An Interview with Two-Time Daytime Emmy Nominee Actress Sydney Mikayla

Please introduce yourself, what you do, why you do it, and what you want people to know about you.

Hey, my name is Sydney Mikayla! I am 19 years old and from Southern California. I have the cutest dog named Champ. I love performing, but I am also developing a passion for learning what goes on behind the scenes, so that’s my new mission. I want to see how I can affect change in the industry. I’m not sure what that looks like yet, but I am open to learning new things. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.

What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?

I honestly think God has made us all unique. I just want to continue to stay in my lane and be the best version of myself that I can be. I don’t strive to be the next anybody, I’m just me.

Describe THAT moment when you realized you wanted to do what you do now. Who did you tell first? What has it been like since that moment?

After being a part of the Gabby Douglas movie, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I don’t know that I ever said it in any exact words, but I’m guessing my family probably just knew. I’ve never looked back. Since then, it’s been a bit of a balancing act, trying to maintain my grades, work, and social life, but so far so good!

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to face and how did you overcome it?

Well nothing in this business is guaranteed. There are projects that I auditioned for that I got really close on, or that I thought I would book, and then I didn’t. I think no matter how long you’ve been at it; rejection can still be hard. I’m grateful that I’ve had my parents to lean on for support. Their encouragement and my faith in God have gotten me through some of those difficult moments. 

What was your reaction when you found out you had landed the role of Trina Robinson on General Hospital?

Surprised, grateful, and maybe a bit nervous. I didn’t have much soap experience so I was just hoping and praying I could do a good job and make the character my own. 

If you had to describe Trina in 3 words, what would they be?

Fierce, loyal, and outspoken

What is your favorite General Hospital scene you acted in during your time on the show?

Oh wow. That’s hard because there were a few that I really loved. My favorite episode was probably the voting episode because I thought it was just so timely and well done. One of my favorite scenes was with Cameron (William Lipton). Trina was explaining microaggressions to him and their impact on her as an African American. I thought it was an important conversation and I also just love working with William. 

You were nominated for your second Daytime Emmy this year. What was your favorite scene that you put in your Emmy reel?

I thought it was fun to finally give Esme a piece of my mind. Trina had been holding it in for a while, and it was nice to see her get back to her no-nonsense self.

Tell us one thing you learned about acting from working with Regina King on The Gabby Douglas Story.

Always be present for the other actors. I carry that advice with me to this day.

You have quite the resume of voiceover work. Which of the characters you voice is your favorite and why? 

Honestly, they are all so different, so I love them all for different reasons. The role of Wolf (from Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts) was pivotal for me because it was my first series regular role in an animation series. 

Tell us about your character Maya on Cartoon Networks’ Craig of the Creek. What drew you to this role?

First, I have to say that I think Craig of the Creek is just a really smart show. I love the diversity and inclusiveness in the show and how they allow the characters, including Maya, to evolve. I guess you could say Maya started out as the antagonist, maybe even a bit villainous, but ultimately, I think she just wants to be a good friend and have good friends. 

What advice would you give to other young people who want to pursue acting?

Get as much training as you can, but also be sure to have a life outside of just acting. I’m always trying to do different things because I want to be well-rounded. I think it makes you a better performer. 

You are currently in college at UCLA. What has been your favorite part of the college experience so far?

I’ve found an organization to join, so I’m really looking forward to working on the leadership committee for that group in the fall. It’s also been nice to meet some new people and make some new friends, especially after spending part of my senior year cooped up during the pandemic. I took a girl’s trip to Mexico recently with some of my fellow Bruins and it was awesome.

What do you have coming up that you can tell us about?

I am over the moon excited about a new animation series that I’m in, but at the time of this interview, the cast hasn’t been revealed yet. So, I’m anxiously waiting. As soon as they announce it— I will share!

If you had to pick the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could take your career (or business) to the next level…who would those 3 people be?

Jordan Peele, Shawn Levy, and Spike Lee!

List the direct links/URL to your social media profiles so people can follow you:

  Follow me! @officialsydneymikayla on Instagram or @sydneymikayla on Twitter.