On the Emmy-winning Disney+ hit Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Dior Goodjohn flexes her star power playing Ares’ daughter Clarisse La Rue, a demigod and the fiery rival of the title character.
Born in Santa Monica, Goodjohn played the young Santana on Glee in 2013, and she’s also starred in Raven’s Home, Head of the Class, and Nickelodeon’s reboot of Are You Afraid of the Dark? The on-the-rise singer-songwriter has pursued musical aspirations, too, starting with her debut single “Focus” in 2024, and she says there’s more music in the works.
Until then, Goodjohn sings the praises of her sunny home state, from its diverse communities to its cool shopping options and unbeatable multicultural cuisine.
Where do you live? Right now I travel all over the world for work, but home is home—I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I spent a big part of my childhood in West Hollywood.
Why there? My mom wanted to be close to her job, but she also wanted me to grow up in a community that didn’t center race or judge people for who they love. West Hollywood had that energy. I went to West Hollywood Elementary, and it really shaped how I see community.
Who or what is your greatest California love? Honestly all the pockets—every neighborhood has its own vibe. I love that you can always find your people here. It’s so diverse that even if you’re from somewhere else, you can find something familiar and not feel alone.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we’re all materialistic, snobby, and living in a fantasy world. California definitely has its own sunshine bubble, but true L.A. natives are usually the opposite—loyal, grounded, and real.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Community Goods or Erewhon … I hate to admit it, but it’s the truth.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? If I want something cute and easy, I’ll go down to San Diego. If I need a reset, Joshua Tree. And if I want my “ski moment,” I’m going to Mammoth to snowboard with friends.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? A MadChip cookie from Erewhon, Teddy’s Red Tacos, or a proper beef combo from Quarters Korean BBQ. Also, the chow mein from Vegan Glory or the steak breakfast burrito from Coffee MCO. All good, always a vibe.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Simple: wake up to the sun, go for a matcha or coffee, move my body, and make art. My best days in L.A. are hitting the gym, studio, and creating something I’m proud of. The city’s energy really feeds that.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? If I’m being hands-on, I’m going to Santee Alley to hunt for fabrics and pieces I can build a look from. If I want ready-to-wear, I’m hitting Melrose—Wasteland, Jet Rag, and honestly the Nordstrom at The Grove.
Best California song? Not a song that literally talks about California, but for the vibe: “We Can Freak It” by Kurupt, “All About U” by Tupac, or “Ain’t No Fun” by Snoop and Dre. Now, I could list a whole bunch of other artists and songs that capture the vibe of California that I grew up with. Prime examples of that would be “3005” by Childish Gambino, anything off the Flower Boy album by Tyler, The Creator, or honestly anything made by Odd Future.
But I remember the first time my dad put me on to Dogg Pound records it was just pure nostalgia. It encapsulated what I feel like was peak culture in L.A. and made me feel really proud to be from California.
How would your California dream day unfold? I wake up, music blasting, affirmations said, sun shining. If I’m in West Hollywood, I’m walking to Community Goods by the Pacific Design Center. If I’m by the beach, I’m going to Alfalfa near Venice for a cookie and a matcha.
Then I’m driving with the windows down, skin warm from the sun on my face—mine or my friends’ unreleased songs playing. Honestly, big obnoxious with how loud I am, but enjoying the fact that not everybody is out and about yet and just letting the city breathe for a minute.
Next: gym with my trainer Babak. Shower, reset. Then Erewhon or Whole Foods for sushi because I’m trying to protein-max, haha.
After that, straight to the studio—make something positively fire. Go dance—meet my girl in Studio City. We either get mango sticky rice on Ventura or go to Quarters for Korean BBQ. If it’s mango sticky rice, we’ll eat it at a lookout point in the hills behind her place.
Then I go home: candle on, loooong shower, journal, pray. Maybe a little something on Disney+. And I’m asleep.