how does it make you feel?

[00:10:52] Oh, it's just the coolest experience. I mean, Dexter is such a huge show and now it's a huge universe. There are so many diehard Dexter fans for such a good reason.

[00:11:01] Because I mean, like the concept of the show, a serial killer that you're rooting for because he only kills the bad guys.

[00:11:08] Yeah. It's just an unbeatable concept. It's just, uh, the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of such a huge show. So I was psyched. I was so excited. I was like, oh my gosh, they're making a prequel to Dexter. Let's go.

[00:11:24] Did you go and watch the, the older, the older show just to like get an idea or like, have you already been watching it?

[00:11:31] Yeah. I had seen some of it, but I hadn't like seen the entire series. So I went back and I, and I watched everything and it's, it's, it holds up. It's just so good. The writing is amazing. Um, yeah, I was, I was so excited.

[00:11:49] Without, you know, I don't, I don't want to talk too much spoilers, but like, how would you, uh, character arc for Danielle coming up? How many episodes are we going to see you in and what can you tease about this character?

[00:11:59] Ooh, I'm in five episodes, I believe. And, um, you know, I really just help Deb along with her, with her arc and her journey. I am a supporting character. So, you know, it's all about helping those series regulars get to where they need to be and help flesh out their relationships that help inform their characters. Um, so yeah, she, she gets up to some mischief and I can't really give any spoilers, but

[00:12:29] Um, I, I think everybody will like where they, where they take.

[00:12:33] What'd you, what'd you think of Molly Brown playing Deb?

[00:12:37] Molly is the nicest person I've ever met on a set. She's literally the greatest, most welcoming person. And then what she brings to Deb, she's also just immensely talented and she's so fun to work with.

[00:12:52] She's hilarious. She is just making everyone burst out laughing while she's not even where the cameras aren't even rolling. So like when she's on camera and the cameras are rolling, she's like lightning on camera. She's incredible. She brings such a great flair to Deb. I think she really does it justice.

[00:13:12] What's your thoughts on my, uh, Patrick Gibson playing Dexter, the younger version.

[00:13:16] Also just the nicest guy ever. I mean, um, we, we, we had like two overlapping days on set, I think, but he is so gracious, so kind. And it's so funny because when he, he's, um, he's not American. So when he like turns on the accent and he just, he just turns into Dexter, you know, he also brings his, his own take on the role.

[00:13:40] But, um, the mannerisms and the voice of Michael C. Hall, he just really has it down. It was so cool to see that, that just like flip of the switch and there's Dexter in high school.

[00:13:55] Right. Right. Are you ready to see any interaction between the young Dexter and your character?

[00:13:59] Yeah. Yeah. There, there is some interaction. Yeah.

[00:14:03] That's awesome. That's awesome. So yeah. So we'll see you in about five episodes. You said this season,

[00:14:08] what do you hope you like for the viewers to watch this series? What do you hope they get out of it?

[00:14:13] I mean, when I watch a show like Dexter of the caliber of Dexter, I'm always wanting more.

[00:14:20] I'm always wanting to know like the backstories of all the other characters too. And, you know,

[00:14:26] even if they're like side characters, I want to dig deep into that. So I think it's really cool that

[00:14:31] they've done the sequel series. And I think it's so cool that they're doing the prequel series and

[00:14:37] digging even deeper into that world of how, how Dexter grew to become this lovable serial killer,

[00:14:46] how he decided to stick to the code that he lives by, that Harry has taught him and the journey to get

[00:14:54] there because they had the flashback scenes in the original show, but it only goes so far. So this

[00:15:00] opens up the floodgates to that, to that world of how Devin Dexter grew up.

[00:15:05] Right. How did it feel about being part of the nineties?

[00:15:08] I love the nineties. I love the nineties, the fashion. I was, I was so excited for the costume

[00:15:14] fittings because the stuff that they pulled is so authentically it's from the nineties. It's all

[00:15:19] vintage clothing and just like the designs and the colors. And oh my gosh, we, in one of our volleyball

[00:15:28] games, I remember we had, it must've been like 300 background actors in the stands playing all the,

[00:15:36] all the fans of the volleyball game and watching all the 300 background walk in with total nineties

[00:15:45] garb, all the teals and the purples and the designs, the high-waisted stuff. And oh my gosh,

[00:15:53] it was, it was very nostalgic. Loved it. Now what's the, what's next for you now? Any

[00:16:00] projects you want to tell us about that you're coming out? Are you about to go work on?

[00:16:04] Um, I have a cartoon coming up. That's very exciting, uh, that I have a guest star in,

[00:16:11] but I can't say much more than that, but it's my, uh, um, debut into the animation world is very

[00:16:18] exciting and there might be some musical theater in my future. Um, yeah, yeah. Some exciting stuff

[00:16:25] coming up. Can't wait for, for 2025. There you go. Chandler, let's end this by, uh, helping the

[00:16:30] listeners, the viewers now find your social media, keep up with you. And I noticed you'd be posting

[00:16:33] some pictures from Dexter. Yeah. Yeah. What I get as the episodes come out, I'll be able to post even

[00:16:40] more, um, cause they don't want to leak the costumes. So yeah, I can't wait for everyone to see

[00:16:46] and like finale. So where can they find you on social media?

[00:16:51] Yeah. They can find me on Instagram and Tik TOK, uh, at Chandler Lavelle.

[00:16:56] Amazing. Chad, I want to thank you for giving me a few minutes. Uh, let's continue on with this,

[00:16:59] uh, story down the road with future projects.

[00:17:02] Definitely. Thank you so much for having me.