From Chemistry to Slasher Films: Kris Prihodova on Hustling, Horror, and High Fashion

New York's independent film scene is alive and well; there are countless directors, actors and indie-devout film festivals supporting the latest, cutting-edge films. One actor in the thick of the film scene is Kris Prihodova, a Czech-born, New York-based actor and model making waves with lead roles in horror and thriller films. She first began her journey not on a stage, but in a chemistry lab. Her unique trajectory—from science to international runways to gritty film sets—is a testament to discipline, hustle, and an unyielding passion for the craft, having starred in over 20 film projects from 2024 to 2025 and even garnering a supporting actor award from the New Jersey Film Awards.

Prihodova may have studied chemistry, of all things, at Masarykova Univerzita in her native country of Czech Republic, but acknowledges the contrast between past and artistic present.

“Science and art are such different fields and they have nothing in common,” she admits. However, her transition was buffered by a successful modeling career that began during her university years, which led her to walking the runway for high profile fashion designers, like Vera Wang. “Transition from modeling to acting is obviously much easier,” Prihodova explains. “Being used to having a camera in front of your face helps tremendously.”

That comfort in front of the lens became a major asset during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when Prihodova’s acting ambitions crystallized. She began landing major commercial projects for global brands like Klarna, Nespresso, Puma, and Honda, thanks to her ability to nail auditions and her expert networking skills. Despite their high-profile nature, she insists there were no shortcuts, it was all hard work and dedicated focus.

“I wish I had some shortcuts to these great jobs, but I went through auditions as anybody else,” she says. “Commercials are very competitive, you compete with over a hundred people; I'm so proud of each casting I have won; they are usually really quick and you have only a few seconds to give the best impression.”

One of those winning castings placed her opposite Game of Thrones actor Nonso Anozie, a British, Emmy Award-winning, BAFTA-nominated actor, in a memorable Klarna campaign. The experience was a masterclass in spontaneity. “I learned to not be afraid of improvisation,” she recalls. “I could see how relaxed and confident Nonso was, and he was not afraid to try out and test fresh, new approaches to the role we had together.”

Determined to build a sustainable career, Prihodova enrolled in the one-year Conservatory Program in Film Acting at the prestigious New York Film Academy in 2024. The program provided more than just technique; it armed her with a crucial understanding of the industry’s business side.

“Talent alone isn’t enough; you also need to know how to position yourself in the industry,” she notes. One particular class on auditioning proved particularly essential.

“Without mastering auditions, you never even reach the filming stage, so that class felt essential,” she adds.

This all started in Asia, where Prihodova worked as a model for campaigns and fashion designers. Navigating the high-stakes chaos of international fashion weeks was no easy feat. Her experience walking for world-renowned designers like Vera Wang in Shanghai, Elisabetta Franchi and Vietnamese powerhouse Chung Thanh Phong taught her invaluable lessons in poise under pressure.

“Fashion shows are a highly stressful environment and people seated in the front row have no idea the chaos that goes on backstage,” she says. “Everyone runs around... and then in one second – you put on a calm, confident face and walk into the lights, showcasing the latest fashion design that can change a season’s looks and influence pop culture. Acting is sometimes the same. Often, you don’t have much time to prepare; just like actors are expected to jump into acting any second.”

Today, Prihodova is channeling that focus into a series of compelling film roles. She plays the lead in director, artist and fashion designer Payton North's upcoming film Found You, a story about a lonely hacker who finds love amidst a digital war. “The plot dives deep into emotional intimacy and the risks we take when letting someone in,” she said, as the film gears up for a 2026 release date.

Prihodova has explored the creative freedom of experimental films like "Insomnia" and embraced her tough side in the gangster movie "Blood & Ice," where she plays a Russian sniper. While she is used to horror, action films show a different side of her talents. “I must admit that doing scenes in action films is challenging and exhausting, especially if you carry a heavy [prop] gun,” Prihodova says of the role.

Her versatility has already earned her accolades, including a Best Supporting Actor award at the New Jersey Film Awards 2025 for her role in the short film "Anya."

When asked about her inspirations, Prihodova points to actors known for their transformative range and subtle power. “One of my favorite actors is Stanley Tucci; I’ve always admired how incredibly versatile he is,” she says, citing his ability to move from a disturbing role in The Lovely Bones to a charming one in The Devil Wears Prada.

From the laboratory to the limelight, Kris Prihodova’s journey is a powerful blend of pragmatism and passion. With a growing list of complex roles and the unshakeable poise of a runway veteran, she is an artist who understands that in acting, as in science, true discovery often comes from bold experimentation.

She credits her skills, which were developed at the NYFA, which go far beyond acting. “What made the program really stand out was that it wasn’t only focused on acting techniques, but also on the business side of the industry,” said Prihodova. “We learned how to build our personal brand, approach marketing as an actor, and understand what it truly means to navigate this profession as a career. That part was incredibly valuable, because talent alone isn’t enough, you also need to know how to position yourself in the industry.”

Follow Kris Prihodova on Instagram @kris_prihodova.