Young actor Kai To is quickly emerging as one of Hollywood’s most promising new talents. Best known for his standout role as Kai in the Netflix and Canal+ original series On the Verge, where he stars alongside Julie Delpy, Elisabeth Shue, and Giovanni Ribisi, Kai’s natural charisma and emotional depth have captured the industry’s attention.
His growing filmography includes notable appearances in Apple TV+’s anthology Little America, the indie film Take the Night — portraying the young Robert Cheng opposite Sam Li — and The Inheritance. He has also shared sets with acclaimed names like Taika Waititi, Idris Elba, Jonah Hill, and Keanu Reeves, proving his versatility and professionalism at a young age.
Beyond the screen, Kai has starred in major advertising campaigns for Nike, Walmart, Liberty Mutual, and Hampton Inn & Suites, showcasing the same effortless charm that defines his performances. His love for acting began during childhood visits to Disneyland, where the magic of immersive storytelling inspired him to take the stage at just five years old — a role he still fondly remembers as Michael in Peter Pan.
Now balancing his passion for acting with interests like parkour, reading, travel, and food exploration, Kai To stands out as a name to watch — a multifaceted performer ready to define the next generation of Hollywood storytelling.
You started acting at a very young age and have already shared the screen with some of the biggest names in film. How do you balance learning with so much experience gathered in such a short time?
I’ve been really lucky to work with some amazing actors. When I was younger, I didn’t even realize how big some of them were! I’ve learned a lot just by watching them and seeing how they work. On set, we do lots of takes so just trying different things and giving the director options. On set, I have a set teacher, and my mom helps keep me on track with school. Even though I’ve done quite a few projects already, I’m still learning all the time and trying to soak everything in. Every project is different, and I’m always trying to get better and have fun with it too!
Your passion for acting began at Disneyland, surrounded by fantasy and characters. How does that childhood memory still influence the artist you are today?
Disneyland was where it all kind of started for me. My mom use to take me there several times a week and I would love seeing the plays and the performances. I just remember being really little and totally amazed by all the characters and how real everything felt. It made me want to be a part of that magic. I think that memory still sticks with me because I always try to bring that same excitement and imagination into every role I play. When I am working on auditions, my mom would sometimes reference Disneyland and how I would feel on certain rides or incidences. It reminds me to have fun and keep dreaming big, no matter what the project is.
In On the Verge, you play a character that has caught the industry’s attention. What stood out to you the most about that project, and how did it shape your perspective on working in an international series?
I loved being on set for On the Verge—I didn’t want it to end! When it was over, I was honestly really sad. The character I played was super mischievous, which was so much fun because I got to say and do things my mom would never allow at home! I got to be this wild kid who talked back and even said a bad word. It really let me let loose and have fun with the role. It was also amazing to be part of an international series where both French and English were spoken on set. That was such a cool experience. I even ended up going on vacation to Paris, and Ms. Julie Delpy gave me tips on places to visit! Before the trip, I used Duolingo to learn some basic French, which definitely helped.
In Little America on Apple TV+, you took part in a story that explores identity, immigration, and dreams. What moved you the most about that experience, and how was it to bring such an emotional story to life?
Being part of Little America was really special. The story was emotional, and even though I’m still young, I could really feel how important it was. My dad is an immigrant, and his family had to overcome a lot of obstacles to come to the United States. On my mom’s side, her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents also had to make big sacrifices to get here. Just imagine coming to a country where you don’t speak the language or understand the culture—it’s scary and crazy. But now, both sides of my family work hard and continue to give back to this country. It was truly an honor to be part of a story that shows how strong and brave families can be.
You’ve worked with acclaimed names like Taika Waititi and Keanu Reeves. Is there any advice, moment, or behind-the-scenes memory from those experiences that has stayed with you?
Be yourself! When I met Taika Waititi, I had no idea he was such a big part of the Marvel universe—and I’ve seen all the Marvel movies! I actually recognized him from Free Guy, which is another movie I love. I just kept asking him if he was really the guy from Free Guy because I couldn’t believe he was standing right in front of me. He was so much fun and he’s so cool too! He even saw me playing with my new Mandalorian toy and told me he worked on that too! He’s so talented. And Keanu Reeves—he’s seriously one of the nicest people ever. I’m a big fan because I love The Matrix, so of course I had to ask him how he did the famous scene where he bends back. He’s so cool, and just getting to talk with him was something I’ll never forget.
Beyond acting, you’ve also been featured in major ad campaigns. How do you navigate between the world of film and the advertising universe, which demand such different types of expression and energy?
Commercials and films definitely feel different, but I’ve learned to have fun with both! In film or TV, I get to be in character and really explore the role and become a different person. But in commercials, it is lots of energy and it is quick because the commercials take 1 day to a few days only.
It’s a fun challenge, and switching between the two keeps things exciting! Both very different and I enjoy both.
Between parkour, traveling, and reading, you seem to live with curiosity and enthusiasm. How do these experiences outside the set feed your creativity and help you build your characters?
I think doing things like parkour, traveling, and reading really helps me as an actor. With parkour, I’ve learned how to use my body in different ways, which is super helpful when I’m doing more action scenes. I also skateboard and ride my hoverboard. Traveling has opened my eyes to new people, places, and cultures. It helps me understand different kinds of characters. My favorite place so far is Japan—it was so much fun, and the food was amazing! Reading is also one of my favorite things because it lets me imagine different worlds in my head. When I read, I think about how I’d play the characters. My favorite books are the Harry Potter series. They’re so good, and I’ve read them so many times! All of these things help me be more creative.
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