Check out our interview with STARZ “Vida” Actress Chelsea Rendon.
Born and raised in Montebello, California, Actress Chelsea Rendon has been a working actress since the age of 7 after booking a lead role in the feature film No Turning Back, going on to win multiple awards for her portrayal of Cristina. She continued to work on shows such as E.R., The Shield, and Judging Amy as a child, and recently worked on Disney’s McFarland, USA, starred in Netflix’s original hit Bright and Netflix horror film Thriller, recurred on Freeform’s The Fosters, and also starred in the Oscar-nominated film, A Better Life.
Chelsea will return as “woke” activist ‘Mari,’ starring alongside Mishel Prada and Melissa Barrera in the half-hour drama series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles.
Follow Chelsea at @chelsearendon
Hi Chelsea, please tell us a little about you?
I started acting when I was 6 years old. I was voted biggest gossip in high school. I’ve always been a tomboy. I met my boyfriend on the set of Shameless.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loud. Crazy. Loving.
Who is your role model?
My mom. She taught me to be independent and go after what I wanted.
How did you get started into acting?
I was 5 and decided to fake faint in the middle of Circus Circus, a casino in Las Vegas. My mom finally decided it was something we should look into. She got the number for an agent and the rest is history.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is being able to do what I love, it doesn’t feel like work. The worst part is the early call times haha but also people assuming things about you.
Tell us about your work in popular STARZ’ hit series “Vida?”
I play Mari an activist from the community. She’s fierce and fights for that she believes in.
What is the series about?
It follows 2 sisters that move back to East LA when their mother dies and find out she’s married to a woman. It deals with the changing neighborhood and all that entails.
What we can expect of the 3rd and final season of “Vida?”
This season is a lot about growth and acceptance. A little drama and secrets, of course.
What other projects you have been part of?
When I was younger my best memories were from working on ER, The Shield, No Turning Back, McFarland, USA, and A Better Life. Recently, it’s been Vida, Shameless, The Infiltrators and The Tax Collector.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Connecting with the audience. Getting messages saying how much someone felt seen or represented is everything.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I can’t wait to play a serial killer; someone who has two completely different personalities. I want to push myself as an actor. Also, a bad ass cop like Oliva Benson on Law & Order SVU; I want to show little girls they can kick ass.
What is your favorite healthy food?
A salad from Chop Stop. The way they chop everything up is my favorite.
And your favorite cheat food?
That’s a 3 way tie between tacos, pizza, and pasta.
What’s next for Chelsea Rendon in 2020?
I am going to be producing and starring in a romantic comedy.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleeping in. Watching a 49er game while cooking up some carne asada and drinking a beer. And enjoying it all with some family and friends. And the 49ers winning obviously.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Acting at the next level. Creating my own content. Directing.
What music do you like?
I like a bit of everything. Country, pop, R&B, banda, hip hop, reggaeton, oldies.
Where we can follow you?
@chelsearendon on Instagram and twitter
Quote: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Movie: Remember the Titans, Love & Basketball and Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Sports Team: 49ers, Dodgers, Lakers!
Tv Show: Friends, Gilmore Girls, NCIS.
Book: I loved the Twilight saga, I read the whole thing 9 times.
Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin
