I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview Ellie Araza to learn five random facts about herself and what lesson has the entertainment industry taught her. Check out my interview with Ellie below:
Loryn: What song do you currently have on repeat?
Ellie: "Comedown" by Joesef. I heard it on 88.5 and it's hauntingly beautiful. I have a soft spot for sad songs. It feels like a safe place to express emotions not always accepted in daily life.
Loryn: Who is an actor or actress you'd love to work with in the future?
Ellie: Kate Winslet. I mean I just think she is brilliant and one of the best actors of our time. She also seems so real and unpretentious and I really appreciate that of someone who's been a Hollywood movie star for so long.
Loryn: How has the pandemic changed you?
Ellie: In so many ways. I'm grateful to say it's changed me for the better. I have more space in my day now that nearly all auditions are from home and I don't have to drive halfway across town with several outfit changes sitting in my trunk. That was fun but often very hectic and I really feel I have more quality of life staying close to home. On the other hand, all the social distancing and lockdowns has made it harder to see friends and I feel I've lost touch with some people I hung out with pre-pandemic. That is unfortunate, but at the same time, who and what is really important is in full focus. The pandemic is and was scary. It's a reminder to do what you want to do now, and not wait for later. You never know when you or someone you love will take their last breath. In so many ways. I'm grateful to say it's changed me for the better. I have more space in my day now that nearly all auditions are from home and I don't have to drive halfway across town with several outfit changes sitting in my trunk. That was fun but often very hectic and I really feel I have more quality of life staying close to home. On the other hand, all the social distancing and lockdowns has made it harder to see friends and I feel I've lost touch with some people I hung out with pre-pandemic. That is unfortunate, but at the same time, who and what is really important is in full focus. The pandemic is and was scary. It's a reminder to do what you want to do now, and not wait for later. You never know when you or someone you love will take their last breath.
Loryn: What lesson has the entertainment industry taught you?
Ellie: Oh so many lessons. I could write a book I swear! If you ever want to know who you really are, get into entertainment. You have to face yourself every day. Your strengths, your weaknesses. You have to constantly be on your toes. It's anything but comfortable and there's no getting used to it. But I think after 18 years of living in Los Angeles pursuing creative endeavours, the greatest lesson I've learned is to stop looking outside for validation and to look within. It sounds so cliche. But this is the kind of town that can make you feel like you are never doing enough, you can easily get distracted by the millions of different roads you can take that will actually lead to the same place. You are much better off staying in touch with who you really are and forging your own path. That's really where I am now. I don't care what people think so much anymore, it's my art, and I'm going to do it my way.
Loryn: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Ellie: I'm Mexican! Haha. I am pale as heck with redish curly hair and freckles AND I speak English with a standard american accent - So it really surprises people to hear I was born and raised in Mexico (No not New Mexico ;P). Other than that, I think it surprises people that I had an extraordinarily difficult time dating and finding love. So much so I wrote a one woman show about it called Turtle Love and a feature film called First Love. It made me want to learn more about relationships, and suffice to say, I've had several professional psychologists tell me I missed my calling. But as I tell them, I'd rather use that insight to play the role of a therapist on TV :)
Stay updated with Ellie Araiza by checking out her website: https://www.elliearaiza.com/ . Be sure to follow her on her social media platforms below:
FB: @elliearaiza
TW: @EllieAraiza
IG: elliearaiza