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RADIOPHOBIA

Carly Chaikin, star of Mr.Robot, and artist too

PHOTOGRAPHER DENNIS LEUPOLD ART DIRECTOR ELLA MCNANEY HAIR STYLIST KEN PAVES MAKE-UP ARTIST ADAM BREUCHAUD FASHION STYLIST KAREN RAPHAEL PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT WINSTON KINGSTRO PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT LAUREN THOMAS DIGITAL TECH KEVIN LEUPOLD HAIR ASSISTANT GRAHAM NATION FASHION STYLIST ASSISTANT BRANDON GUERRERO ARTICLE CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD

For the young and talented across the globe, coming to LA to launch a career in showbiz is a daunting challenge. Carly Chaikin feels she was blessed for having grown up in Santa Monica and having her life — friends, family, familiarity — already set in the sunshine of SoCal. “I can’t imagine growing up in, say, Missouri,” she says, “and coming to LA and having to establish an entire life on top of trying to work in this crazy industry.”

But that’s precisely what most people do, and if sounds near impossible, understand that you’re not trying to conquer the whole industry at once — a false notion discouraging enough to make you lock yourself in your furnitureless new apartment. Chaikin had but one connection in the entertainment industry, and no acting credits under her belt — or even experience — but that was all it took to get things going.

The contact was an agent, who sent Chaikin to a coach for evaluation. The coach saw the talent, referred her to another coach, who referred her to a manager who took Chaikin on as a client and remains her manager to this day. Soon she got her first callback and landed a role in The Last Song with Miley Cyrus.

Just like a prize fighter, an actor needs good people in her corner, and Chaikin has stuck with the same team of reps, lawyers, and others looking out for her best interest. Because while talent is individual, a star does not shine alone, but is part of a constellation of bodies whose gravitational relationship ensures stability. “I blindly trust my manager and agent,” she says, “and knowing I have people looking out for me, properly representing me, and most of all believing in me is the biggest thing. Otherwise they wouldn’t be out there speaking highly of me in quite the same way.”

Being on an award-winning show, in this case the USA Network’s “Mr. Robot,” is incredibly validating as an artist, Chaikin says, because, after all, who wants to do great work nobody sees? “But I would rather do something that is fulfilling to me that doesn’t get recognition than do something I’m really unhappy with that does,” she adds. “‘Mr. Robot’ is the best of both worlds. We’re all very passionate about it, so reciprocating that love is the most rewarding thing you can have as an artist — people loving your art as much as you do.”

Speaking of art, Chaikin is also a painter with an Instagram account solely devoted to work, and has collaborated with fashion designers to put her images on clothing and accessories. But she keeps social media usage in check, which is probably why she has a positive relationship with it rather than a bitter, co-dependent one. “Social media is a great way to be able to share what you’re doing,” she says; “having this platform that people didn’t use to have is really special.” She also advises finding the platform that’s right for you (in her case, it wasn’t “negative, depressing” Twitter). 

Having a platform and being a celebrity doesn’t make her inherently a moral guide, as some are quick to criticize society for giving too much credence to the opinions of actors when it comes to political and social issues. However, Chaikin says, “having a platform is a great way to let your voice be heard to spread positive messages. I want to take advantage of that, because otherwise it would be a missed opportunity.” The topic Chaikin has been most vocal about is mental illness.

For young women coming to the entertainment industry, Chaikin is optimistic. “I feel so blessed that I haven’t had a #MeToo experience,” she says, “but it’s incredible that everyone has come forward. The best thing to come out of the horrible year of 2017 was this movement. It gives me hope that things are going to change. I think it will give women coming to this industry the ability to stand up for themselves, be able to speak out, and have support.”

Art imitates life, and life imitates art. Life also grows from art. Playing a rounded, developed character such as Mr. Robot’s Darlene Anderson has allowed Chaikin to experience tremendous growth as an actor, having to convey both the character’s shield-like persona as well as the vulnerability that lies beneath. And the fact that the character changes with each season has allowed Chaikin to grow and change as well. “If you gave me one line,” she says, “I’d say it differently each season.”