CRAFTING CHI: MOMONA TAMADA ON BECOMING TY LEE IN 'AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER

BY IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: NOAH ASANIAS, FASHION STYLING: LAYLA GILL-DESJARDINS, MAKEUP: KATRINA WROBEL USING MAC COSMETICS, HAIR: PATRICK UY USING ORIBE, NAILS: ZRINKA VUKSAN, 1ST ASSISTANT: AILEEN SZE, 2ND ASSISTANT: SEBASTIAN PRANGE, WARDROBE ASSISTANT: EMMA MASON, RETOUCHING: @GETLUCI

Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

Momona Tamada, a Vancouver-born actress, is stepping into a dream role as Ty Lee in the live-action adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender." “It truly feels like I’m living in a dream. Avatar was on my list of dream projects, and now bringing that series to life feels so full circle,” she shares. Known for her dynamic performances in Netflix’s "The Baby-Sitters Club" and "To All the Boys" series, Tamada’s journey into acting began through dance, evolving into a flourishing film career. Her portrayal of Ty Lee, a talented contortionist and chi blocker, is highly anticipated by fans and showcases her versatility as an actress.

Tamada’s preparation for the role has been both exciting and challenging. “Some characters are easier to access, while others need a bit more time and experimenting to uncover. In regards to Ty Lee, I feel as though we share many similar traits which makes the process very fun!” Despite her rising fame, she remains grounded thanks to the support of her family and friends. Reflecting on her journey, she notes, “It's important to explore and accept that you have a unique way of impacting the world.” Momona’s dedication to her craft and authenticity promises a compelling performance in one of her most significant roles yet.

Dress: CATHERINE REGEHR, Earrings: BALENCIAGA from LEISURE CENTER 950

Hi Momona how are you? What’s keeping you creative nowadays?

I’m good! Thank you! Recently I’ve been loving exploring the things that spark my curiosity the most. This can look like a lot of different things. Sometimes it’s drawing, and writing, other times it’s dancing and experimenting with movement! As an artist I believe we must honor the things that inspire us and follow them to wherever the journey takes us!

LEFT: Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE, RIGHT: Shoes: CELINE

How did you get started in acting, and what drew you to this career?

My introduction to acting and the film industry actually began through my love of dance! At first, I expected to work as a background dancer on films to broaden my experiences. Through that, I was introduced to the acting side of the industry! Although I never planned to start a career in film, I truly feel so lucky to have found something I love and am growing in by the day! 

Can you share a memorable moment from your early days on set?

Some of my favorite memories were made on set of The Babysitters Club. 6 other girls and my first “big” project as an actress, it was everything I could’ve ever asked for! We had the best times everyday, on set off set, it was all a blast. One specific memory I still cherish was getting to spend my 13th birthday on set. We were filming a scene reshoot for the bsc and that date ended up landing on my birthday. I got to celebrate it with the cast and crew -and the girls threw me a surprise bday party after!! 

Collar: UGLY GARMENTS, Tank Top: HELMUT LANG, Skirt: RACHEL SUDBURY, Shoes: MAISON MARGIELA, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

How do you prepare for a new role, especially one as significant as in "Avatar: The Last Airbender"? 

My preparation looks different depending on the requirements of the role and project. As well as the “connectedness” I have to the character from the beginning. Some characters are easier to access, while others need a bit more time and experimenting to uncover. In regards to Ty Lee, I feel as though we share many similar traits which makes the process very fun! It’s also helpful to have such a well written and loved character to look to in terms of character and performance.

What challenges have you faced in your acting career, and how have you overcome them?

There have been many challenges I’ve faced over the last few years, but it’s important to work through them with both patience and kindness towards yourself. Acting is an art at its core, so it can often be discouraging when you feel as though you aren’t able to connect or perform something in the way you want. That being said, something that has really helped me through my challenges is reminding myself that by trying something, you are already taking a step forward in it! You don’t have to classify things as “good” or “bad” rather the mindset you have towards an experience!! 

Dress: ALEX S YU, Shoes: COMME DES GARCONS x NIKE, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

Let’s talk about “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” How does it feel to be part of the live-action adaptation of such a beloved series?

I say this all the time, but it truly feels like I’m living in a dream. Avatar the Last Airbender was a show on my list of dream projects and roles, so to be a part of the live action adaptation is something I can’t even describe in words! I fell in love with the series when I watched it for the first time in 2020, and now bringing that series to life feels so full circle. 

Can you tell us about your character in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and what drew you to this role? 

I play Ty Lee in Avatar: The Last Airbender. She’s originally a talented contortionist and circus performer, and also known to be a chi blocker. This is a technique that allows her to temporarily block others’ muscles using pressure points, and in turn, their abilities to bend elements. Ty Lee is bubbly and full of life, and is often seen with princess Azula and her fellow best friend Mai!

Dress: CATHERINE REGEHR, Shoes: VERA WANG, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

How do you stay grounded and maintain a work-life balance?

I think I owe a lot of my ability to stay grounded to my family and friends. They’ve been there with me since day one, long before I thought I’d step into the world that is this line of work. They know me in every way and remind me of the importance of maintaining my who I am outside of the industry.

What role has your family played in supporting your career?

My family has been my biggest form of support. Through my love of dance to now acting, they’ve made endless sacrifices for me to be able to continue what I love. I don’t think I realized it then, but as I get older, my appreciation for them grows daily. Especially for my parents. They supported any crazy thing I wanted to do, encouraged me when I needed it, and reminded me of the love I come from. 

LEFT: Dress: EVAN CLAYTON, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE, MIDDLE: Top: MAISON KIMHE KIM, Pants: COMME DES GARCONS, RIGHT: Dress: @ALEX S YU, Shoes: MIU MIU, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

How would you describe your personal style, and what influences your fashion choices?

I think my personal style is constantly changing. The thing I love about fashion is that it is an expression of yourself. What you wear is ultimately your choice and is a place in which you’re able to express freely. It’s been fun getting to see how my tastes have changed as the years go by. I definitely look to the people around me as well as my own personal preferences to craft my own wardrobe and style.

Dress: EVAN CLAYTON, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

Can you share any causes or social issues you are passionate about and why? How do you use your platform to raise awareness for these causes?

In terms of the world, I believe that we should be there for each other, at all times, but especially when others need it the most. It doesn’t take away from you to help others or to ask for help. Some of the things I feel deeply passionate about are mental health awareness as well as equality rights. In this day and age, social media seems to carry so much of the information we consume, so getting to use my platform to spread knowledge, encourage others, and find ways to support those around me brings me joy. 

What advice would you give to young people who want to make a difference in their communities? 

To go for it!! I think it can be easy to feel underestimated as youth, but we prove time and time again that our ages don’t limit us and the changes we are making in the world. It inspires me to see how other young changemakers are redefining the world we live in. They inspire the world around them and are making the changes!!

Dress: ALEX S YU, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

This is such a great question and something i’ve been thinking about a lot recently. I think constantly striving for “success” can become a daunting cycle if it falls into unhealthy habits and perspectives, so recently I've been trying to redefine what success may look like to me -even if that may not be the typical definition of success. Discovering sensations and exploring the idea of “new” has been something that I prioritize as success as of recently. Even if you didn’t grasp or complete something in full, it should still be deemed a success if it makes you feel good and or helps you grow as an individual.

What life lessons have you learned from your experiences in the entertainment industry? 

The value of your authenticity and self. The industry is filled with thousands of talented individuals that are all making their mark on the world, but that doesn’t mean it takes away or creates a lack in your talents. It's been valuable to explore and develop an understanding and acceptance that you are your own person and have a unique way of impacting the world. As long as you follow your own heart, trust that you will end up where YOU need to be. 

Dress: KIKA VARGAS, Shoes: CELINE, Jewelry: DOROTHY LOUIE

How do you deal with setbacks and failures, and what motivates you to keep going? 

In the heart of this question, I believe the thing that ultimately keeps me going is passion. My love and eagerness to learn more and to experience growth drives me through the many setbacks I may encounter. Sometimes, certain obstacles are tougher than others, which is where I lean on community and those around me for support, especially if I feel that I cannot overcome them alone. We should not fear failure as a reason to keep us from achieving what we want! 

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

If I were a book I think I'd be one filled with feel-good comforting quotes and messages. Something that you can look at any place, at any time, as a reminder of your unique place in the world. A book that feels like a warm hug!!