Check out our interview with “Station 19” Young Actress Lalia Susini.
Lalia plays the younger version of lead character ‘Andy Herrera’, whose present-day part is portrayed by Jaina Lee Ortiz. The series follows the lives of men and women who work in Seattle firehouse Station 19. Shonda Rhimes is the creator and producer of the hit series which is a spinoff of the critically acclaimed drama, Grey’s Anatomy.
Station 19 is Lalia’s first big break in the acting world. She appeared in the film shorts Not A Love Story and C’est La Vie. As her film credits blossom, Lalia’s background shows she is not stranger to stage life. She was a musical performer alongside pop icons Gwen Stefani and U2.
When she isn’t focusing on acting, Lalia keeps an active lifestyle track-training at UCLA, surfing California beaches, and playing soccer with her club team. Some of her other talents include dancing, singing, and drumming. Lalia’s heritage is French and American, spending regular intervals of time in Paris.
Follow Lalia at @lalia_susini
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Athletic, fun, spontaneous.
Who is your role model?
Hands down, Alex Morgan-she is the most amazing soccer player. Second would be Lady Gaga-I love that she is just who she is!
How did you get started into acting?
My older brother Maxou acts and he was cast in a Burger King commercial and they needed a sister and I was sitting right next to him at the audition! After that we did an Apple commercial together too! Same with my younger brothers, we have all worked together at some point.
How has this changed your life?
So far nothing has changed-should I be concerned? 🙂
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Best part is the snack room on set-they literally have EVERY type of candy. There hasn’t been a worst YET. Since I’m a minor my mom has to be with me ALL the time on set. I could see that going sour at some point 🙂
Tell us about your work in ABC series “Station 19?”
I play the younger version of Andy Herrera, played by Jaina Lee Ortiz. She is super nice and my TV dad, Miguel Sandoval is like a dad to me on set. He’s always looking out for me and giving me tips.
How is working with Shonda Rhimes?
It’s so crazy, everyone is like family there.
What other projects you have been part of?
I just finished working with American Girl. I surf modeled for their new doll, Joss. My next television project has been put on hold.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing it air…I mean I was there when we shot it, but seeing it come together is amazing.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
Since I haven’t played that many roles yet, I’m kind of loving trying it all out.
Now tell us about your performances alongside pop icons Gwen Stefani and U2?
That’s amazing! My music coach Adam Timmerman was casting for it, so he asked my brother and I to audition. We both booked it! U2 was during the XQ Super School Live, Come Together performance. They asked kids to play certain parts of the song during the performance…I just drummed my heart out!!!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I live in LA, so I feel like EVERYTHING we eat is healthy:) I love juices in the morning from Earth Bar and school lunches from Organic Kids LA and dinner from this vegan Italian place called Pura Vita!
And your favorite cheat food?
My neighbor owns Normandie Bakery and she brings us over cakes all the time, so I feel like I cheat daily.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I’m half French and am in Paris a lot, so I love mixing French fashion with sporty styles. My best friend’s dad owns NSF clothing so I wear a ton of his styles too (I get them in an xs.) My uncle owns Paris Structure @structure_paris, they have tons of one of a kind tennis shoes and gear that are amazing!
How would your best friend describe you?
Crazy and fun!
What’s next for Lalia Susini in 2020?
I’m hoping that as soon as everything opens back up that I’ll keep up my momentum.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Beach days.
How is a normal day in your life?
Lately it’s been crazy because I have 3 brothers who all do soccer and track, plus music lesson PLUS school!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
We do family days on Sundays and go to a remote area of the beach where we probably won’t run into friends and just hang out!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
J Lo-I mean she sings, acts AND dances!!!!
Best advice ever given?
Miguel Sandoval told me on the very first day on set to “just relax, you’ll be fine” because I was super nervous.
Do you support any charity?
My grandmother worked and volunteered for AIDS Services of Dallas for over 20 years. We go back to Dallas every year to help host one of the events leading up to their big event called No Tie Dinner and Dessert Party. Maxou and I usually give out the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian award each year (that was my grandmother)
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
tiktok, my phone and a soccer ball.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I feel like I don’t even know what I’ll be doing next week…but 5 years, let me think….I see myself in car because I’ll be 16 and hopefully I’ll be driving by a billboard advertising one of my movies!!!
Favorite song? Why?
Shallow- there’s just something about it that I love (I even sang it in the Burbank Singing Star)
What music do you like?
Pop Music- I love taking hip hop classes so I hear a ton of new songs that way too.
What do you think of Social Media?
I know I’m supposed to say that I’m not that into social media but I LOVE tiktok!!
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @susini_kids (for my brothers and I) @lalia_susini (for me) and tiktok @laliasusini
Quote: I just had to do this for school too!: Steve Prefontaine, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
Favorite Singer/Artist: J Lo, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga
Movie: Wonder Woman- I got to go to a screening with Gal Gadot! Best night ever..I wore red, blue and white of course
Travel Destination: Thailand is my favorite place to visit
Sports Team: UCLA Women’s soccer
Tv Show: Raven’s Home-they shoot next to Station 19!
Book: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.
