CHLOE CSENGERY

From Lone Star to Leading Lady

photographer KIMBERLY METZ

stylist JULIA PERRY

makeup & hair TERI GROVES

From her earliest days performing homemade skits in Texas to building a professional acting career in Los Angeles, Chloe Csengery has always followed her creative instincts. Best known for her work in film and television, the actress continues to embrace new challenges while staying grounded in the passion that first drew her to acting as a child. In this exclusive interview with Runway Magazine, Chloe reflects on growing up in the entertainment industry, her dream roles, life between Houston and Los Angeles, and the people and experiences that continue to inspire her journey.

Runway Magazine: Chloe Csengery started acting at a young age. What first inspired you to start acting as a child?

Chloe Csengery: I started acting as a hobby when I was seven years old and began working professionally at nine. It’s kind of funny because growing up in Houston, Texas, everything revolved around sports. My parents tried putting me in just about every sport, but I just couldn’t get into it. Quite frankly, I hated being outside in the heat.

I was a pretty dramatic child, as one can imagine. I was always putting on plays for my family and making videos with my friends. Eventually, my parents thought acting classes would be a good idea. From my very first class, I absolutely fell in love with it and couldn’t get enough.

I had finally found something that allowed me to pour all of my creative energy into something exciting. Little did I know it would eventually become a career. As acting became more serious and I started working on television shows and films, it never stopped feeling fun. Acting is still my favorite activity, and that’s the best part.

Runway Magazine: Your birthday was July 7. Happy belated birthday! How do you usually like to celebrate your special day?

Chloe Csengery: Thank you! I really enjoy being with the people I love. This year was one of the first years I wasn’t celebrating with my family, which was a bit tough. However, having my friends in Los Angeles, who are like family to me, celebrate alongside me made me feel incredibly loved.

My sister even flew out from Texas to be with me, which was very special. She’s the best sister, and she brought me a little piece of home for my birthday.

Runway Magazine: Which three emojis capture the chapter of life you’re in right now, and why?

Chloe Csengery: ❤️ 🌪️ 💻

The red heart represents the love in my life and how grateful I am for everything I have. The swirl represents how life can be a whirlwind, especially as an actress, but that’s part of the beauty of it.

The laptop is an easy choice because I truly can’t go anywhere without it. I’m constantly working, so it has become my right-hand woman.

Runway Magazine: Is there a particular type of character or story you’d love to bring to life on screen—a dream role you haven’t had the chance to play yet?

Chloe Csengery: I love this question! My favorite genres are psychological thrillers and coming-of-age stories, even though they’re very different.

I actually have two dream roles. First, I would love to be in a coming-of-age film like Lady Bird. There’s something so profound about that genre. It captures the human experience in a beautiful and poetic way. I love films that make me feel alive and emotional, and coming-of-age stories always do that for me.

One of the most meaningful aspects of acting is creating a world where people feel connected and understood in ways they may not in everyday life.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I would love to return to my scream queen roots, but with a more psychological twist. Midsommar and Blink Twice stayed with me long after I watched them. The stories that excite me most are the ones that make people both feel and think.

Runway Magazine: What’s one random thing you’ve been passionate about lately—a hobby, show, or even a weird internet rabbit hole?

Chloe Csengery: I just moved, so I’ve been completely immersed in interior design. You can usually find me scrolling through Pinterest or driving to every HomeGoods in my area trying to recreate inspiration photos.

Since most acting work is still done through self-tapes, having a space where I feel comfortable and creative is incredibly important. It’s where I do most of my work, so I want it to feel warm and inviting.

Right now, I’m searching for a large piece of wall art to hang behind my couch. Once I find that, the space will finally feel complete.

Runway Magazine: If you could work with any director or co-star, living or historic, who would be at the top of your list?

Chloe Csengery: That’s such a tough question!

Emma Stone would definitely be at the top of my list. She’s someone I admire tremendously. I love every project she takes on. She’s brilliant in both drama and comedy, and there’s something incredibly captivating about her presence on screen. Learning from her would be a dream.

As for directors, Greta Gerwig and Quentin Tarantino would be incredible. Greta’s work is beautifully grounded and deeply female-centric, which really resonates with me. I’ve also been a fan of Tarantino for years. The worlds he creates are bold, stylized, and completely unique.

I know he’s said he has one final film left, so fingers crossed!

Runway Magazine: You grew up in Houston and now live in Los Angeles. What’s your favorite thing about each place, and is there anything from Houston you miss dearly?

Chloe Csengery: My favorite thing about Houston is, of course, my family and Tex-Mex food. Nothing can beat Texas food.

The first thing I want to do whenever I go home is hug my family and then head straight out for a giant bowl of queso.

What I love most about Los Angeles is how creatively inspired I feel here. It’s a city that constantly pushes me to keep dreaming and working hard toward my goals. And of course, the weather doesn’t hurt either.

I grew up in a small town outside Houston, and I miss that hometown feeling. There’s something special about everyone knowing each other. It creates a sense of comfort and community that can be harder to find in a city as large as Los Angeles.

Runway Magazine: Everyone has that one friend who brings the chaos—in the best way. Who is it for you, and what’s your favorite memory with them?

Chloe Csengery: My best friend, Grace.

She’s hilarious, and I can always count on her to keep me on my toes and make life interesting. Growing up, we spent our time dressing up as different characters and creating music videos, skits, and short films.

Those experiences were really the beginning of my love for acting. We made videos everywhere—inside Blockbuster, during road trips, at parks, grocery stores, literally wherever we could.

She’s still my best friend today and remains one of my biggest supporters.

Runway Magazine: If someone handed you a plane ticket to anywhere in the world with no planning required, where would you go and who would you bring?

Chloe Csengery: Italy, without a doubt.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Amalfi Coast. It’s been on my bucket list for years. With a place that beautiful, I would definitely bring my boyfriend.

Runway Magazine: What’s a common misconception people have about growing up in the acting industry?

Chloe Csengery: I think there can be negative assumptions about growing up in the entertainment industry, especially the idea that young actors miss out on important life experiences.

For me, acting has always been something I genuinely loved, so it never felt like I was sacrificing anything. I’m incredibly grateful to have supportive parents who always believed in me and encouraged me to dream big.

I think one of the most important things is loving and wanting your success more than anyone else wants it for you. The moment you start doing it for someone else, it doesn’t feel right anymore.

The acting industry can absolutely be a difficult place to grow up in. At the same time, it can also be incredibly beautiful if you surround yourself with kind, supportive people who truly care about you.