Exclusive interview with American actress and star of “Doctor Sleep", Kyliegh Curran

By Jean-Paul Eliard

The October  2019

Hi Kyliegh , I'm very glad to do this interview.

What did you like about the storyline and your role in Doctor Sleep ?

KC: When The Shining ends, young Danny is basically traumatized after escaping his father in the hedge maze; and he’s able to flee
The Overlook with his mother. 

What I liked about the Doctor Sleep storyline was that we now actually get to see a continuation of the story that began in The Shining, Dan’s story.
We’re able to find out what happened to Dan, how he recovered from the trauma at the hotel and how he has coped with losing his father.

Playing Abra in the film was huge for me, and it was inspirational because of how powerful she is at such a young age.

How was filming with your castmates Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson, and the director Mike Flanagan?

KC: Ewan McGregor is a lot of fun! Watching him work and get into character really helped me find Abra and build a strong connection to Dan.
That deep connection between Dan and Abra is crucial because it defines the compelling story of Doctor Sleep.

There’s never a dull moment when Rebecca Ferguson is on set. 

It’s fascinating when she becomes Rose the Hat because of how incredibly well she plays EVIL. 

Working with Mike Flanagan was an honor. On set, he is absolutely fantastic! Mike is a very patient, encouraging director.
He allows actors to add their unique touch to their roles; and we have complete freedom to perform a take as many times as we feel necessary.  

In Doctor Sleep, at the heart of the story is your character Abra Stone, a courageous teenager with her own powerful extrasensory gift, known as the “shine.” If it was possible, what would you like to get as a powerful extrasensory or super power?

KC: If I could have any super power, I would want the ability to breath under water. I know, that’s probably not what you thought I’d say, but I think it would be cool to be a fish or a mermaid.

Ewan McGregor and Kyliegh Curran in Doctor Sleep (2019)

You began your professional acting career at the age of seven, performing in theatre productions for The Miracle Theatre/Actor's Playhouse in Florida.  When and why did you choose to be an actress?

KC: I’ve always been a very theatrical, energetic kid. 
While I lived in Florida, I found the best way to channel all of that energy was through training in theatre. 
I trained in musical theatre and performed in professional productions at Actor’s Playhouse.
I loved being able to play different roles, sing on stage and learn challenging dance choreography; and that’s why I chose to be an actor.  

Musical theatre has been the center of my professional training which has given me the space to develop skills in voice, dance and acting. 
I love all three! I also believe literature, language and storytelling give us interesting paths to express ourselves which is why I look forward to working with organizations that support early reading and writing education. 
Everyone has a story to tell, and those stories have the power to create change on all sorts of levels.

Since you are a young actress and only 13, how does it affect your friendships?

KC: Most of my friends are theatre and film actors themselves, or serious musicians; so we all share a common ground.

You enjoy writing. Was it your grandfather, writer and Professor Emeritus Dr. Whittington B. Johnson, who instilled this passion in you?

KC: My grandfather has definitely been a big influence, but written expression has always been an interest of mine.  
Writing is an opportunity to escape to another world or live in an alternate reality. There’s something surreal about experiencing those feelings through language alone.
 

I understand you are vegan and environmentally conscious.

KC: Caring for the environment is not just important. It’s crucial to our survival and the survival of future generations.  
If I can inspire my peers to do their part by reducing waste and supporting sustainable food systems, I believe major change could happen.

What is your next challenge?

KC: I would love to do more film work or television. 
Acting in a film based on anything written by Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, 
Adam Gidwitz or Gene Birdsall would be amazing! 
Playing Young Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway was a thrill for me, 
and another role on Broadway is high on my list of goals. I’m currently working on several original writing projects which is fun. 

Thank you very much for your interview Kyliegh and I wish you the best for your future

KC: Thank you!

More information about Kyliegh on Instagram, on Twitter and on IMDb