Momona Tamada can be seen as Claudia Kishi in “The Baby-Sitters Club” out now on Netflix. We chatted with Momona about the series, “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You”, her favorites, and more!

upfrontNY: What do you love most about acting?

Momona Tamada: The new experiences that it brings and meeting new people who share the same passion.

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about Netflix’s “The Baby-Sitters Club” series?

Momona Tamada: It’s a modern take of the book series written by Ann M. Martin. The Baby-Sitters Club is based on the friendship and adventures of 5 girls as they start their babysitting business.

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your role as Claudia Kishi and what was the best part of playing her?

Momona Tamada: Claudia is a Japanese-American teen who is known for being the trendiest of the group. She is super creative and is obsessed with fashion. The best part about playing the role of Claudia was her wardrobe of course!

 

upfrontNY: Were you a fan of the books before filming the series?

Momona Tamada: Yes! I was introduced to the books when I was in elementary school and just fell in love with them! I was actually reading the books when I first started babysitting.

 

upfrontNY: Do you have a favourite experience on set?

Momona Tamada: Celebrating my birthday on set was one of my favourite memories! The girls decorated my trailer and threw me a surprise birthday party after we were wrapped on set! It was such a blast.

 

upfrontNY: You played a young Lara Jean in “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” and are set to reprise your role in “To All The Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean”. What did you enjoy most about this experience and what are you looking forward to for filming the next film?

Momona Tamada: The experience on set was amazing! I got to meet one of my idols Lana Condor, which was a dream come true. “Always and Forever Lara Jean” will be just as amazing as the other two movies!

 

upfrontNY: What has it been like working with Netflix? Do you have a favourite Netflix show?

Momona Tamada: I’m very fortunate that I’ve had quite a few projects with Netflix and all of them have been such a great experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunities they have given me.

One of my favourite Netflix shows is “Outer Banks”. I love all of the action and adventure.

 

upfrontNY: As an award winning dancer, how do you feel when you step on the stage?

Momona Tamada: I always feel nervous at first! I get this feeling every single time, but the second the music turns on and I start dancing, it’s as if the nerves were never there.

 

upfrontNY: Do you have a venue, city, or country that you hope to perform in one day?

Momona Tamada: I would love to perform in New York. I haven’t been there yet, but I am really looking forward to going there in the future!

 

upfrontNY: You are fluent in Japanese. Have you been a part of a filming project where you have played a character that speaks Japanese, if not is this something you would be interested in doing in the future?

Momona Tamada: Yes, I would love to do a project that involves speaking Japanese! The role of Claudia didn’t require me to speak Japanese very much. I spoke it growing up and I’m still trying to speak it as much as possible at home. I would love to put my skills to use!

 

upfrontNY: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Momona Tamada: Dancing and baking!

 

Favorites:

Song: Imagine by John Lennon 

Color: Lavender 

Season: Summer

Movie: The Secret World of Arrietty by Studio Ghibli 

School Subject: Science 

Dessert to bake: Cakes or cookies