Interview with Marion Van Cuyck of 'PEN15'

Marion Van Cuyck has worked on films, TV shows, commercials, print ads, and music videos since she was four years old. She has had the opportunity to work and learn from David Harbour, Kate Berlant, Zach Galifianakis, Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Beck Bennett, Laura Kightlinger, Dan Avidan, Michele Morrow, and more.

She is also a drummer, rock climber, singer, writer, huge Star Wars fan, horseback rider, and loves to draw.

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She reprises the role of Terra Newback in Hulu’s hit show PEN15. The second half of Season 2, which began streaming December 3rd , stars Ana Konkle and Maya Erskine.
PEN15 tells the hard truth of middle school as seen through the eyes of two 7th grade girls in the year 2000. The show explores the awkwardness of being a teenager and the difficulties they face in their ever changing, peer driven world. Marion Van Cuyck plays Terra Newback, a gawky teen who always leaves you guessing as to what she will say next.

Recently Marion had a recurring role in the hit Nickelodeon show Drama Club starring Chase Vacnin, Kensington Tallman, and Lili Brennan. She can also be seen in Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster Frankenstein, the Good Game, and Baskets.
Currently she is finishing a horror script and will be shopping it around in 2022.

Scroll down to read her interview with Teens Wanna Know!

Photo by Rena Durham

Hello Marion, nice to e-meet you! For those unfamiliar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background outside of the world of showbiz.

I’m 14 and am into anime, writing, drawing, animating, crafts, drumming, singing, content creation, theater, and hanging out with friends.

Thanks! The new episodes of Pen15 started airing December 3rd on Hulu. What can viewers can expect?

Amazing work from the cast and crew! Each episode is amazing. Everyone should watch (rated M). I haven’t seen them all yet (watching now) but what I have seen is great. Episode Yuki should get an Emmy.

Photos by William and Kristin Van Cuyck

How does the world portrayed in Pen15 compare with your own junior high experiences?

My junior high experience was cut short due to Covid so I didn’t get much of one.

Do you hang out with any of your fellow actors off-set, or is it all strictly business?

I’ve run into some at auditions and we are friends but I don’t get to see them often.

Have you experienced any bullying in real life or on social media, and if so, how did you deal with it?

I did had some issues in elementary school but nothing too bad. You have to just be yourself and stand up for yourself and others.

Photos by Kristin Van Cuyck

What has been your most memorable moment in show biz so far?

Getting to perform funny content and also improv-ing is my favorite. A line I improv-ed was loved by one of the editors and he had me say it on camera at the wrap party. It’s on my Instagram.

You watch a lot of YouTube, we hear. What’s your favorite channel and why?

I have a few. I currently love Ranboo and Tomsimons. They are both funny, cool, and I enjoy their variety of content.

We also hear you are working on writing your own horror script. Why did you choose that genre and what’s your favorite horror movie?

I want to be in a feature length horror film. I did a horror short earlier this year for AFI and loved it. I like “Happy Death Day.”

What most inspires you to create?

I have stuff I think of that I need to create.

Best advice you have gotten so far in your career?

I have learned by working with people but haven’t really been given much direct advice. I did learn though that in improv it’s all about timing.