Podcrushed Episode Summary: Candace King Release Date: June 25, 2025
Introduction to Candace King Timestamp: [00:02] - [03:54]
In this episode of Podcrushed, hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kaplan, and Sophie Ansari welcome Candace King, an accomplished actress known for her roles on The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Dead Girl, as well as her upcoming show We Were Liars streaming on Amazon Prime. The hosts set a lighthearted tone, discussing summer jams and sharing a few laughs before diving into the main conversation.
Candace’s Early Life and Pop Star Aspirations Timestamp: [05:02] - [07:38]
Candace King reminisces about her formative years, beginning at age 12 during her middle school years. She shares her experience as part of a girl group named Girl Zone, performing Cover songs like the Spice Girls' hits and engaging in dance classes and competitive cheerleading. Reflecting on her childhood, Candace says:
"My whole life was music. So I was just becoming an international pop star one Girl Zone rehearsal at a time." ([05:10])
She discusses the hard work involved and her fondness for those carefree years despite the occasional embarrassment over old performances.
Family Dynamics: Supportive Parents and Sibling Relationships Timestamp: [08:03] - [13:05]
Candace delves into her family background, highlighting the supportive nature of her parents—her mother, an environmental engineer turned stay-at-home mom, and her father, a thoracic heart surgeon approaching retirement. They valued education and professional achievements, providing a stable foundation for Candace's artistic pursuits. She reflects on the evolving relationship with her parents as her acting career progressed:
"They were terrified when I mentioned... I booked a pilot, and it's like this vampire show, they were like, do you need to come home?" ([09:00])
Candace also touches on her role as the eldest sibling, often taking on a "mom-like" role within her friend group and family. She shares humorous anecdotes about coordinating activities and ensuring everyone’s well-being, paralleling her earlier experiences of traveling and performing.
Transition to Acting and The Vampire Diaries Timestamp: [13:05] - [23:30]
Transitioning from her early music career, Candace recounts how she shifted her focus to acting after a detour in the pop music industry. Despite initial fears and a record deal that ultimately did not take off, her stint as a backup singer for Miley Cyrus inspired her to pursue acting more seriously. This led to her landing the role of Carolyn Forbes on The Vampire Diaries.
Candace shares insights into the intense filming environment, including performing stunts and working with actual wolves on set:
"We had wolves at one point. That was scary... There were some [wolves], but..." ([22:33])
She emphasizes the camaraderie among the cast and crew, making her time on the show some of her most cherished professional memories.
Balancing Work and Family Life Timestamp: [27:20] - [41:04]
Candace discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding acting career with family life. She highlights the importance of maintaining close relationships with friends and colleagues outside the public eye, attributing her ability to stay grounded to the supportive network she built during her time in Atlanta, where The Vampire Diaries was primarily filmed.
Reflecting on her personal growth, Candace speaks about prioritizing family moments, such as picking up her children from school and involving herself in their lives despite the hectic schedule of filming.
Current Projects: We Were Liars Timestamp: [47:04] - [66:24]
Candace introduces her new project, We Were Liars, an adaptation of the bestselling book. She reveals that the series aims to stay faithful to the source material while expanding on characters and the backstory of the Sinclair family. Filmed in Nova Scotia, the show captures the affluent and secretive atmosphere of Beechwood Island, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the characters beyond the book.
"You will be transported to Beechwood Island. You will fall in love with Gat alongside Cadence." ([60:10])
Candace expresses excitement about the potential for multiple seasons, hinting at further adaptations of subsequent books in the series. She also shares her favorite aspects of playing Bess Sinclair, including the opulent setting and the dynamic interactions with co-stars:
"We were just bickering and like swirling our fake wines and like, you know, gallivanting in the sunset..." ([62:15])
Personal Insights and Lessons Timestamp: [66:20] - [71:14]
In a reflective segment, Candace offers wisdom she’d share with her younger self. Embracing a mantra of “it’s not that serious,” she encourages her 12-year-old self to let go of the constant worry about others’ opinions and to focus on being authentic and surrounding herself with supportive people.
"Just hang out with those are your people then like, that's okay." ([70:07])
Candace emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in one’s own journey, lessons she believes are invaluable for anyone navigating the complexities of adolescence or adulthood.
Closing Remarks Timestamp: [71:14] - [73:45]
As the episode wraps up, Candace expresses heartfelt thanks to the hosts for their kindness and the inspiring nature of Podcrushed. Hosts and guest share light-hearted moments reminiscing about past experiences and humorous personal stories, leaving listeners with a wholesome and uplifting conclusion.
"It's so fun and like... you keep it so fun with everything you do and it's just like such a breath of fresh air." ([72:00])
Candace encourages listeners to watch We Were Liars on Amazon Prime and stay connected through her online platforms.
Conclusion
This episode of Podcrushed offers an intimate glimpse into Candace King’s journey from a middle school pop star to a beloved actress, highlighting her dedication, resilience, and the unwavering support of her family. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Candace imparts valuable lessons on balancing career aspirations with personal life, embracing authenticity, and navigating the complexities of fame. Whether you're a fan of her work or seeking inspiration from her story, this episode delivers heartfelt insights and relatable narratives that resonate with anyone experiencing the trials and triumphs of teenage and adult life.