EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

From Squid Game to Netflix Stardom:

Reagan To’s

Rise as a Young Hollywood Powerhouse

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. Can you quickly introduce yourself for those who are just discovering you today?

Hi! I’m Reagan To. I’m 13 years old, and I’m an actress and a professional Ballroom and Latin dancer in Los Angeles, California. I started acting when I was five, and you might know me as the English voice of the creepy doll in Squid Game—you know, the one that says "Red Light, Green Light!" I also got to voice Young Ember in Pixar’s Elemental and play Sheldon’s tutor on Young Sheldon. I love performing, making people smile, and inspiring others to follow their dreams.

2. Your Netflix series Squid Game has broken records and captured a global audience. How has it felt to be part of such a phenomenon, and what do you think makes the show resonate with so many viewers?

It has been crazy! I had no idea Squid Game was going to be this big when I first recorded my lines. I actually haven’t seen it yet because I’m not allowed to (it’s a little too intense for kids my age), but I’ve seen clips, and I know how much it means to people. I think the show connects with so many viewers because it’s not just about games—it makes you think about life, choices, and how far people will go to survive. It’s super intense but also really emotional.

3. Your character has become a viral sensation, even inspiring skits on SNL and mentions on major shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. How has this newfound recognition shaped your perspective as an actress?

It has honestly been so unexpected! I never thought my voice would be something people recognize, and hearing it on SNL or The Tonight Show was such a surprise. It has made me realize how powerful acting and voice work can be. Even if people don’t see my face, they still connect with my voice of the character, and that’s really cool. It’s also taught me to just enjoy the journey because you never know which project is going to take off!

4. With Season 2 already receiving critical acclaim and award nominations, how did you approach your role differently this time around? Were there any challenges or surprises during filming?

It was really exciting to come back for Season 2! This time, I felt more confident because I knew how big Squid Game had become, and I wanted to make sure my performance as Ga-Yeong felt even more natural and real.
Ga-Yeong is an emotional component to Seong Gi-hun's character, so I really focused on bringing out her feelings through my voice. I wanted to make sure the audience could feel everything she was going through.
Another challenge was making sure my voice still matched hers since I’ve gotten a little older, but I worked hard to keep the same tone and energy. Overall, it was such a special experience, and I’m so grateful to be part of something that means so much to people!

The breakout voice of Squid Game’s chilling doll, Reagan To continues to shine with standout performances in Netflix favorites, Pixar’s Elemental, and the beloved sitcom Young Sheldon.

At only 13, Reagan To is not just making waves—she’s creating her own current. Catapulted into global recognition as the unforgettable voice behind the haunting “Red Light, Green Light” doll in Squid Game, Reagan has since proven that she’s far more than a viral sensation. With a unique blend of charisma, versatility, and creative instinct well beyond her years, she is redefining what it means to be a young star in today’s entertainment landscape.

From lending her voice to Pixar’s Elemental to appearing in hit series like Young Sheldon, Reagan’s growing body of work speaks volumes—literally and figuratively. Her screen presence is magnetic, and her performances are always laced with depth and nuance, showcasing a rare emotional intelligence that continues to impress audiences and industry insiders alike.

But Reagan’s talents don’t stop at the camera lens. She’s also an award-winning ballroom dancer, bringing elegance and discipline to the dance floor with the same passion she brings to every role. This duality—graceful and fierce, focused and free—is what makes her such a captivating force.

As her fan base grows and her résumé expands, one thing is clear: Reagan To is not simply chasing stardom. She’s shaping it. With every project, every performance, and every poised appearance, she’s building a legacy that’s only just beginning.

INTERVIEW

5. You’ve lent your voice to the critically acclaimed Pixar film Elemental. How does voice acting compare to on-screen acting for you, and what unique opportunities did this role present?

Voice acting is definitely different from on-screen acting! With voice acting, you have to use just your voice to bring the character to life, so it’s all about how you say things, the tone you use, and the emotions you bring through your voice. There’s no face or body language to help you, so it’s a really cool challenge to show the character's feelings just through sound.

For Elemental, voicing Young Ember was so fun because I got to explore her fiery personality and all the emotions she goes through. I loved being able to bring a character to life in such a creative way, and it was also amazing to be part of a Pixar movie because I grew up watching their films! It was a special opportunity to do something I’ve always dreamed of.

6. From appearing on hit shows like Young Sheldon to presenting at major award ceremonies, your career spans a variety of experiences. What has been the most memorable moment so far, and why?

Oh my gosh, that’s such a good question! Honestly, one of the most memorable moments for me was getting to work on Young Sheldon. I had the best time with Iain, who plays Sheldon—he’s such a sweet guy! We had so much fun on set, and it felt so special to be a part of such an iconic show. It was my first big experience on a project like that, so it definitely holds a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget the great time we had together. It was such a fun and unforgettable experience!

7. Your ballroom dance achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. How do you balance such a demanding art form with your acting career, and has your dance background influenced your acting in any way?

Balancing dance and acting is definitely tricky, but I love both so much that I make it work! Dance helps me with acting because it teaches me how to express myself through movement and emotion, even when I’m not talking. It’s all about using your body to tell a story, and that’s really similar to acting.

I try to schedule my days so I can fit both in. Sometimes it’s tough, but I always find time for both because they’re my passions. Plus, being in dance has made me more confident on stage, and that definitely helps when I’m acting too! I also want to thank my mom for always helping with the scheduling and driving me to all my classes and competitions—she’s the best! This would not be possible without her.

8. You’ve represented Team USA in international ballroom competitions and placed 2nd in a World DanceSport event. What lessons from competitive dance have you carried over into your work as an actress?

Competing in dance has taught me so many valuable lessons that I use in acting. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important it is to stay focused, even when things get tough. In competitions, you have to keep pushing yourself no matter what happens, and that’s the same in acting.

Also, dance taught me to be really disciplined, because you have to practice a lot to get better—and acting is kind of the same, you need to keep working hard to improve. Dance also taught me how to stay calm under pressure. Whether I’m on stage dancing or acting, I’ve learned that staying relaxed and focused is key to doing my best.

9. Your social media presence is growing rapidly, with a dedicated fanbase on TikTok and Instagram. How do you approach connecting with your audience online, and what role does social media play in your career?

Being on social media is super fun for me! I love sharing little pieces of my life with everyone on TikTok and Instagram. I try to keep it real and show behind-the-scenes moments from my acting and dancing, but I also post stuff so people can get to know me as a person, not just as an actor or dancer.

I post things that will make my followers smile, and it’s awesome to talk to fans in the comments and get to know them better. Social media also helps people find out about my work, and it’s a cool way to connect with others. I’m so thankful for everyone who supports me online!

10. You’ve modeled for major brands like Nike and Old Navy. What do you enjoy most about modeling, and how does it complement your work in acting and dancing?

Modeling is really fun because I get to try out different looks and express myself in new ways! I love getting to wear cool outfits and show off my personality infront of the camera. It’s kind of like acting because you have to get into character and show emotions through your expressions and body language.

Plus, modeling helps me with dancing because it teaches me how to move and pose in front of a camera, which is similar to being on stage. It all kind of connects,and I love how I get to be creative in different ways with all of it!

11. Having worked alongside stars like Channing Tatum and Rami Malek in skits for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and appearing in an Oscar-nominated short film, how do you choose projects that align with your goals as a performer?

When I choose projects, I think about what excites me the most and what will help me grow as a performer. I want to work on things that challenge me and help metry new things, like acting in different genres or learning from other amazing actors like Channing Tatum and Rami Malek. I also look for projects that I feelconnected to, or that I think will inspire others. It’s really about finding a balance between having fun, being challenged, and doing work that makes me proud. Plus, Ilove getting to work with talented people and learning from them!

12. With so many accomplishments across acting, dancing, modeling, and content creation, what drives your passion and keeps you motivated to take on new challenges?

What really drives me is the excitement of trying something new and pushing myself to grow. I love learning new things, whether it's acting in a different role, learning a new dance routine, or making fun content for social media.

The challenge is what keeps me going! I also get so much inspiration from the people around me (my family, friends, and fans) who always cheer me on. Knowing thatI’m doing what I love and growing in different ways makes it all worth it, and it motivates me to keep going and see where all of this takes me. I’ve got some really exciting projects in the works, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone!

13. As a young talent breaking barriers in multiple industries, what advice would you give to aspiring artists and performers who look up to you?

My biggest piece of advice would be to always stay true to yourself and never give up, even when things get tough. It’s okay to make mistakes or feel nervous. That’sall part of the journey! Keep practicing, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you, and remember that every step forward counts, no matter how small it feels. Also, have fun along theway! The journey is just as important as the goal, so enjoy the process and keep following your dreams.

14. Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects or goals you’re particularly excited about? What can your fans look forward to next?

I’m super excited about some upcoming projects I’ve been working on! I can’t share too much yet, but there are a few cool acting and dancing projects in the worksthat I can’t wait to show everyone. My fans can definitely look forward to some fun content on my social media too, and I’ve got some surprises that I think they’regoing to love! I’m always working on new things, so there’s a lot to look forward to, and I’m really excited to share it all soon! Check out @reagan_to on Instagram and@reaganandjuli on TikTok! Feel free to also check out my website: www.reaganto.com.

15 . If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to not put so much pressure on myself, especially when I was five! I think I used to worry a lot about getting things right or being perfect,but now I know that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn as I go. I’d remind myself to just enjoy the journey and not stress so much about the little things. Believingin myself and having fun with everything I do is what matters most. I’d also say to keep being curious and never stop learning!

Actress: Reagan To
Photographer: Ben Cope - @ben_cope
Hair: Jessica Robertson - @beauty_by_jessica_robertson_
Makeup: Nicole Maguire - @nicolewittman

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