Chloe Cherry's story is a testament to the unconventional paths that can lead to mainstream success in the entertainment industry. From her beginnings in adult entertainment to her breakout role in HBO's critically acclaimed series "Euphoria," Cherry has defied expectations and carved out a unique space for herself. This article explores her journey, her views on sexuality and the adult film industry, and her aspirations for the future.
An Unconventional Start
Cherry's entry into the world of acting was far from traditional. "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson discovered her through her Instagram feed, drawn to her unique personality and comedic timing. This led to an audition and ultimately, her casting as Faye in the show's second season. Cherry's Instagram served as a "therapeutic outlet" where she could be her "full self," a digital diary that unexpectedly opened doors to new opportunities.
Embracing Sexuality and the Adult Film Industry
Cherry has always been comfortable with her sexuality, viewing it as a source of empowerment. This comfort led her to explore a career in adult films, seeing it as a genre where she could express herself. "I was always comfortable in my sexuality, loved feeling my sexual power, and loved turning people on," she shared.
Despite her positive experiences, Cherry acknowledges the stigma associated with the adult film industry. She recounted her mother's disapproval, who considered sex work "the lowest thing a person can do." Cherry strongly disagrees with this sentiment, emphasizing that judging one's own family is a lower act. She also experienced judgment from some friends who worried about her intentions with their boyfriends.
However, Cherry doesn't differentiate between porn and non-porn, viewing both as forms of acting with beautiful people. She believes her past in adult films prepared her for acting, providing her with experience in performing and character portrayal. She told Dazed Beauty that her past as an adult film star "really did prepare me a lot for experience in acting and performing." She also highlighted her comedic timing, honed in adult films, as a valuable asset in her role in "Euphoria."
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"Euphoria": A Life-Changing Experience
Being cast in "Euphoria" was a pivotal moment in Cherry's career. She recognized the show's brilliance and was determined to make the most of the opportunity. She prepared extensively for her audition, studying the mannerisms of heroin users. However, she found that being herself was the key to landing the role. "Sam was like, 'Okay, say it just like how you would say it.' Then I started talking just like me, and he was like, 'That's so good!'" she recalled.
Her role as Faye, a heroin-addicted character, resonated with fans, with many praising her comedic timing and memorable lines. Interestingly, much of Faye's dialogue was improvised by Cherry herself, with Levinson encouraging her to express herself freely. "Sam would literally just say, 'OK Chloe, say whatever you want.' So, I would just say anything," she explained.
Cherry also starred in a adult film parody of "Euphoria" with an industry friend, showcasing her playful side and love for the show. While some speculated that the parody led to her casting, Cherry clarified that she had been cast months earlier.
Advocating for Sex Workers in Hollywood
Since her role in "Euphoria", Cherry has used her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity in Hollywood, particularly for sex workers. She believes that actors with "non-traditional backgrounds" can bring authenticity and unique perspectives to the industry. "I think Hollywood has learned that you can and should cast sex workers, especially for sex scenes," she asserted. She emphasized the value of actors who have experience with intimacy and believable interactions.
Moving Beyond Adult Films
While Cherry acknowledges and appreciates her past in adult films, she has no plans to return to the industry. She explained that it's "really hard on your body" and that she never intended to pursue it beyond the age of 20. She has expressed a desire to take on diverse acting roles that don't involve on-screen sex. "I want to do any and all roles," she stated. She also finds adult films to have a "surreal" aspect. "I always say porn isn't real sex. It just looks like sex, so we call it sex," she said.
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Future Aspirations
Cherry is eager to explore her potential as an actress, showcasing her "huge, huge range." She is interested in various genres, including crime, horror, and comedy. She expressed a desire to be on the next "American Crime Story" as the criminal and to work with Bo Burnham on a mockumentary. As she remarked later in her chat with Interview, however, self-doubt seemed to be something that she’d managed to conquer. Discussing her future aspiration to take on more acting roles, she declared, "I just want to see what else I can do.
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
Cherry has been open about her struggles with an eating disorder, which she attributes to a comment made by an agent early in her adult film career. She was told she was "fat" at the age of 18, which triggered a period of starvation. After confiding in friends, she was able to overcome the eating disorder.
She has also addressed the attention surrounding her lips, which she enhanced with fillers. While she found it "crazy how many people talk about my lips being so big," she acknowledged the surreal nature of the attention.
Embracing Fashion and Modeling
Cherry's rise to fame has also opened doors in the fashion world. She made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week in 2022, modeling for designer LaQuan Smith. She expressed her gratitude for the experience on Instagram, writing, "I am so deeply grateful and inspired by this experience." She has also signed with a modeling agency, Anti-Agency London, and attended London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week.
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