South African actress Bianca Bosch can now be seen on screens across the world as one of the stars of the global phenomenon that is Netflix’s The Kissing Booth 2. Bianca has been a part of the widely popular franchise since the beginning, making her debut in the first film. When not filming, Bianca is a fitness lover who is currently working on her yoga certification. We had the chance to catch up with Bianca and talk about all things The Kissing Booth, acting, and life.
- What was your favorite part of filming ‘The Kissing Booth 2’?
- Everything! Being the first acting job I went up for, everything from the audition process to any small experience on set was so exciting because it was for the first time. From having my own trailer, to the wardrobe fittings, to being in front of a camera with Joey King on my right and American film director Vince Marcello on my left, it was all incredible. There was no other place on earth I would have rather been than right there, doing my job.
- In the film, you play Olivia who is the head of the OMG Girls, the most popular group of girls at school. How are you different than your character?
- I didn’t really enjoy school, because all I wanted to do was dance, act and sing. I ended up going to 3 different high schools, so I never formed part of a solid “clique,” mainly because I didn’t want to conform. I’ve always strived towards going against the grain, being an individual. I spent all my time at dancing rehearsals, rehearsing for drama exams or musicals, performing in shows, and competing in championships- that’s what made me the happiest. Maybe you could call me “the drama kid?” Although I made very good friends, I prefer one-on-one relationships over being a part of big groups. Whereas Olivia is part of the popular “it” girl group at school, that she conforms to and is defined by. Olivia is the ditsy, bubbly, fun-loving blonde of the group. I would definitely describe myself as similar in that respect, but I believe we both have a depth beyond our initial impression.
- How does it feel to be part of a franchise as popular as ‘The Kissing Booth’?
- It’s a dream come true. Literally. Not only to have booked my first ever acting audition, let alone the job be for Netflix! Then for the movie to be received so well that it turns into a trilogy! I do believe in manifestation. I have been manifesting this dream since I was a little girl! I’m so incredibly grateful that this opportunity came across my path at a time in my life where I was prepared for it. It’s been life changing and such a memorable journey!
- How did you decide you wanted to be an actor?
- Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always said that I would become an actress when I got older. I didn’t even know what it entailed; I think it was just in my blood! I was always performing for everybody in the family, skipping school to watch movies and set up my own “E! True Hollywood Story” interviews! I started out in dancing from the age of four, doing ballet and contemporary, and took this very seriously. Then when I was 15, my dance teacher recommended I audition for the local musical, “Evita.” That was when I decided to take up singing and drama lessons. It so happened that I booked the role as the Mistress in “Evita.” I remember the audition process being one of the best days of my life. From then on, I was obsessed with musical theatre, and thought I would go on to do that professionally. After school, I did a short course at the New York Film Academy in Manhattan and realised that focusing fully on acting for film was the path I wanted to fully home in on- and now here we are!
- What would be a dream role for you in the future?
- A Disney princess would be fun, like the live-action remake of the animation Frozen or Tangled.
- If you weren’t an actor, which profession would you choose?
- I studied interior design part-time when I returned to South Africa after studying Acting for Film at the American Academy of Dramatic arts. I noticed that it started to take up a lot of my time, and my “Plan B” was now becoming my “Plan A.” When this started to happen, I decided to throw myself back into acting 100%. I still carry a love for interior design and have recently started a small portable lighting business on the side. Out of the darkness that load-shedding cast upon South Africa, sparked my idea to provide a stylish solution – Portable rechargeable lamps! We are called MOODMAKERS and you can check us out @moodmakers_capetown.
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about acting?
- “Affect the reader,” something I always say to myself when I walk into an audition, or when I’m about to self-tape. The “reader” will normally be playing the other character/characters in the scene. “Affecting the reader” helps me get out of my head and observe how I’m affecting my scene partner to determine what tactics I need to use to get my character’s objective across.
- Have you developed any new hobbies while staying at home?
- I wouldn’t say anything new. I’ve just gone back to old hobbies that I’ve always enjoyed but life got in the way of, like singing, something that I don’t want to pursue professionally but used to do a lot of and makes me happy. I’ve also become my dad’s new “gym instructor,” which was exciting not only because he finally decided to listen to me and get fit… but also made me realise I really enjoy teaching.
- What is one interesting thing you want people to know about you?
- In my spare time, when I’m not focused on acting, I spend a lot of time educating myself on spirituality, energy healing, and human psyche. It’s not only something I enjoy and aids my wellbeing but also gives me a greater understanding of human behaviour- which is highly beneficial towards improving my acting skills. I’m also currently studying to become a Reiki practitioner.
- What are you most looking forward to about ‘The Kissing Booth 3’?
- Mainly just to see the fans reactions! There has been an overwhelming amount of love and support for the film, and I think the 3rdwill be just as big a hit. Expect more drama and a lot more dancing!
- How would you convince someone to watch ‘The Kissing Booth’ movies for the first time?
- I don’t think I’d need to…it was the most re-watched movie of 2018 😉
-END-
Photo Credit: Jesse Fine
About Author
