Johanna Liauw is finding acting success despite the pandemic

Johanna Liauw stepped into acting just as the industry shut down, turning a difficult moment into the start of a steady climb. Born December 20, 1993, in San Diego and raised between Atlanta and South Florida, she had already spent years as a competitive swimmer and model before the first scripts arrived in 2020. That timing made the early days unusual, yet the work kept coming, from a quick web series turn to Lifetime features and then a Netflix sequel that landed on screens in 2022.

Background and Early Life

Liauw grew up splitting time between cities and schools, finishing high school through homeschooling during her sophomore and senior years. Competitive swimming filled much of her schedule, teaching discipline and focus that later translated to set life. Modeling gigs offered another early glimpse of camera work before acting took center stage.

Transition from Model and Swimmer to Actress

The shift from pool lanes and photo shoots to scripted scenes happened quickly once quarantine began. Her first credit arrived in the web series Quarantine Leap, filmed under lockdown rules that forced remote collaboration. The experience proved she could adapt fast, and soon Lifetime roles followed in The Wrong Cheerleader Coach and College Professor Obsession.

When did you first fall in love with acting?

During my first acting class. I was in awe of watching the other actors and I felt filled with incredible happiness when I discovered my version of a character. It felt like a playground, and we all had so much fun. The energy was always great.

What were some of your favorite films when you were growing up?

‘The Witches’ was a movie I'd rewatch a lot as a child even though it lowkey scared me, haha. There’s also ‘Matilda’, ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Ferngully’. I loved all the Mary-Kate and Ashley movies, too. They had a musical mystery series and ‘The Case of Thorn Mansion’ was my favorite.

What has it been like trying to grow an acting career in the middle of a pandemic?

It’s all I’ve ever known since going down this path. I was only in L.A. for a couple months before the lockdown was implemented. It’s been self-tapes since day one basically, haha. There was a bit of worry there, I wasn’t sure if anything would come about because of the pandemic. And it’s already a pretty competitive industry, so I had to put myself in the right mindset of doing this for me. Not for what I could gain from it. It fulfills me and that’s a feeling I don’t want to live without.

How would you compare the experience of working on a web series to working on a feature film?

The episode of the web series I did took place in the thick of the lockdown. So, James and I talked on the phone about the dialogue, and I went on to film everything in my place using my phone. While on a feature film, you have a whole crew that works together to get the shot. A lot of thought and time goes into setting up one angle for a scene. And then you have to move the camera and set up lighting to get a different angle. One scene can take a couple hours to get sometimes. But everyone is so in love with the process because we know we’re creating something amazing.

What do you enjoy most about working as an actor?

The freedom of expression. It’s liberating and exciting. I get this full body high when I fully engulf myself in the moment as a character. It’s unbeatable.

Additional Credits and Recent Work

After Tall Girl 2, Liauw picked up credits in Crossbow Creek and Sometimes I Dream of Wandering. The projects kept her resume moving forward even as major studio productions slowed. No large-scale announcements have surfaced since, yet the steady list of names on screen shows the same persistence that marked her first years in the business.

Your most recent role is in Netflix’s Tall Girl 2. What was it like working with Netflix?

They know what they’re doing, haha. Everyone was incredibly kind, and everything seemed to run so smoothly from my perspective. I hope all my future experiences are just as great.

What was your biggest challenge while working on the film?

I’d say it was keeping my confidence up. I had a bit of negative self-talk throughout, but I’d quickly bounce back with positive affirmations. I learned a lot through this experience. I’m thankful for the lessons learned and the strength I’ve gained. Everything happens for a reason.

Mental Health Advocacy

Profiles from the period noted Liauw’s interest in mental health alongside her on-camera work. The same affirmations she described using on set became part of a broader conversation she has continued in interviews, turning personal tools into a quiet form of advocacy that travels with her into new rooms and new roles.

What are some of your biggest goals as an actor?

To get better and better at my craft, play a lead in an action flick and do my own stunts. I’d absolutely love to star in a Quentin Tarantino flick.

Who is your dream costar?

Sarah Jessica Parker would be a dream to work with one day.

What’s your five-year plan?

To continue working in tv/film as an actor. I’ll also end up writing and directing. Buy a cozy home somewhere serene near my family. Partake in humanitarian work, buy a couple acres of land, and have rescued animals live a beautiful life there.

Outside of acting, what are some of your biggest passions?

I’m a big foodie. I just tried crab rangoons for the first time and my taste buds are still not back from cloud nine.

What do you like to do in your down time?

I enjoy doing a few different activities depending on what mood I’m in. Sometimes I like to keep it lowkey and stay in, play video games… read… catch up on shows. But on the other hand, I love going to amusement parks/escape rooms, traveling when I can, go on adventures with friends.

What music gets you inspired?

Artists like La Femme (specifically their Psycho Tropical Berlin album), Purity Ring, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tears for Fears and Depeche mode get my creative juices going. The playlists that I make include a lot of 80s and 90s tunes. House music/EDM is also heavy in the mix.

If you had to pick just one film to watch for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m going with the first one that came into mind. ‘Bruce Almighty’. Sadness does not and cannot exist when you watch that movie, haha.

Have you binge-watched any new series recently?

Oh my gosh, yes! I’m currently binging ‘The Women in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window’ on Netflix. The comedy is sprinkled in so perfectly and I can honestly say I can’t tell how the story is going to go. Usually, I’m really good at piecing it together but this one has me stumped.

Where can people keep up with you and your work?

You can check out my Instagram @johannaliauw.