Answers with Kimiko Glenn

Answer 1

You started doing theater when you were only 10 years old. Where did you develop your love for performing?

I think when I was little, I would perform without realizing it. I would imitate Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Karen Carpenter, and others, and my parents saw that. So they asked me if I wanted to audition for a musical - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - and I guess that's where it all started... by playing Flubber the dwarf!

Answer 2

Most of your career has been in theater. What led you to pursue acting in TV and film?

Well, I actually hadn't ever thought I could be on TV or in movies! It's not that I didn't want to, it just never crossed my mind. I have always dreamt of being on Broadway. When I started auditioning for film and TV, it was like my world opened up to a whole set of exciting new challenges and opportunities. I am totally enjoying the ride!

Answer 3

Is there a Broadway debut in your future?

I hope so! I've always considered myself a singer before anything else. I grew up listening to Lea Salonga, Liz Callaway, Sutton Foster, Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, Ruthie Henshall, and the list goes on forever... all the Broadway divas. So that would just be a total dream. I would also die to be in a Broadway play. It has always been a life-long goal of mine and I absolutely love being on stage!

Answer 4

What are the most important attributes of Brook Soso?

Outwardly, Brook is a bit of a hippie. An activist. A gabber. But inside, she just wants to be understood! She gets a lot of flack from her fellow inmates because she can be annoying at times, but she talks because she cares. She just doesn't know when to shut up!

Answer 5

Were you an OITNB fan before you were cast in Season 2?

I was definitely becoming a fan! I was actually in the middle of watching the show when I got the audition. I hadn't finished the whole season though, when I got cast. I had just finished up one of the episodes, and I went to check my email and the subject title said, "Appointment: Orange is the New Black".... and I had to stare at it for a few seconds to make sure it was real. Who knew that email would change my life! Now that I have watched every episode, I can definitely say I am a huge fan of the show!

Answer 6

You play Brook Soso, a young activist full of energy and unafraid to speak her mind. There was already so much diversity among the character's personalities on OITNB, how do you think Soso's personality adds to this dynamic?

When I read the role, I saw Brook as similar to Piper at the beginning of season 1, multiplied by 100. The show is set in prison, so there are naturally a lot of tough, dynamic character traits that pre-exist in that environment. I think they needed a painfully earnest, unconsciously self-righteous, and totally-inappropriate-at-times character thrown in there to balance it out!

Answer 7

How are you similar or different to Brook Soso?

Well, for one, I am much more shy and prone to keep my mouth shut when it comes to voicing my opinions. I wish I could run my mouth like Brook sometimes! I also understand her in terms of her beliefs. I think I would run into a lot of the same concerns as her & I don't eat meat and I try to live my life pretty naturally. I don't like harsh chemicals, or taking medicine, etc. So I would be having a lot of the same struggles as Brook.

Answer 8

What episode in Season 2 stands out for you?

I absolutely love episode 4- Morello's backstory. It is so powerful and unexpected and I think Yael just did such an extraordinary job. I watched that particular episode about 3 times! No joke!

Answer 9

Congrats on Season 3! How would you like to see Soso's character develop next season?

Thank you!! I would really love to learn more about Brook's life outside of prison, her best friend Meadow, and how she actually got there in the first place!

Answer 10

The appearance of prisoners is very minimal. How much time do you spend in makeup and wardrobe before filming, and what is that process like?

It is soooo minimal!!! I think it takes about ten minutes in total to go through hair and make up. Get a little coverup, some chapstick, grease me up and I'm good to go!