Karrueche Tran on finding her passion as an actress and her new film ‘The Honor List’
Karrueche Tran wants to show the world that there are layers to her acting skills.
The actress and model is starring in a new movie called The Honor List, playing Sophie, an 18-year-old virgin who is waiting until marriage to have sex, whose friendship circle has their world rocked when one of its members dies. Co-executive produced by Zoe Saldana, The Honor List is just one of many acting projects Tran has in the works.
The role is the complete opposite of her fierce breakout character, Virginia (a girl who has lived a fast life and dresses scantily clad) on the TNT hit show, Claws.
For Tran, it’s all about showing her range. Going from a celebrity stylist to model to actress, whatever the challenge, she’s up for it.
Tran stopped by theGrio to discuss her role in The Honor List as well as the upcoming second season of Claws.
TheGrio: When did you realize that acting was your passion?
Karrueche Tran:Â Well… I hit a point in my life where I was like ”What am I going to do with myself?” I never grew up like ”I want to be an actor, I want to do this.” And so, my manager was like have you ever tried acting before, and I said No, but I’ll try it. At least I can say that I tried it if it didn’t work and if it does work, then we are on to something. I had a small acting gig with like one line. I was so nervous but it intrigued me, it sparked an interest and from then, I just started to do the background work.
TheGrio: Tell us about your new movie, The Honor List.
Karrueche Tran: The Honor List is about four best friends who create this bucket list before their high school year and by the end of their senior year they are no longer friends. They can’t stand each other, but they have to put their differences to the side in order to complete this bucket list. It is very important and significant in today’s society because it represents friendships, love, lost, and tragedy in such a real and genuine way. These four girls come from different backgrounds, different shapes, sizes, and colors. I think that is a great representation of people of today. It is a great message to the young generation.
TheGrio: The film tackles issues that young girls and women go through such as: body shaming, sex, self and esteem. Why do you think it was so important to address these issues?
Karrueche Tran: I think it is important to have a narrative to speak to the masses and for teenagers to be able to relate to this and not feel alone. Everybody goes through these types of situations.
speaks onstage at the Environmental Media Association’s 27th Annual EMA Awards at Barkar Hangar on September 23, 2017 in Santa Monica, California.
TheGrio:Â “Claws” first season received rave reviews. What can we expect from your character this season?
Karrueche Tran: She is like my alter ego. I have a lot of fun playing her. Where we left off Virginia is pregnant. This season you see the choices she makes; you see more layers being pulled back of who Virginia is.
TheGrio: Your relationship with Niecy Nash is infectious on and off camera. What do you credit for your special relationship?
Karrueche Tran: It is just an energy. I first met Niecy at a Maxim Halloween party. We exchange numbers and kept in touch. She actually put my name in for Claws and I went in to audition for it.
Once we got to set we became comfortable with one another. It just happened; so genuine and pure. I get on her nerves all the time but it is all love at the same time.  It is like Virginia and Desna [Niecy’s character on Claws]. I’m like annoying little sister of the crew and it is so much fun.
The Honor List is available now on digital and on demand and on DVD May 15th. To watch the trailer click here. Don’t forget to catch up on the first season of Claws; season 2 begins June 10th.
