Rising star Sydney Agudong has captivated audiences with her acting and singing talents. The Hawaiian-born performer got her start in local theatre and talent shows before landing her first movie role at 13. Now, Agudong is stepping into the spotlight as she releases her debut single “Welcome to Hollywood” under the moniker Jayne Doe. As the multi-talented artist continues pursuing her dreams, get to know her better with these 10 fascinating facts. From her Justin Bieber fangirl days to her close bond with family, we uncover the story behind the girl destined for stardom.
1. Sydney was born on November 13, 2000 in Hawai’i
She was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i in Hawai’i. Her early years were filled with theatre, talent shows, and pageants, which ignited her passion for the entertainment industry.
She moved to LA in 2018 after high school graduation. She described the transition as a culture shock and highlighted the challenges of being a small-town island girl in the vast entertainment industry of LA.
Sydney feels a deep connection to her home state. While she acknowledges the fast-paced nature of her career, she contrasts it with the relaxed and “go with the flow” vibe of Hawai’i.
2. She was 13 in her first acting role
Sydney’s first acting credit was in 2013, when she was just 13 years old. She played the character Ellen in a Camp Hollywood movie, “Second Chances”.
In the movie, the students of Second Chances correctional school must come together to raise enough money to save their beloved school.
3. Sydney’s first feature film was “West Michigan”
In the movie she played Jasmine. Other cast includes Chloe Ray Warmoth, Seth Lee and Justin Mane. The film revolves around a seventeen-year-old girl’s journey to find her place in the world and her visit to her ailing grandfather.
Her excitement for “West Michigan” stemmed from the opportunity to work with friends. She described the experience as feeling like a summer vacation, especially with the beautiful backdrop of Michigan.
The film touches upon the sensitive topic of mental health. Sydney emphasizes the importance of recognizing the subtle signs and harsh realities of mental health struggles.
4. Sydney decided to pursue music during her senior year of high school
Sydney decided to pursue music during her senior year of high school, a pivotal time for many in deciding their future paths. She emphasized that it’s okay not to have everything figured out immediately after graduation.
While Sydney initially pursued acting, music served as her outlet during her downtime. She learned the importance of patience and resilience from her acting career, which she has applied to her musical journey.
5. Sydney’s first song was an apology to her mom
Sydney’s love for music began in middle school when she started experimenting with spoken word and poems. Her first song, “I’m So Sorry,” was an apology to her mom, which they now play for comedic relief.
6. Her first concert was Justin Bieber
Sydney’s first concert experience was seeing Justin Bieber perform live in Hawaii. She and her family traveled to Oahu for the concert, and she was impressed by Bieber’s live performance skills.
7. “Welcome to Hollywood” is her debut single
Sydney, under the artist name Jayne Doe, released her debut single “Welcome to Hollywood.” The song captures her experiences and feelings about the Hollywood industry, emphasizing the challenges and pressures that come with pursuing dreams in the entertainment world.
The artist name “Jayne Doe” was inspired by Sydney’s younger self, who was always curious and sought to understand the world around her. The name represents the idea that it’s okay not to have all the answers and to embrace the unknown.
Sydney describes her music as a “living, emotional, movie,” highlighting the depth and cinematic quality of her songs.
8. Sydney dreams of performing at the Staples Center
Ideally opening for Briston Maroney. She also aspires to embark on a world tour, performing at multiple renowned venues.
Briston Maroney’s “Indiana EP” had a significant impact on Sydney. She admires the honesty and conversational tone of the EP, hoping to infuse similar qualities into her own music.
9. Sydney’s family is her support system
Sydney’s family has been a significant influence on her career. Her father introduced her to the world of music, her mother instilled faith and confidence in her, and her sister, Siena Agudong, serves as a constant source of inspiration.
10. She will be playing Nani in the “Lilo & Stitch” live action movie
Sydney is set to take on the role of Nani in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch.” She is currently filming on the island of Oahu for the Disney film. She will be bringing the beloved character of Nani to life in this new live action feature.
While this casting brings excitement for the film’s release, it has also ignited discussions about representation and colorism in Hollywood. The character Nani, Lilo’s older sister, was depicted with darker skin and ethnic features in the original animated movie. Sydney, a biracial actor with Hawaiian ancestry, has been cast in this role for the 2024 adaptation.
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