‘Cobra Kai”s Andrea Andrade Talks Representation, Cooking, And The Conjuring

If you’ve never heard of Andrea, have you ever watched TV before? She is an amazing actress known for her talented roles as ‘Sarah’ in Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ and ‘Lis’ in Hulu’s “Looking For Alaska”. You can also see her in the highly anticiapted movie of the summer “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’.

We had the honor of interviewing Andrea on all things hobbies out of work, her exciting upcoming role, and the need for representation on screen for minorities.

Q: What does a day to day look like for you?

A: “I always read or listen to something from all types of nonfiction, fiction, self-help insight books to hopping into Clubhouse rooms or podcasts like True Crime or SmartLess. I have two dog children who I walk and obsess over every day.  Being active in some way has always been important to me so I’m either doing Yoga, strength training or running for cardio.  I am by no means a chef, but I do love cooking the meals I have perfected!  And of course, I watch a tv show or film whenever I can.”

Q: What has been your favorite movie and/or TV show that you have worked on so far? 

A: “Oh that’s a tough one because I have had great experiences on all the sets, I’ve been fortunate to work, BUT if I had to pick…. I’d say The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.”

Q: What is the most memorable and exciting thing you have ever seen in your field/industry?

A: “This is such a good question.  There are so many moments that as a woman and a minority woman that I am proud of.  I have two specific moments that jumped to mind — When I turned on the TV to find a new show back in 2016, I stumbled upon Queen of The South (first episode) and I was instantly in because of who I saw on the screen and the writing for a lead woman was just phenomenal.  It was so exciting, inspiring to see a badass minority woman in that realm of a drug crime genre where a man usually leads the story.  Nope, she wasn’t a prostitute or the lead character’s girlfriend in that world. She was the boss, and she WAS the story.  That entire production, writers and cast have done such a great job.”

“Another moment I was proud to see that happened to me personally was around the end of 2019.  I was up for a recurring guest star role.  Casting/Production asked if I was any percent Native American since the character was Native American.  At the time, I couldn’t say if I was any percent or not because I didn’t know and of course, I wasn’t going to lie.  I didn’t get it and I can’t say that is why because there are many reasons why actors don’t book the role BUT if that did play a part in who gets the role then I am 100% okay with that.  The fact they wanted to remain as truthful as possible to the character is wonderful to see because representation does matter.  Soon after that, I did a 23&Me and found out I am 16% Native American :)”

Q: If you could pass on one message for your fans, what message would that be?

A: “For the fans/followers, I would say THANK YOU SO DAMN MUCH for supporting me and watching my work.  My journey is ongoing as it always will be, and I am so grateful to be on your radar!  I hope you continue to enjoy the projects I get to be a part of and any content I put out there.  It’s weird to think that I have fans because I don’t see myself that way or it’s not necessarily something that crosses my mind because I’m not some huge household name but either way, it’s very inspiring for me because fans are your tribe and I want to be an example that you can be you and that’s enough.  And to find people that get you and accept you is truly a blessing.”

Q: As an actress, what is the most challenging role you have ever taken?

A: “Hmm.. it would probably have to be my first recurring role.  At the time, it was challenging for me because I still wasn’t as confident in myself as I let on and I found it hard to get in the headspace I needed to be for one of the scenes.  I think we did like 5 or 6 takes.  I was still so new that I think I took that as ‘oh shit I’m messing this up’ and it was hard to get out of my head from there.  Luckily it all worked out but looking back, I also should’ve voiced that I was having a hard time connecting to what was going on instead of trying to deal with that myself.  I thought I would look so inexperienced and I thought as an actor I should never have a hard time being “on”.  Bottom line, I was worried more about looking like I didn’t belong there and thinking that none of the good actors go through that which is just not true.”

Q: What made you consider becoming an actress?

A: ” I love stories and having the opportunity to bring words on a page to life, to someone the viewer can connect with.  Being able to become another person is so exciting.  There isn’t necessarily a “right” way to do this either.  Everyone’s process consists of what they found worked for them.  On top of that, it’s so rewarding to work with everyone involved on a project and vibe together to create this wonderful, creative thing that once started from someone’s thoughts.”

Q: What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when you first starting out as an actress?

A: “I wish I knew that it was okay to say ‘No’ to either an offer or something in the role that you don’t necessarily agree with and don’t think another opportunity won’t come because of that.  If you are coming from a place of love and integrity, then you will be okay.  The opportunities that align with what you truly want will flow.  I hope this also helps other aspiring actors :)”

Q: What is the scariest part of an audition? 

A: ” It used to be the audition itself LOL Now that I’ve definitely worked on my craft and confidence in myself, I don’t find the auditions scary anymore.  I get nervous from time to time, sure.  That usually happens when I’m super excited about a role and I really want it.  If anything scares me in acting now, it’s more after the fact.  For instance, I book the role. I shoot it.  I feel good about it because I did the work on my end… Then I wait for it to air and before it airs, I start wondering.. oh shit.. did I do a good enough job?  Will the audience like it?!  Ahh LOL I think I definitely fall in the “hard on themselves” group.”

Q: If you could choose, what three actors would you really want to work with?

A: “Oh wow!  I want to work with everyone and anyone LOL Let’s see if I had to pick 3 today… I love Tiffany Haddish.  I haven’t booked a lot of comedy, so I hope I get to be a part of something where she is attached.  She’s so real and her story is inspiring.  I think I would just be laughing all the time.  She’s just got IT!”

“I would love to work with Rachel Brosnahan.  Her acting in Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?!  I would love to be in that world with her.  She IS that character.  Her chops are just insane.  I would learn so much just watching her work.”  

“And of course, Meryl Streep.  I watched The Prom recently and she’s just as fun to watch as she ever was.  Being around her would be a master class for anyone!  She just always knows the assignment.  Her career is mindblowing.”

Q: Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “My IG handle is @theandreaandrade and Twitter is @theandyandrade”

Thank you so much for having me!  This has been so fun to do 🙂

Photos are credited by Chase Anderson

By: Courtney Wise– Entertainment/Celebrity Reporter

Courtney is currently a first year graduate student at the University of Southern California majoring in public relations and advertising. She always had a passion for the journalism field whether it be broadcasting, writing, or behind the camera work. She also hopes to pursue a career in the entertainment or sports industry. Courtney is a big Seattle Seahawks fan and loves football but she also loves to surf, snowboard, hike, and travel in her free time.