In Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel, Danielle Chand brings Shannon to life as a character defined by warmth, loyalty, and emotional support during a formative chapter in Elle Woods’ life. In this interview, the actress reflects on the excitement of stepping into such a beloved universe, the fun of immersing herself in the 1990s aesthetic, and the way her own experiences with resilience and self-belief continue to shape her artistic path.
You are having an important moment in your career with Elle, the highly anticipated Legally Blonde prequel. What was it like to learn that you would be playing Shannon in such a beloved universe?
Oh my gosh! I was in disbelief because it is such a loved universe that it just didn’t feel real! I was with my acting class at the time and just started crying haha. I was just so happy!
Shannon is described as a ray of sunshine in rainy Seattle and someone who takes Elle under her wing during a formative time in her life. What drew you most to this character?
Shannon is the friend that everyone should have in their life. She will go to the end of the Earth for the people she loves and I love the dynamic that her and Elle have!
The series is set in the 1990s, in a world shaped by grunge and a very specific aesthetic. What was it like to immerse yourself in that era while building your performance?
I think it was so fun getting to see all the fashion, all the sets and props. I remember trying on so many clothing pieces and being like “wow this is so different!” All of those factors really help getting into character too, like just being in a world that is different from modern day locks me into Shannon mode!
Elle revisits the younger years of a character audiences already know and love. How do you see both the responsibility and the fun of helping shape that backstory?
Well, the Elle Woods we see in the movie had to get her inspiring confidence from somewhere! In the show, we get to see young Elle navigate the struggles of going to a new high school. It’s the first time she has to be in a new environment where some of her peers aren’t exactly the most welcoming. It forces her to work through challenges she hasn’t had to deal with before and it’s a glimpse into the world of how Elle became our beloved Elle Woods of “Legally Blonde” and how she was able to take on the challenges of law school. We owed it to her character and to the fans to make sure we honored the girl power and strength that Elle carries within her.
Your background includes improv, theater, and training in film, television, and voice. How have those different experiences helped shape the artist you are today?
Oh, they have all come into play when it comes to my work. Improv is so necessary; there are many times when you need to improvise on set. Maybe something falls that wasn’t supposed to or a cue never happens, and you have to just roll with it. Theatre is great because it teaches how to perform in front of a large audience, project your voice, and use your full body. Film and TV are similar where you are still performing in front of people but they are also looking for a lot more things technically. Lighting, hair/makeup, certain cues. And then also being able to do multiple takes and find that emotionality every time. Voice and movement training has been crucial as well. If I feel my body or voice tense, I have my ways to loosen up so my body is prepared to do the work. And there’s still so much more to learn as well. I love being a sponge and soaking up all the knowledge I can really understand the craft and be as prepared as possible.
You’ve spoken about believing that there are still many stories left to be told. What kinds of stories are you most interested in being part of at this stage of your career?
I really love it when TV and Film emulate real life, real things. There’s something to be said when you’re watching a show or movie, and something in it just clicks for you. I want everyone to feel that in the work that I do.
Beyond acting, your connection to Vancouver Children’s Hospital adds a very personal dimension to your story. How have life experiences like that influenced the way you think about purpose, art, and the future?
Having to get spinal correction surgery at 14 years old really made me think about my life at a young age. I also saw how scared my parents and family were. It really taught me that some things are just not in your control and I had to make a choice; to be scared and let that take over or just really trust that I was in the best hands and tell myself and my parents that I knew I was going to be okay.
That mindset stuck with me. I didn’t want my back to define what I could or couldn’t do physically. I even did cheerleading in University which was super frustrating in the beginning. And also maybe a little more dangerous because of the hardware in my back. But I was like “nah I still want to do it.”
Honestly, that mindset really does translate to my art and how I see the future. Just to really trust the process and believe in yourself.
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