This week’s TDQ Q&A features up and coming Kaleina Cordova. Kaleina spoke to us about her roles in “The Glades” and “Step Up Revolution,” the difference between Florida and LA and learning from every acting job she gets. Here is this week’s TDQ Q&A with actress Kaleina Cordova: 

The Daily Quarterly: Who was your favorite actress growing up?

Kaleina Cordova: I grew up in the 90s and one of my favorite shows was “The Amanda Show” on Nickelodeon. So I would have to say Amanda Bynes.

TDQ: What was your favorite A&E Network cop show growing up?

KC: Actually I’m only now just beginning to watch cop shows and crime dramas. I was more of a comedy enthusiast growing up!

TDQ: What made you want to be in show business?

KC: I used to visit my dad on set as a kid, and after a while of observing and soaking it all in, I realized I wanted to be in front of the camera. I had my first role in a movie when I was 10, and I’ve had the acting bug ever since.

TDQ: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

KC: To not be afraid of responsibility but only accept what you can handle. Sometimes when great things come your way, you believe you can handle them all. But you always need to step back and put things into perspective.

TDQ: What’s the worst advice you’ve ever gotten?

KC: “Let’s just take a shortcut!” We were hiking and my friend decided he knew of a better way down… It was an hour of sliding on my butt down a narrow steep hill, clinging to branches and shrubs. Bottom line, never take a “shortcut.”

TDQ: Who are your influences?

KC: As far as acting, some of my influences are Susan Sarandon, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham Carter and Jennifer Lawrence. The list could go on, but what I admire most about those actresses is their versatility.

TDQ: What was the biggest thing you learned from working on the A&E show, “The Glades?”

KC: I learned how important it to work as a team and be able to play off of each other. Everyone was so welcoming and got along really well.

TDQ: You grew up in Florida, but now live in LA. What have you found to be the biggest difference between the two?

KC: Honestly, the people I have come across in LA have been nothing but friendly and welcoming. On the contrary to what LA is deemed to be, I find everyone here so refreshing, we are all out here just doing our own thing in the city of dreams.
TDQ: Tell us about working on the film, “Step Up Revolution.” 

KC: That was an incredible experience that I will always be grateful for. All of the projects I’ve worked on have been learning experiences, and always will be. You learn something from the director, the actors and the crew. Everyone contributes something to learn from.

TDQ: What other projects do you have lined up?

KC: Right now I’m getting settled in LA so hopefully some things will be coming into the works for me.

TDQ: If you had to choose between starring in a TV drama or only being a movie star, which would you pick?

KC: I would love to be a movie star and explore my versatility as an actress. One month you could be playing a doe-eyed intern, and the next you could be playing a masked ninja warrior.

TDQ: Where do you see yourself in five years?

KC: Still pursuing my passions!

Keep an eye out for more from Kaleina, and follow her on .