#stopdviolence

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself - what excites you in the morning/gets your day started and what disappoints you most (in yourself or others)?

A: I’m not much of a morning person…But, my multi-grain waffles with fruit and syrup keep me happy, it’s all about the little things.

I am disappointed when people disrespect other people because they feel…entitled somehow.

Q: You are one of four girls in your family - aside from being "the blonde" how do you stake your claim for individuality?

A: I’m not trying to stand out… [My sisters and I] are all naturally unique and are our own people. My individuality just comes from being me, plain and simple.

Q: As a beautiful woman you get attention and opportunity just for being attractive. Is that offensive? Can you claim that and turn it into a weapon or a chance to build - if so, how?

A: It’s not necessarily offensive, it just feels strange discussing how my physical appearance is a reason I receive certain opportunities. For me, I use everything God gave me to my advantage.  [Beauty] is a weapon to build a platform…and work…into something great.

Q: How do you find work that satisfies your desire to showcase your person/what you can truly do without sexualizing yourself?

A: Luckily, I have a wonderful team…that helps me choose which projects are right for me. In my new film MEMORIA, I play a character who is highly sexualized amongst the other male characters. But I chose to play Natasha because there was much more depth to her beyond her sexy façade. I’ve certainly declined other roles that showcase me as a sexy “thing”, as opposed to a woman who has meaningful thoughts and opinions.

Q: When I say "women in film" it typically spurs the following discussions: gender inequality on screen, status of women in the industry and the sexualized position of women in movies. Do these conversations bore you or ignite a desire to alter the trajectory of women behind and in front of the camera? 

A: I wish women’s roles weren’t so stunted behind and in front of the camera. I don’t understand why there aren’t more female directors and why a woman usually only gets to play a weaker character totally reliant on the male characters. It’s 2014, women are…people and deserve the chance to play strong, intelligent, self-sufficient characters who, dare I say it, don’t need a man! 

Q: You write and produce your own projects which means you can star in and create your own content. What would you say to other women who wish the same for themselves but are frozen by fear of failure?

A: F*** failure. As an actress, I make an ass out of myself pretty regularly, and that’s okay. There’s nothing more incredible than making the effort and knowing you tried your best at something, regardless of the outcome. Other women need to climb out of their comfort zones and make things happen for themselves. They’ll be happily surprised with how they feel afterwards.

 Q: If you could scream one message from the rooftops of every country in the world - what would it be and why?

A: Love and peace! It was true in the 60’s and it’s true now. Stop wars, love one another, and keep the peace.

Stop D Violence!

Interview by : Sarah Cascante