Kynlee Heiman booked her feature film and major role debut playing Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which is based on the bestselling children’s book by Barbara Robinson. Working with a cast including Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright and Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, Kynlee reunited with her fellow cast members for the film’s premiere last year, and she was directed by Dallas Jenkins. Amongst Kynlee’s further projects, she has worked on the short films Building Blocks, Red Lilies and Sally, Get the Potatoes, and alongside acting, she is an artistic gymnast, competes in beauty pageants, and has walked in fashion weeks. We found out from Kynlee about booking her first feature film and major role in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, playing Gladys in the film release and being an artistic gymnast.

For your first feature film release, you played Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, can you tell us about the film and your character?

The film is such a fun and heartwarming story about a small town putting on a Christmas pageant that turns out to be anything but traditional! I played Gladys, the youngest Herdman sibling, who is wild, energetic, and completely unpredictable. She brings so much chaos but also ends up sharing a really powerful message. I loved every second of being her!

What was Gladys like to play and how was it being directed by Dallas Jenkins?

Gladys was so much fun! She’s loud, fearless, and always running or yelling – which is kind of perfect for me because I have a lot of energy. Working with Dallas Jenkins was amazing. He made me feel so supported on set and helped me find moments in the script where I could really connect with Gladys.

What was it like on set of a Christmas film and working alongside your fellow cast members, which include Judy Greer, Pete Holmes and Molly Belle Wright?

It felt magical! Everything looked so festive, and the atmosphere was full of laughter. Judy Greer and Pete Holmes were hilarious and kind, and Molly Belle became such a good friend, she is so sweet and an amazing actress.

How was it having Gladys as your first major role in a feature film and what do you feel you’ve learnt from the project?

Having Gladys as my first major role was such a dream. She taught me to be bold, trust my instincts, and not be afraid to go big with a character. I also learned how important teamwork is on a film set. Everyone – from the camera crew to the costume team – helps bring the story to life.

Do you have any favourite highlights from working on the film that you can share?

One of my favourite memories was filming the big pageant scene! There were so many kids, fun costumes, and we had to do a lot of takes because we couldn’t stop laughing. Also, meeting the real-life author’s family was so special – they were super supportive.

How did you find the experience attending the film’s premiere and watching The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for the first time?

It was surreal! Seeing myself on the big screen was such a crazy and exciting moment. The best part was getting to watch it with my family and the rest of the cast – we all dressed up and took a million photos.

Can you tell us about some of the short films you’ve been part of such as Building Blocks, Red Lilies, and Sally, Get the Potatoes?

Each short film was unique! Building Blocks was very emotional – I played a girl trying to hold her family together. Red Lilies was mysterious and had beautiful scenery. And Sally, Get the Potatoes was just super silly and fun. I love how short films let you try out different kinds of stories.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

I think I was born performing! It all started when I got involved in pageants and was put on stage in front of people and then I got into modelling and eventually started auditioning for films. I love stepping into different characters’ shoes and sharing their stories with others.

Alongside acting, you are an artistic gymnast; what do you enjoy most about gymnastics?

Gymnastics makes me feel strong and confident. I love pushing myself to learn new skills and the feeling of flying through the air. It’s also helped me with acting, especially with stage presence and discipline.

Do you have a favourite apparatus and what has been the hardest skill to learn so far?

My favourite apparatus is the uneven bars – I love how it feels to swing and fly between the bars! It’s challenging but so much fun, and it feels almost like flying. The hardest skill I’ve had to learn so far is the clear hip circle – it took a lot of patience and practice, but finally getting it was the best feeling ever!

How often do you train in gymnastics and when did you start?

I train about five days a week, depending on my schedule with acting. I started when I was around four years old and haven’t stopped since!

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch, and gymnasts to support?

I love watching the movie about Simone Biles, or the Nadia movie. For gymnasts, I look up to Simone Biles – she is so inspiring both on and off the mat.

Having also competed in beauty pageants and walked in fashion weeks, what are these like to do?

They’re both so fun and totally different from acting or gymnastics. Pageants help with confidence and public speaking, and fashion weeks are all about poise and showing off amazing outfits. I’ve met so many talented people through both!

How do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not training or filming, I love to spend time with my family and support my brothers in their sports.

What are you hoping 2025 brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I’m really excited for 2025! I hope it brings more acting opportunities, maybe a lead role in a drama or even voice acting. I do have a couple of short film projects and auditions lined up.

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