Joining an incredible cast alongside Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, Lio Tipton delivers a standout performance in Love Hurts. Out now, the action film centers on Marvin (Ke Huy Quan), a former assassin-turned-realtor whose past catches up with him when an old partner resurfaces with a cryptic message. Tipton adds humor and heart to the high-stakes thriller, proving once again that there is more than meets the eye after a memorable turn on America’s Next Top Model.
How does it feel when you’re gearing up for a project like this film, and it finally comes out into the world?
“It’s such a strange experience, honestly, because you always film it a year or two or three earlier. It’s like a little family reunion. It’s exciting to finally see it all come together. The crew and filmmakers put so much work into it. So many long nights. It turns out to be a really lovely celebration that sneaks up on you.”
You had to do quite a bit of press for it. Do you enjoy that part of it?
“It’s not not enjoyable. I feel like it’s always a muscle that I have to remember how to use again. It’s just a completely different side of the job. And I don’t think one that most people can say they are prepared for—ever. When I’m on set, I get to work as the character. In press, I’m no longer the character. I’m talking about the character, so it really has to do with also representing myself, which I feel like is a much more stressful thing than just doing my job embodying the character.”
Your character has some humor, some laughs, but it’s also a lot of action. How did you get into the mindset to do all of it?
“I don’t want to say wing it…but it has to do with collecting the energy that is there. Thankfully, for Love Hurts, the crew and the cast were so collaborative and open that it was really easy to launch. She’s a fun character, so it wasn’t too stressful. Although I think I had moments of stress about improv and the comedy since it’s a muscle I hadn’t flexed for a while. Because of how lovely Ke was, and Jojo, the director, they were all just so kind and patient that any stress about that really rolled right off from the first day.”
As a model, you must know all the great cleansers. What are some beauty products that help you go from your character back to your normal life?
“Well, honestly, I have cystic acne, so I use a 10% face wash with benzoyl peroxide and an over-the-counter lotion. It’s always nice to remove makeup—especially getting out of a character. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to try the anti-aging beauty products with retinol and things like that, and I can’t do any of it. It doesn’t work with the medicated face wash. I’ve really had to adapt to what my skin is yearning for.
In my every day, I love Egyptian Magic, which I use constantly. I like to mix it with some sort of stain or tint for blush. It’s great. It’s extremely easy and refreshing and quick.”
That’s a great hack. What are you excited for now that the film is out?
“I have a few projects coming up. I have an indie film that I’m very excited about, which is filming in New York. The filmmakers are New York art house film directors. To go from a project such as Love Hurts into more of that indie space that I have made most of my career off of is very exciting. I love intimate crews. I’m also doing a short film out in New York. That’s what I’m looking forward to: some writing and some music in combination. I’m looking forward to enjoying New York in the spring.”
