Candace Kita on Acting, Advocacy, and Breaking Barriers in Hollywood

Interviews, Stories
Candace Kita: Actress, Model, and Advocate

Table of Contents

Introduction

Candace Kita
Candace Kita – Actress, Model, and Advocate.

In February 2025, we had the pleasure of conducting an exclusive interview with Candace Kita, a versatile actress, model, writer, and advocate. With a career spanning film, television, and media, Candace has made a significant impact both on and off the screen. From her extensive acting portfolio to her passionate advocacy for women’s safety, Candace continues to be a force of inspiration in the entertainment industry.

Spotlight on Candace Kita

A Global Upbringing and Early Career

Born in Los Angeles, Candace Kita spent much of her early life abroad, living in England, Belgium, and Texas. She attended prestigious international institutions such as the American School in London and the Antwerp International School in Belgium before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Contemporary Religion. This diverse background helped shape her global perspective, which she carries into her career and advocacy.

Rise in the Entertainment Industry

Candace’s acting journey began in 1991 when she landed a role as a news anchor in Stealth Hunters. She later gained recognition as Barbara Stewart in the TV series Masked Rider, appearing in all 40 episodes. Over the years, she has guest-starred in numerous hit television shows, including The Wayans Bros., Even Stevens, Felicity, V.I.P., Girlfriends, Two and a Half Men, Ugly Betty, According to Jim, Revenge, and Raising Hope. She has also appeared in films such as Barb Wire, The Bad News Bears, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.

Beyond Acting: Writing, Advocacy, and Philanthropy

In addition to her acting career, Candace Kita is a dedicated writer and advocate. She served as the managing editor of VIVA GLAM Magazine, a nationwide women’s lifestyle publication. Passionate about safety and women’s empowerment, she has been a vocal advocate for stronger anti-stalking laws in California. She even authored The Hottie Handbook: A Girl’s Guide to Safety, aiming to educate women on personal safety strategies.

A Musical Talent and Lifelong Learner

Beyond the screen, Candace is also a trained classical flautist, having played for 12 years. During her teenage years, she even performed with the Palm Beach Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Legacy and Influence

Whether in front of the camera, behind the scenes, or championing causes close to her heart, Candace Kita’s legacy continues to grow. Her dedication to storytelling, advocacy, and empowering others makes her a truly inspiring figure in the entertainment industry.

Interview

1. Reflecting on your early years, how did your experiences growing up in various countries, including England, Belgium, and the United States, influence your cultural perspective and approach to your career?
I learned at a very young age that people are very fundamentally the same around these areas of the world. All should be treated with dignity & respect. I take each person I meet in my career on a one-on-one basis—I don’t pre-judge anyone or have any preconceived notions of who they might be.
2. You trained as a classical flautist for 12 years and were invited to play with the Palm Beach Atlantic Symphony Orchestra as a teenager. How has your musical background influenced your acting and modeling pursuits?
3. Transitioning from a classical musician to an actress and model is quite a shift. What motivated you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
4. As a fifth-generation Japanese-American with grandparents who were interned during World War II, how have your family’s experiences shaped your identity and career choices?
I have always said we need to learn from the past lest we make the same mistakes. Their experiences in Manzanar have made me not judge others and I give everyone a chance.
5. You have appeared in various television series, including “Masked Rider,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Ugly Betty.” How did these diverse roles contribute to your development as an actress?
All roles help you whether you are awarded for them or not. All roles “count” and you learn something from every audition.
6. In addition to acting, you’ve worked as a model and have been associated with Benchwarmer trading cards since 2002. How did this collaboration come about, and what has been its impact on your career?
I’ve been friends with Benchwarmer creator Brian Wallos for over 20 years. We met through a mutual friend and I gained so many wonderful friends & fans from Benchwarmer!
7. Serving as the Managing Editor of Viva Glam Magazine, how do you balance your editorial responsibilities with your acting and modeling careers?
I am no longer the managing editor of Viva Magazine. As with everything in life, you have to juggle many balls in the air at once. And I’m thankful for my 7 years working with the magazine.
8. You’ve been a long-time advocate for women’s safety. Can you share what inspired this advocacy and how you’ve been involved in promoting this cause?
When you are in the entertainment industry, you will receive good attention & unwanted attention. I’ve had the honor of working with the LAPD Threat Management Unit to promote this cause to help women from all walks of life, not just in the entertainment industry.
9. Your career spans acting, modeling, editing, and advocacy. How do you navigate these different roles, and what strategies do you employ to manage such a multifaceted career?
Utilize every hour in the day. I am an early riser (4 AM) & have my day scheduled out the night prior. “Don’t just sit there, do something!” lol ☺
10. Reflecting on your journey, what challenges have you faced as an Asian-American woman in the entertainment industry, and how have you overcome them?
There may not always be stereotyping in roles offered, but we’ve come a long way in the past 20 years. I’ve been thankful to work with great people who have given me solid roles.
11. Having worked in both comedic and dramatic roles, how do you approach the different demands of these genres?
Comedy is all about timing. It is almost mathematical. Drama is all about being small. It takes a lifetime to become small.
12. Looking ahead, are there specific projects or roles you aspire to undertake that you feel would further challenge and showcase your talents?
I would like a role utilizing ASL. I’ve had a few already, but would ideally like a larger one.

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