Looking back on her two years as Oakdale's quirky Maddie Coleman, Chando reveals her character's crazy turn of events last year is her favorite memory so far.
"I had a lot of fun with my storyline last summer," Chando said. "Which is crazy, because I feel like I just filmed it all yesterday. But I had a lot to work with and I was able to really sink my teeth into something."
That something — falling in love, flashbacks of a past assault, breaking up, murder charges, escaping a stalker's attack, dropped murder charges and falling back in love — just to name a few of the plot twists, earned her an Emmy nomination for this year's Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series category.
"To be honest, it hasn't really sunk in," Chando said. "I think once I'm on the red carpet it will, but it's really great to be acknowledged for all the hard work. I can't even describe it or put it into words. It's pretty awesome."
Excited about her Emmy nomination, Chando remains focused. In addition to her acting duties, the young actress also attends Manhattan College. Doubling up on work and school, she finds time to memorize her lines while studying communication and film, but not without the encouragement of her parents.
"I'm very close with my family and I still speak with a lot of my friends from back home," Chando said. "And that keeps me grounded. I'm blessed to have great parents who've supported me all the way."
Under the "As the World Turns" lights and cameras, Chando, like her co-stars, is developing into a bit of a soap veteran herself.
"I've been playing the same character for two years now, so I have a really good feeling for Maddie's character and the preparation is a lot easier," Chando said.
Grateful for the opportunity to grow on set, Chando can't help but look back to where it all began.
"I definitely miss being up on stage," Chando confessed. "It's such an awesome experience, and it's totally different than being on television."
"I have another year left on my contract and it would make me really happy to do a play while I'm still on the show," Chando continued. "I've started singing lessons, so I'm trying to get my voice in shape before I can start auditioning."
With a bright future appearing on the horizon, Chando keeps her soap opera debut as Maddie close to heart.
"I always have so much fun playing her," Chando said. "She's kind of silly and a little bit of a nerd, which is great because there's always something funny or witty to say."
As the plots continue to twist and turn for Chando, on set and off, she continues to take it all in stride.
"I really have no clue what's going to happen," Chando said. "I'm actually curious to see myself!"
- Comment
