1. While filming Albino Farm how were you impacted personally from the story that it’s portraying?
Yes, I have always felt like an ostracized outsider. Looking back, I definitely see the connection I have to the character and story. Growing up, and even still, I had trouble fitting in and was always considered an outcast by the majority of my peers. I always felt ugly and fat during those years- probably because I was called ugly and fat by my “friends” and peers- and I still have trouble with my confidence at times. When I see old pictures of myself, I realize that I was not the slightest bit overweight and definitely not ugly, just exotic looking. Kids can be really cruel, but they are just kids trying to figure out their place in life. As I became an adult and started modeling and acting, I still have to deal with some people treating me like I have no idea what I am doing or that I am not good enough for one reason or another. It is really difficult and at times, very annoying, but I keep true to myself.
2. How did you get started acting?
I was in theater, tap, ballet, and choir until I was in high school, so performing was always part of my life. I started modeling when I was a teenager because I was tall and willing to cut all my hair off and bleach it platinum blonde. From modeling, I received offers in student projects, music videos, and short films. I met Ramzi Abed, and he offered me a part in his film, The Devil’s Muse, as the mutilated corpse of the Black Dahlia. He liked me, so also offered me a brief role in the same film as Rose, a naive young girl hoping to become a famous actress. From there, I received a role in The Rocketz KILLING video. Literally the next day, I was in another Abed film, In a Spiral State, as Marlena, a drug addled, murderous model. A few months later, I landed the role of Pig Bitch in Albino Farm. From then on, it has been non-stop.
3. Do you feel that you are much like the character that you played? (Physically, personality, etc.)
Yes, I can relate to Pig Bitch in many ways. I was very frustrated and angry during filming which worked well because I used those emotions for my performance. During Albino Farm, I was not treated like the other actors. In fact, they were called the “real” actors, and apparently I was relegated to background actor, or less. I was never invited out with them, or allowed to sit with them, or meet up with them off set. All of the cast and most of the crew received special “director” chairs with their names on them, but I did not get one. That was only one of many injustices that ensued.
I felt ugly and relegated to being an outsider because here were these people that were the “real actors” and doted upon and admired for their talent, good looks, and being special, and again, I was the ugly outsider and freak. I was definitely not appreciated, even though I had to wear heavy prosthetic makeup for almost 14 hours a day, for three weeks straight, and ended up with a severe case viral pharyngitis that landed me in the emergency room. It was very hurtful and made filming difficult for me, but I did my job because I believed in the project and knew that I could use this film as a platform to showcase my talent and use my fearlessness to set me apart from a sea of a million other actors. I did not have to rely on my good looks to give a respectable performance, and for that, I am proud of myself. I took a risk and it eventually paid off.
4. Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now? Still acting or retired?
Well, if I am breathing, I will be acting! I do not plan on retiring anytime soon. I think this is just the beginning of a long and prosperous career for me. It has always been my calling and things are just starting to pick up momentum and in no way am I going to sabotage that. I do not plan on quitting anytime soon. In fact, I am switching my major to performing arts so I can train daily and become the best actor I can possibly be. It gets more difficult every day, but anything that is worth something is worth working and fighting for.
5. What other types of movies would you be interested in filming?
I want to try action, exploitation, comedy, sci-fi, thrillers, dramas, period pieces, and quirky films. Anything interesting! I love horror, but I would love to try something new. Horror will always be in my blood and on my resume, though!
6. Who is your role model?
I am inspired b my husband, for triumphing over a lifetime of tragic events that would overwhelm most people, overcoming incredible odds to become a self-made man, and for loving me despite my many flaws. My beautiful, intelligent, kind hearted mother is an inspiration for working harder than anyone I know and sacrificing everything for me and my sisters. I admire my father for having the courage to ask for forgiveness and truly mean and deserve it. My sister, Dae, for being smart, funny as hell, brazen, and raising two incredible boys that are sweet and brilliant. And my sister, Court, for her humor, intuition, and courage in becoming a mom for the first time. I cannot fail to mention Dixie and Molly, our two goobery Shih Tzu, for giving the gift of trust, humor, and unconditional love. Mother Nature for keeping everything in balance and giving me serenity when I feel like I am going to lose my mind!
7. What was it like being recognized as this year’s Rising B Movie Actress?
Honestly, I did not think I would win because I have never really won anything. So, when I heard the news, I was absolutely thrilled! I am so proud! I could not believe that people cared enough to vote for me and showed that kind of support. It is amazing to know that people like me and want to see me succeed. It was a true honor and has been a highlight of my career! Amazing!
8. If you were to act for any director, which one would it be and why?
There are so many directors I would love to work with, but I have no idea if it will ever happen. My favorite films are generally made by the Cohen brothers because they straddle the line of the absurd yet believable. Movies are a visual medium for storytelling and I look forward to working with directors that realize that and spend the time to make a film look beautiful. There is a plethora of talent out there, both known and yet to be discovered. I look forward to meeting with and working with new people very soon.
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