Danielle Chand Opens Up in LO'AMMI's 'The Last Frame'

As The Last Frame, we ask artists, actors, musicians, and creatives to reflect on the moments, memories, and obsessions shaping their world right now. Here, actress Danielle Chand, the breakout star of Amazon Prime Video’s Elle, shares hers…

The last moment in my life that genuinely felt surreal...

I would say booking Elle last year. It really made my dream as an actor come true. It was my first booking, and I remember my agent calling me to tell me the news. I had done the callback over Zoom that day and was in acting class when she called me. My classmates knew I was waiting to hear back, and then my agent called. I stepped outside because I didn’t know what to expect. She told me I booked it, and I immediately ran back into class and told everyone. Logically, I knew it was real, but it truly felt like a “pinch me” moment.

Something about filming Elle that will last with me...

It being my first acting gig will always be so special. I never imagined my first booking would involve such a huge and iconic franchise, and that Reese Witherspoon, HelloSunshine, and Amazon would be at the forefront of it all. The cast and crew were also so lovely to me, and so understanding that it was my first booking. I really felt taken care of and supported the entire time.

The last place in Vancouver I ate at that I immediately want to go back to...

My mom and I went to Nightingale for mother’s day. It was small plates and the dishes that really stood out to us were their Argentinian prawns and their seared Albacore tuna. I also love this sushi place called Shizenya, the vibe and sushi they offer are more elevated than a typical sushi restaurant and they have a ton of gluten free options for me which I appreciate as a celiac. 

A recent moment where I felt completely free...

I recently helped my friend with an audition. We work in a restaurant together and she had the opening manager shift so we got together pretty early and before the restaurant opened. I woke up with puffy, tired eyes and just slapped on some eye mask patches, hopped in my uber and walked into my workplace completely undone. It was really nice to just not care at all how I looked. Especially in an environment where I always try to look my best. There were other staff, managers and friends of mine there doing their opening tasks and I was just there in my eye patches.

What I've had on repeat lately...

Billie Eilish’s album Happier Than Ever. Or Aurora’s song “Some Type of Skin”

The last thing I did just for myself...

Recently I’ve been waking up feeling pretty stiff and groggy, so the other day I just had enough and I took 10 minutes to stretch on my yoga mat. Yoga with Kassandra is my go to when I need a quick body wake up. It was simple, but it helped to listen to my body before jumping into my day.

The last role, performance, or film that reminded me why storytelling matters...

I’m obsessed with the show “From.” All of the actors are incredible. But Scott McCord, who plays Victor, has really stood out to me. His performance always leaves me wanting more. His portrayal of Victor who is a very traumatized character has so many layers. He struggles but he’s also intuitive, playful, vulnerable, terrified, and strong. In one episode, my heart can break for him and also be proud of him. The characterization is just beautifully done and is truly inspiring. 

The last experience that taught me something new about myself emotionally...

I moved out from my mom’s place last year and have learned lots about myself. I always appreciated everything she did for me when I was living with her, but I appreciate her even more now that I have had a taste of what it’s like to do all the responsible adult things on my own as opposed to just helping out whenever I could.

The last film or series that completely pulled me into its world and made me forget everything else for a while...

Other than "From," a show I always go back to when I just want to laugh is "New Girl." It never gets old for me and I just love it so much. It’s my “feel good” show for sure.

Something people would be surprised to learn about me outside of acting...

I’m very social and always on the go, but give me a puzzle and I won’t move for hours. The bigger, the better—I even glue and hang them once I’m done.

The last thing that made me feel proud of how far I’ve come...

When I started acting, I could barely look at my self-tapes. I feel like watching yourself on tape for any actor is a journey in itself to overcome. But recently, I was out with my mom and I had taped an audition earlier that day and genuinely felt proud to show her. She told me that she had really seen my growth through watching it and saw how comfortable I was. It was so nice to hear.

What feels most important to me right now, in this exact season of my life...

Finding balance—taking care of myself, getting enough rest, staying active, and stepping into this new chapter as my partner and I move into our forever home.

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Photo by 

Kristine Cofsky

Makeup and hair by 

Molly Etherington

Styling by 

Mahkeebah Fleming