Anna Cathcart Is a Regular College Student … Who Also Leads a Hit Netflix Series

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Anna Cathcart expresses how fortunate she feels for having been able to symbolically hold hands with her character, Kitty Song Covey, throughout their shared journey of growth.

Back in 2018, at just 14 years old, I stepped into the spotlight as the mischievous little sister, Kitty, from the Covey family, in the initial release of Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series. Over time, I carried on with the franchise, and eventually, I took center stage in its Seoul-based spinoff, “XO, Kitty”.

The show, similar to its cinematic counterpart, focuses on Kitty’s quest for love and self-discovery, which unfolds within an exclusive school environment in Korea. It swiftly gained popularity on the streaming platform, amassing a total of 72 million viewing hours globally within its first week, as reported by Netflix’s internal statistics.

In an upcoming season two chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Cathcart compared her return to playing Kitty to reconnecting with a cherished old friend. She shared that she’s intimately familiar with this character, yet admits they’re both navigating their own personal growth concurrently as they journey through adulthood together.

In the following discussion, the actress candidly shares insights into her parallel journey with her on-screen persona, juggling a successful series with academic pursuits, and her aspirations regarding her professional image.

How did growing up around this character shape you, and what do you imagine your relationship with Kitty will be like as the story progresses?

I find myself deeply inspired by her in numerous aspects, as I believe there’s much I can gain from her wisdom. I consider myself fortunate to share an unusual bond with her, akin to friendship, even though we are essentially the same entity. Her fearlessness and bravery, particularly this season, have left a profound impact on me. She consistently follows her heart, which I find truly commendable. At times, the abundance of love she carries overflows in various expressions. It’s incredibly courageous and beautiful to witness such vulnerability in a character. I aspire to emulate these qualities that Kitty possesses.

In your younger days, you played a role in movies that primarily helped others navigate their romantic journeys on screen. Now, with XO, Kitty, you have the opportunity to take center stage and explore your own journey of falling in love. How significantly has this experience influenced your understanding of what it means to be young and in love?

From the second season onwards, Kitty finds herself in a completely new phase compared to where she was at the beginning of season one. Her perspectives on love have shifted dramatically, and her values have changed too. She also has a more profound understanding of herself and what love truly means to her. I’m still navigating that path in my own life. In essence, XO, Kitty delves into the reality that growing up is complicated and chaotic, which is what makes it unique and relatable. After all, everyone experiences such messiness during their formative years, and more often than not, throughout various stages of their lives.

Do you have any instances of senior actors taking you under their wing on set?

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been part of the first “To All the Boys” movie at a crucial stage in my adolescence. At the time, I was about to start ninth grade. That summer was filled with prime awkwardness as I grappled with understanding life’s changes and the complexities of being 14. During that period, Lana [Condor], Janel [Parrish], Madeline [Arthur] and the entire cast of “To All the Boys” became like my protective older siblings. Recently, I told my mom that reflecting on that summer now, I can see how significant an impact it had on me.

Hello! In “XO, Kitty,” the story takes place in Seoul, and filming happens there too. I’m curious about your personal experiences while living in Seoul and what activities you enjoy most there. Could you share a bit about that with us?

Experiencing Seoul post-COVID has been an absolute joy this time around! There were numerous activities we yearned to engage in during season one but couldn’t, and now we finally have the opportunity – making it all the more exciting. Familiar yet novel is the best way to describe it. One particular moment that truly sticks out is attending a baseball game with many cast members and crew. In total, there were 65 of us who went together, which made for an unforgettable experience. Arranging this last-minute during our shooting week on a Friday night was quite the challenge, but when I suggested, “Why don’t we all go to a baseball game tomorrow?” it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments from filming.

How do you unwind when you’re swamped with work responsibilities? With life as a twenty-something often being filled with big tasks and challenges, what are some ways you find to pause and take care of yourself?

Currently, I’m attending university, having recently concluded my semester a few days prior. The aftermath of finals has me feeling less stressed, but still settling down. When not working, my time is largely consumed by my love for academia. I consider myself fortunate to be able to pursue both my passions simultaneously. In high school, I juggled work and education, mastering the art of balancing two distinct realms. Upon graduation, I embarked on season one of XO, Kitty, taking a brief break from university. Upon returning home, I resumed my studies at the university.

As a student, I’ve found this experience incredibly rewarding on numerous levels. Firstly, immersing myself in learning and doing things that ignite my passion has been nothing short of extraordinary. Secondly, the opportunity to inhabit a realm distinct from work is priceless. It’s almost like tapping into another aspect of my being, allowing me to delve deeper and explore more freely.

Moreover, I’ve appreciated the chance to learn the ropes of adulthood, to discover who I am independently. Being an actor can be quite peculiar; we find ourselves in unusual settings, and our work environment isn’t always traditional or consistent with a standard 9-to-5 job.

Growing up, my social circle was diverse, with friends spanning various age groups and life stages. However, being in college now, surrounded by peers who are all at the same juncture, has been enlightening. We’re all on a journey of discovery, grappling with the chaos, figuring things out, and often running on empty. It’s a unique camaraderie that I cherish.

Did you find it difficult acclimating to this school environment?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on my journey of learning and growth, a continuous expedition I’ve been navigating. Fortunately, when I embarked on this path during my first year, the show hadn’t yet premiered. While many had seen the movies, the buzz had somewhat subsided. This initial phase was less overwhelming, and I consider myself fortunate to have discovered an exceptional community at that time…

…However, after season one aired, things certainly shifted. The first few weeks were a whirlwind as I grappled with understanding what it meant to be perceived as my on-screen character from “XO, Kitty,” while also being a fellow student and collaborator. Balancing these roles, especially when it came to peer reviews or group projects, presented its fair share of challenges, indeed.

How do you want people to perceive you in your career and in your life?

I often ponder about it deeply, and it tends to consume my thoughts. Before embarking on this intense upcoming month, I playfully mentioned to my friends that the next few weeks will be filled with a lot of public scrutiny. I admitted, “I’m not yet comfortable with being viewed so extensively.” It’s all about self-examination and ensuring others perceive you as you wish them to. Authenticity has been a significant value for me since my early years, and it continues to be throughout my career. Moreover, I have always had a clear sense of identity and firm convictions about things that align or contradict my values.

In my gaming world and beyond, I deeply care about everything – it’s just who I am. At times, I wish I could tone it down a bit, but that’s me. You see, caring this much seems to be a recurring theme in my life, and it resonates with Kitty in a special way too. I genuinely want everyone to feel loved, seen, safe, and appreciated. If I can contribute to that feeling for someone through my career or personal life, nothing is more meaningful to me. And on a personal note, I yearn for the same feelings – to be loved, appreciated, seen, and heard. Discovering what it means to be ‘Anna’ and embracing myself is something I hold dear.

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2025-01-13 18:55