Meet Lori Phun of Windsor Ontario, Canada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Phun

Hi Lori, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m 17 years old, born and raised in Ontario, Canada. I’m a film actor and a singer/songwriter, and a lot of my progress in these fields has been about being in the right place at the right time. Both acting and music came into my life simultaneously. At six, I was scouted by an acting agency on the streets of downtown Toronto, which led me to start with commercial roles and print ads. Over time, I worked with different agencies and landed more roles in film.

When it comes to music, it’s hard to pinpoint when I decided to pursue it—it just feels like it’s always been a part of me. My grandpa and mom both dreamed of being singers, so maybe I’m just destined to be their “third time’s a charm.” Jokes aside, I started playing piano at six and did some musical theater in elementary school. However, I didn’t really dive into songwriting until the 2020 quarantine. That time alone helped me discover more about myself through writing.

I reconnected with an old friend, David Solomon, who’s a producer and guitarist, and we formed a band called “Lori & David.” We released our debut song, “Thinkin Bout You,” in August 2023, followed by a few more tracks, including our latest, “FOCUS/NEVER HURT YOUR SOUL.” I also perform at events with my province’s police departments, sometimes singing the national anthem or just adding some musical spice to the event with David.

I feel lucky to do two things I love—acting and singing—at the same time. I couldn’t have done it without my supportive parents. Love you mom, dad!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Facing rejection from a young age has helped me smooth out the bumps along the way. It’s taught me that there’s always another chance to audition and another door to open. The industry is full of competition, but the real challenge is dealing with the mind tricks. Self-doubt is something everyone experiences, and I’m still working on it.

As an actress, I’ve learned not to take things too personally. When I enter an audition, I try to make the character my own for those 10 minutes. If I don’t get the part, it’s just because they had a different vision in mind—not because my interpretation was wrong. Art is subjective.

Music is a bit more challenging because my voice feels like a vulnerable part of me. If it reaches the wrong people, I focus on finding the right audience. Rejection is just redirection.

I’m about to enter my senior year of high school, and balancing my career with school can be tricky. Fortunately, I have friends who encourage me to keep going. As for university, I’m not entirely sure what’s next. I feel like I should be more anxious, but maybe my patience with uncertainty is a lesson from my career. If everything were easy, pigs would fly.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Some of the more notable films I’ve worked on include Level 16, The Suitcase (my first movie), Odd Squad, and a new project airing in October 2024. During the second half of 11th grade, I discovered a passion for filmmaking in my film class, particularly enjoying directing and screenwriting. I plan to dive deeper into movie making in the future.

I love every song I release, but my favorite has to be my debut single, “Thinkin Bout You.”
(Band name: Lori & David) I first performed it at my school’s talent show on Valentine’s Day, which inspired me to release it. What started as a song about young love and school crushes now feels more like a nostalgic memory of simpler times.

What sets me apart is how I engage with my audiences, both on and off the stage. For example, when we released the Hey, Archie! EP on Valentine’s Day, I put sticky notes with a chocolate heart and a link to the EP on everyone’s lockers. Despite some challenges with the school office and complaints about too much sugar, many students loved it. It was a lot of work but a great experience, and it’s a story I’ll always cherish.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I traveled to LA this summer on my way to attending summer school at Harvard in Boston. LA has a unique energy—buzzing with hopes and dreams, likely because so many people believe it can advance their artistic careers. And who can blame them? It has been done before! But while I appreciate LA’s vibe, nothing can beat my hometown. I’m a homebody who treasures my childhood memories, and it’s hard to find that same sense of home anywhere else, even in beautiful Los Angeles.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriphun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.phun.7
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@loriphun
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lori-phun
• Other: https://linktr.ee/loriphun