Kelli Berglund For Kode Magazine

Photos By | Bradford Rogne

Fashion + Creative Direction By | AllanTroy of The Kurators

Retouching | Felipe Menezes

Hair | Cesar Ramirez

Make Up | Bradford Rogne

Kode | What’s something a lot of people wouldn’t know about you?

Kelli | Most people wouldn’t know that I really consider myself an introvert. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely one to be outgoing depending on the situation, but I keep most things close to me. Maybe I have some barriers up due to what I’ve learned throughout my years of being a teenager.. But I’ve always felt more comfortable being alone and independent. I guess I’m sort of protective over myself.

Kode | How has it been being a child star in the industry? Any moments of doubt?

Kelli | Quite the experience. There’s definitely a difference between being a child star on Disney Channel and being a child star on a network show/film/anything non-Disney. I was a pretty normal girl before I booked Lab Rats. I still consider myself pretty normal, so in that sense, I feel I haven’t changed much. The way I carry myself (on all levels) has changed drastically... and it could be, because I was thrown into an adult world at 14-years-old. I grew up and matured a lot quicker than many of my friends, but now I’m more prepared than ever to take on the rest of the real world. I’ll admit I doubted myself at the beginning. But then again, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, nor was I totally prepared for it at the time.

Kode | Any favorite celebrity moments that made you speechless?

Kelli | Right now I’m obsessed with Ruby Rose from Orange Is the New Black and I recently saw the Youtube video that she made called ‘Break Free,’ it is truly incredible!

Kode | If you could attend any summer festival, which one would it be & What would be your dream line up!

Kelli | Although it’s at the very end of the summer, I’d kill to go to Made In America. Dream Lineup? The 1975, Rihanna, Haim, and Drake are a few of my faves.

Kode | We know you’ve always had a passion for dancing, what made you jump into acting as a career?

Kelli | Acting came as a total surprise to me. Not that I wasn’t interested, but I didn’t plan on it happening when it did. My acting career started through my dancing, actually. A talent scout was at a dance performance of mine, and she recommended me to an agent in LA. It was sort of a “why the heck not!” type of situation, so I told my parents I wanted to try it. I had a love for putting on a show for an audience and it always came naturally. So when I booked a few commercials here and there, I knew I wanted to keep going.

Kode | What have you learned about yourself from working on Lab Rats?

Kelli | I’ve learned so, so much about myself-- not just how to become a better actress. I’ve learned that preparation will get you really far and people genuinely appreciate it a lot more than you think. I’ve gained confidence and self-assurance, and the boys have always been ones I can talk to about anything. I think most importantly, I’ve been surrounded by people who have kept me grounded, and I feel pretty lucky to say that.

Kode | Any other projects that you’re currently working on?

Kelli | Yes, a few actually! I’m planning on flying overseas for a film (wish I could give more details, but it’s currently a bit of a secret!). I also have another really exciting and unexpected project coming hopefully by the end of the year. But again, secrets, secrets, secrets. Don’t you just love show business?

Kode | Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Kelli | On the big screen, for sure. I’m not even going to say ‘hopefully’ because that’s not what the law of attraction is about! If you keep telling yourself something is going to

happen no matter what, there’s a pretty great chance it’ll happen (along with some hard work of course.) Acting is something I plan on doing for the rest of my life. I also want dance to remain in my life as well.

Kode | Is there any advice you would give your younger self or any of our readers that are thinking about getting into the industry?

Kelli | I don’t think I’d give my younger self any advice because I needed to learn certain lessons at that time that brought me to where I am now. Things work out exactly the way they’re supposed to, good or bad. I can give some advice to others, though. Always work hard to the point where you think you’re over-prepared. If you have a passion for something, you need to express that wholly and completely. Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something, because I can guarantee you can. It’s a tough business, but it can be so good to you if you know what to do.

Kode | Time for a fun question! #WetHot, what’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Kelli | That would most definitely be binge-watching Orange Is the New Black. I’m so typical for saying that, but it’s a fantastic show. And so many men underestimate it!

By | Ryan Mitchell