After a lengthy six-month hiatus—brought on by simultaneous writer and actor strikes—our Ones to Watch portfolio is back, baby! We couldn’t be more thrilled because nothing pleases us quite like getting to shine a light on outstanding performances and keeping you in the know on the on-the-rise talent shaking up the industry.
Award season has been the talk of Hollywood for the last four weeks, but there’s plenty of newness to be excited about too. For winter, we’ve taken stock of what’s happening on screens big and small as well as onstage and selected six fantastic actresses to keep on your radar for 2024 and beyond. From the breakout stars of buzzy shows like The Brothers Sun and My Life With the Walter Boys to a scene-stealing member of the Plastics from the Mean Girls musical film and a captivating performance in London’s West End, the talent on this list is first-rate. Let’s get to know them!
Ahead, we chat with each about their respective roles, the projects that light their fire, and, of course, their winter fashion must-haves.
WHO: Highdee Kuan
WHAT: The action-packed Netflix series The Brothers Sun.
Why should Highdee Kuan be on your radar? Let us count the ways. The actor, who is of Chinese Dutch descent, happens to be a woman of many talents. Not only does she hold her own alongside the likes of Michelle Yeoh in the eight-episode dramedy The Brothers Sun, playing ambitious district attorney Alexis Kong, but beyond the screen, Kuan is also a professionally trained ballerina who speaks five languages (English, Mandarin, Dutch, French, and German). Plus, she happens to be an excellent poet. Impressive is an understatement. The breakout star is a true artist, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
I fell in love with The Brothers Sun script because… Everything seemed so intimately familiar to me. The characters, the locations, the food—it felt like a cultural homecoming in a sense. All the little details and descriptions in the script immediately transported me to a world that felt both familiar and foreign to me, which was exciting. But it was also such a brilliantly funny and well-written script. … From the first page, I was hooked.
Alexis Kong was such a great character to play because… She is someone who has an unwavering sense of self and is not afraid to make choices based on her intrinsic values and beliefs. She also has this quiet confidence about her that I really admire. It’s always exhilarating to play someone who knows herself so well because it eliminates a lot of the guesswork as an actor and allows you to really dig deep to find out what makes them tick. I had a lot of fun trying to peel back the layers of Alexis, and I still think a lot about her in my day-to-day life. Sometimes, I still ask myself “What would Alexis do?” in certain situations.
Looking back, some of my favorite moments filming the series were… Honestly, every day on set felt like a dream come true. As an actor, you spend so much of your time auditioning [and] trying to book the job that when you finally get to play on set, it feels like such a reward in and of itself. I really enjoyed filming some of the scenes in Alexis’s apartment because it felt important to be able to show a different side of Alexis, one that felt more vulnerable and unguarded. It was also really rewarding to film the small fight scene that I had because I had never done stunt choreography before, and it was a great way to get out of my head and into my body.
The stories and/or characters that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… The ones that go beyond entertainment, that have the power to make people feel seen, included, and understood. Growing up, I always turned to my favorite characters and stories when I felt a bit lost or lonely. If I could someday create that same magical escape for someone else, making them feel seen and understood, that would be the ultimate win for me.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… I love spending time in nature, hanging out with my family, writing, listening to audiobooks, making jewelry, playing golf, thrifting, and attempting to cook.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… A white tee, a vintage blazer, men’s vintage jeans, and some fun jewelry/accessories.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Vintage blazers and jackets are my weakness. My closet is practically bursting at the seams with thrift-store finds because I can never resist grabbing one. It’s like my little addiction.
My winter wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces:
WHO: Nikki Rodriguez
WHAT: The YA romantic drama My Life With the Walter Boys.
Regardless of whether you’re #teamcole or #teamalex, there’s no arguing that My Life With the Walter Boys is the ultimate guilty-pleasure watch. Based on the book by Ali Novak, the Netflix series follows recently orphaned teen Jackie who trades in her Type A New York City lifestyle to live on a ranch in Colorado under the guardianship of the Walters, a family with seven boys and one girl. When a love triangle forms between Jackie and two of the older brothers, drama ensues, and Jackie is faced with a tough decision. The show premiered in early December and promptly claimed the number one spot on Netflix’s Top TV list (with over 20 million views and counting) while simultaneously launching the careers of its breakout cast, including Nikki Rodriguez, who is fantastic as Jackie. With a second season confirmed, Rodriguez is planted firmly on our “ones to watch” list as someone with an exciting future ahead.
The story of My Life With the Walter Boys and the character Jackie really appealed to me because… Jackie is incredibly strong, determined, and independent. Despite facing the devastating loss of her family, she could have easily given up on her dreams without judgment from anyone. However, Jackie is a fighter, and she’s determined to turn her dreams into reality no matter what life throws at her. I can relate to her resilience, her ability to wake up and, each day, choose herself and her experience of feeling alone, navigating the world without much guidance. I find her journey throughout season one incredibly beautiful, how she gradually opens up and begins to see hope amid the chaos that has completely turned her whole world upside down.
Admittedly, I’m team… Jackie. I know that’s probably the most annoying answer of all time, but I really am team Jackie. I am also team everybody should find their person, whoever that may be.
Going into season two, I’m excited to explore… How Jackie has evolved since leaving on such a cliff-hanger and, of course, how her relationships have changed with the ones around her, especially Cole and Alex…
The stories and/or characters that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories that captivate and move audiences. I am particularly intrigued by characters who are complex and unapologetic. I’m drawn to breaking down the underlying messages and motivations behind their actions. Life is a whirlwind of emotions. It’s wild and extraordinary, and it’s sad and beautiful all at once. As an artist, my passion lies in portraying characters or stories that authentically capture this experience.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… I love going to the movie theater—shout-out to AMC Stubs. I also really like trying new things. I’m currently learning how to play tennis. I’m passionate about traveling and exploring new places, and when I’m at home, I like to spend my time designing and decorating my apartment. Making vision boards is a creative outlet that I find fulfilling. I also have a passion for working with and rehabilitating wildlife. Of course, I’ll admit to spending countless hours on Pinterest and TikTok.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… My favorite pair of Levi’s with a simple tee and heels, or my go-to is a hoodie and sweatpants. However, I love to express myself through what I choose to wear. Feeling comfortable and confident is key. I also like to take risks. … If I like my outfit, I am going to have a good day.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Hands down, bags and shoes! I think you can never have enough. I really love elevating a simple outfit with something like a red kitten heel, a structured shoulder bag, or a leather tote.
My winter wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces:
WHO: Isabella Pappas
WHAT: The buzzy West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Production on Stranger Things season five is just kicking off here in the States, but across the pond, a stage play spin-off is captivating audiences in London’s West End. Set in Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959, Strangers Things: The First Shadow is a prequel story featuring teen versions of fan favorites Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby. When new student Henry Creel arrives in town, his dark past follows him, setting in motion a series of events that kick off the Stranger Things story and, more importantly, may hold a key to the end. Stepping into the shoes of young Joyce is British Italian actress Isabella Pappas. Though this isn’t Pappas’s first major role onstage—she previously starred in productions of Annie! and Appropriate—it does mark the beginning of an exciting year for the rising star who will next film the independent thriller Beach Boys.
Stepping into Stranger Things has been… A huge privilege and a whirlwind experience that I feel so lucky to be a part of. Every day, I feel so honored I get to work with such an amazing group of people who support and respect each other so much.
To prepare for the role of Joyce, I… Rewatched all of Stranger Things and tried to pick out qualities I recognized I shared with Joyce. I feel like that really helped me root the character within myself and play it more truthfully.
My favorite part of the show is… The end of act one’s sequence with Hopper and Bob (Oscar Lloyd and Chris Buckley). We have so much fun, and it honestly feels like stepping into an action film meets horror movie.
The stories that make me excited to work in this industry are… The ones rooted in something real that isn’t necessarily easy or pleasant to tell but nonetheless important.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Writing, singing, and I’m trying to learn to cook, but I have a long way to go for sure.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… A borrowed jumper (I’m a jumper thief) and dungarees with my yellow Onitsuka Tigers.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a sucker for… Vintage clothes. I love finding a perfect pair of worn-in jeans and an oversize leather jacket.
My winter wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without these three pieces:
WHO: Bebe Wood
WHAT: The movie musical Mean Girls.
“That’s so fetch!” When we first heard Mean Girls, the Broadway musical version, would be adapted into a movie, we were excited to see what a 2024 version of one of our all-time favorite films would look like. That enthusiasm doubled when we heard who would be stepping into the high-heeled shoes of the Plastics. We stan Reneé Rapp, of course, but we also love a fresh face and couldn’t wait to see Avantika Vandanapu and Bebe Wood in action. Wood—whose previous credits include Hulu’s Love, Victor, Ryan Murphy’s The New Normal, and ABC’s The Real O’Neals—is so fun to watch as the catty but vulnerable Gretchen Weiners. Not only does she deliver on the laughs, but she also has a noteworthy musical number in “What’s Wrong With Me.” What’s more, she’s a fashion risk-taker and lover of all things vintage—a woman after our own heart.
My experience auditioning for Mean Girls was… Totally surreal! I grew up with Mean Girls. I truly can’t remember a world before it. In fact, did the world even exist before Mean Girls? It was such an honor to be considered for the part and totally insane and thrilling to actually be cast. It really is a dream come true.
I was excited to put my own spin on Gretchen Wieners by… The nature of my being me! Gretchen is such an iconic character that so many incredible actors have touched. It’s easy to overthink it! I tried my best not to fall into that trap and trust that, by virtue of my being a different performer, the performance will be different. At the same time, I think the essence of Gretchen will always be the same. Tina’s writing is so brilliant. Gretchen’s voice is so clear. Sometimes, as an actor, if you’re going out of your way to try and make a character different, you can actually stray from who said character really is in a way that will hinder you.
If I could go back to one day on set, it would be… The day we were shooting “I’d Rather Be Me” and a full-on blizzard broke out. That whole sequence was done in two very long takes. From the cafeteria to the outside area, we don’t stop. We had done it a few times, making it outside each time. The weather seemed perfectly fine! But then, we did it again, and when Janis (Auli‘i Cravalho) opened the door, it was fully snowing. We were all like “WTF?!” It was hysterical. We had to go home and film the rest another day. Aha ha!
The stories and/or characters that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Stories about women with big minds, hearts, and ideas. I also feel excited about stories that thematically touch on the nuances of life and humanity, all the beautiful little things that lay within the in-between.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Music and songwriting!! I am passionate about so much, but music feels more like my soul. I released my debut EP 21st Century Hippie back in 2021, but I’m excited to record some new stuff I’ve been working on. I also love art, history, poetry, nature, antiques, and my cat and puppy!
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Ooh! It depends on the season. In spring and summer, I love a white cotton number. Turn-of-the-century Edwardian underwear is really my 21st-century outerwear in the summer. In the winter, you can catch me in knitwear, my long black Max Mara coat, and a wide-leg pant. These seeded denim trousers from Carrier Company are my favorite. I also always wear little gold hoops.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Vintage! Clothes tell stories. I like to think about who wore something before me. And it’s good for Mother Earth—yay sustainability!
My winter wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces:
WHO: Lauren Patten
WHAT: Hulu’s murder mystery Death and Other Details.
Lauren Patten has been a theater darling since the early age of 12 when she made her professional stage debut in the Goodman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. Since then, she has gone on to star in notable shows such as Our Town and Deaf West’s Spring Awakening. She later originated the role of Jo in Alanis Morissette’s acclaimed musical Jagged Little Pill, for which she won a Tony, Grammy, and Drama Desk Award. With Hulu’s lavish whodunit series Death and Other Details, Patten proves she is equally electric on the small screen. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious cruise liner, the murder of a guest on board takes the audience on a wild ride of twists and turns as secrets start to pile up and everyone becomes a suspect. Patten’s portrayal of Anna Collier, newly appointed CEO and expected heir to the Collier Mills textile empire, is captivating and unpredictable, making her a true standout in the ensemble.
When I read the script for Death and Other Details I… Immediately wanted to know what happened next. It was a total page-turner.
Some of my favorite aspects of playing Anna were… Where to begin? I loved playing someone so fierce. She’s a fighter, and she is very determined to win the game she is playing. Also, the clothes. Come on! The suits!
My advice to the audience, look out for… Many red herrings. That’s all I’ll say!
The stories and/or characters that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Anything that is unafraid to be bold and dark. I love the challenge of keeping something real and grounded while also pushing into heightened storytelling. We can tell extraordinary stories with TV and film, and I find it very exciting, especially as a person who has worked primarily within the physical limitations of theater.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… World travel (my last trip was Argentina), reading as much as I can, and making my cat cuddle with me.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Men’s clothes! Probably Carhartts, Nikes, and a tee.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Playing with the masculine and the femme in a look. I find freedom in exploring that spectrum, and I like finding the tension within my presentation through my fashion choices.
My winter wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces:
WHO: Paulina Dávila
WHAT: The gritty Netflix miniseries Griselda.
While all eyes are on a barely recognizable Sofía Vergara in the Netflix historical crime drama Griselda, we’d like to point your attention to another notable woman in the series, Paulina Dávila. Already an established actress in her native Colombia, Dávila is making her U.S. debut in the six-part miniseries portraying Isabel, Griselda’s right-hand woman who plays an instrumental role in helping her start her drug business in Miami. Dávila is a delight to watch on-screen, and we hope this is just the beginning of more U.S. roles to come.
Prior to joining this project, my knowledge of Griselda Blanco was… That she was the first female narco in history, that she’s the one who taught the bad guys how to be bad, and that she was ruthless.
What really excited me about playing Isabel was… Her approach to the story [is] a more feminine, vulnerable, fun, luminous side of the story. She was a dreamer and the best friend you can have. She also had a sense of humor and great taste in clothes!
Getting to work alongside Sofía Vergara in this dramatic role was… Amazing! Getting to witness her dedication and seeing her tackle this very heavy and dramatic role—a role so very different from what we’ve seen her in before—was inspiring. She is fantastic!
The stories and/or characters that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Real, complex, multilayered, unapologetic, imperfect women. I want to be able to play lead roles as a Latina. I want to be able to represent a part of where I come from. There are so many amazing stories about Latinas. It’s our time now, too, and it would be a dream to help bring those stories to life. I’d also love to do an action movie and play a role that might normally be meant for a man.
Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Surfing, making music, singing, and writing. I like tarot cards, spending time in nature, drawing, and cooking. I have a lot of different passions—it’s hard for me to get bored.
If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… Sweatpants and a tank top with sneakers or comfortable shoes of some sort.
When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Bags and shoes!
My winter wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces:
