Victoria G Interviews Ana Rey

Victoria G: What inspired you to become an actress?

Ana Rey: Some of my earliest memories are of my dad, surrounded by party guests enthralled with his joke telling. My dad was the master of the story joke. I like to think story-telling is in my DNA. However, what really made it click was my first performance in high school. I was in the middle of a dramatic monologue, and the entire audience gasped at the same time. They were with me on this ride, and it was an amazing experience. That's when I knew I wanted to be an actress.

VG: Who are your acting inspirations?

AR: That is a long list! My two main inspirations are Al Pacino and Judy Davis. Specifically, Pacino in The Godfather, the scene where he's in a restaurant confronting his father's would-be assassins. At the top of the scene you see the indecision in his eyes, not knowing if he could go through with it, just before he stands up. It is a masterpiece. Then, there's Judy Davis in anything she does. Most notably, Passage to India and the Judy Garland biopic Me and My Shadows. Just from beginning to end - mesmerizing.

VG: What is your favorite thing about acting?

AR: The ability to move the viewer and understand a life that is not their own. See a complete human being, where as if they just saw them walking down the street - they may not appreciate what that person has been through and experienced.

VG: What was your first acting job?

AR: A McDonald's commercial. It was the first time I'd ever seen how they film someone eating for a commercial. They had about 100 McMuffins for the lead actor to take a bite out of. At first the actor was so excited - and by the last bite, he swore he'd never eat another one ever again. So glad it wasn't me!

VG: What is your favorite project you have ever done?

AR: It was actually a stage play I did. I played a lead role (La Poncia) in an iconic play, House of Bernarda Alba, in Spanish (as it was intended). It was the most challenging role I've ever had and the most satisfying.

VG: What are some qualities you look for in a project?

AR: At this point in my career - I can't really say that I can afford to be that picky! In every part I audition for, it's my job to understand not only my character, but my character's place within the script. Is it to provide atmosphere and specificity to the time and place the scene is set in? Or, forwarding the plot? I have to take what I can get, so it's my job to make it work.

VG: Which character that you have played so far has been the most similar to you?

AR: All my parts! In real life and in all my characters: I'm someone that wants, above all, to be of service to those around her. Be it a housekeeper, a school administrator, or a museum curator.

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

AR: Ready to go!

VG: What are your social media handles?

AR: IG: lareydehollywood, Twitter: @reydehollywood. However, with an 11 year old - I can't say I'm a big contributor.

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

AR: A series regular on a kids show. Those kids need responsible adults to confound!

VG: What are three qualities every actor should have?

AR: Prompt, prepared, and professional.

VG: Do you have any advice for an aspiring actor?

AR: Perseverance and believing in your talent.

VG: What's next for you?

AR: Joining some old friends. I'll be appearing in an episode of Better Things with Pamela Adlon in the upcoming season. Also, I'm appearing in a new show for Apple TV that is from one of the producers of Parks and Recreation. Nice to know my number is still on their list.

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Who is a director you would love to work with?

AR: Christopher Guest.

VG: What is something you can't live without?

AR: Coffee!

VG: What is your biggest pet peeve?

AR: Willful ignorance.

VG: Do you have any hidden talents?

AR: Nope, it's all out there.

VG: Do you play any instruments?

AR: I played violin for many years, but it's been awhile.

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

AR: Travel.

VG: Do you have any pets?

AR: Not at the moment.

VG: What is your biggest fear?

AR: That I can't work.

VG: What is your favorite film genre?

AR: Sci-fi.

VG: What did you do while in quarantine?

AR: Learned that there was a good reason I never became a teacher after having my son learning over Zoom for a year.