Actress Ariana Molkara On ‘Warped!’, Meryl Streep, And Her Favorite Nickelodeon Show

This young actress is about to be on our screen once again!

Ariana Molkara has always been a delight to see on TV! She captured our attention on some of our favorite shows, including Disney’s ‘Andi Mack’ and Nickelodeon’s “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn”. Now, she’s ready to return on Nick for her co-starring role as ‘Darby’ on ‘Warped!”

We had the amazing opportunity to talk to Ariana on her future college life, her favorite actress, and more!

1. When did you first realize that you wanted to become an actress?

M: “There was never really an “aha” moment for when I knew I wanted to be an actress. The arts and entertainment have run through my veins since before I can remember. I do remember watching The Phantom of the Opera film when I was around five years old and my mom claims that at first, I was too scared of the Phantom to watch, so I would hide behind the couch and peer over the armchair until I slowly made my way in front of the TV. I don’t know how I remember this, but I recall being captivated by the storytelling and the music. I was mesmerized and I wanted to try it for myself. 

I was always putting on a show at home for friends and family, guests… anyone. I would take any opportunity to perform. My mom noticed my interest and she enrolled me in a local musical theater company. At first, I approached it as a fun side activity, but the deeper I immersed myself in the world of entertainment, the deeper I wanted to dive, and as I grew older, I realized that performing was something that I want to do professionally. I can’t see living any other way than being involved in entertainment in some form or another.”

Q: We know you love musical theatre. Which do you love more: Acting or Singing?

M: “AHHH that’s such a hard question!!! How could you possibly make me choose? HAHA. I feel like it’s very much a Yin and Yang type situation. They complement each other but they’re also two very different creative outlets. I wouldn’t be able to choose one or the other. I’m on cloud nine when I get to do both at the same time.”

Q: Tell us about your upcoming role as ‘Darby’ in Nickelodeon’s “Warped!”

M: “I’m super excited to be playing the role of Darby on Nickelodeon’s new live-action, comedy series Warped!, where Warped! is the primary setting of the show. It’s the comic book store where Milo and Ruby work and Darby and Hurley frequent. When Ruby is newly hired at Warped!, Milo has to adjust to the new workplace dynamic and the two form an unlikely bond, coming together to create a new comic book franchise. The show follows the lives of these four friends and their hilarious, adventurous journey as they geek-out over comics and take on the world by embracing who they are and using the power of friendship.

My character, Darby, is a total comic book buff. She knows anything and everything there is to know about comics. She also has a huge passion for fashion and designs her own clothes. The combination of her vast knowledge of comics and her talent for fashion design makes her an extraordinary cosplayer. She is super intelligent but gets stuck in her own world sometimes. I think the duality of that makes her so fun to play and so funny to watch. There’s never a dull moment when she’s around. Darby and I are both total dorks who embrace the nerdom 100%, haha.”

Q: Do you have an all-time favorite Nickelodeon show?

M: “You know I love a good musical tv show, so I’d have to go with Victorious! I’m also an Ariana Grande fan so the fact that she’s on the show makes me love it even more, but I mean, it’s so hard to pick a favorite. I grew up watching Nickelodeon. iCarly, SpongeBob, The Fairly OddParents, Big Time Rush, Drake & Josh… they were my life. It feels super surreal to be on a Nickelodeon show now. I’m so grateful.”

Q: Are you excited to be going to UPenn Wharton?

M: “I am thrilled to attend UPenn Wharton. UPenn Wharton was my dream school. It was my number one choice on my list of colleges that I applied to. I can’t believe I’m actually a UPenn Quaker now. It’s an honor. Education has always been really important to me. I think knowledge opens up so many doors and it just makes you a better citizen of the world.”

Q: If you could star in a show with any actress, who would it be and why?

M: “I would probably say Meryl Streep. She is one of the most brilliant and experienced actresses in the industry. I would be honored to simply get to sit in on her process and watch her work, let alone be her costar. I’d be learning from the best of the best. She has been in the game for a very long time, and I feel like she would have a lot of wisdom to offer me in addition to acting technique. Also, I think it’s one thing to be a great actress but another to be a versatile actress. It always blows me away as to how she can transform into a completely different person with each new character she portrays. To get to see her do it up close would be the greatest masterclass.”

Q: What are your biggest goals for your career?

M: “One of my biggest goals is to explore what it’s like on the other side of the camera, from directing, producing, and writing, to the business aspect of the industry. I would love to use the business knowledge I’ll be gaining from Wharton to maybe even start my own production company one day. Of course, I would love to continue acting and further explore my range.

Musicals, sci-fis, comedies, dramas–I’d love to do it all! I’m also a singer-songwriter and have written lots and lots of original music that I hope to release in the near future. Being a recording artist would be a dream. You see, this is why I like to call myself a chameleon. I love trying new things and always strive to be flexible and multifaceted.”

Q: Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @arianamolkara. You can also find me on Facebook @arianamolkaraofficial and on YouTube at YouTube.com/amolkara.”

Catch Ariana on Nickelodeon on January 20th Only on Nick!

Photo Credits: Nickelodeon Group

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Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.