Check out our interview with young actress Celestina “Celly” Harris who can be seen on PEACOCK’s hit series, Dr. Death and also in Taylor Sheridan’s new Paramount+ series, Special Ops: Lioness as the daughter of Zoe Saldana and Dave Anabel, “Charlie.” their youngest daughter.
Follow Celestina @curlycelly
Hi Celestina, please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 10 years old and have three siblings. I love shrimp and chicken enchiladas. 2024 has something great coming soon, I’ll be an auntie!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Kind, Funny, Social
How did you get started into acting?
My older sister started theater acting when she was 10 and I grew up watching her shows. My first show was playing my sister’s “Flower Bud” in “Alice in Wonderland”. I was 4 years old and absolutely loved it but I really enjoyed being with my sister. I didn’t act after that until I was 7, right before pandemic which was for commercials locally in TX. When I was 8, I signed with my LA/Chi/NYC agency and that’s when the movie/TV adventure started.
How has this changed your life?
My schedule and mental focus have shifted. When I watch a movie, I definitely think about the making of it and the behind-the-scenes magic that went into it. I’m very committed now to my acting so I don’t commit to long-term things back at home.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is that I get to be on camera and the bad part is that I don’t really get to spend time with friends and family when I travel alot for work. The strike really did give me a lot of time to make up for things I missed last year.
How do you prepare for a role?
A few days before I go on set, I start thinking like the character. For Lizzi, I arrived to NYC a couple days before day 1 so I went and walked around Brooklyn to get a feel for her life. It was also way cooler in NYC than in TX so I looked up warm teen fashion outfits.
Tell us about your work in PEACOCK’s hit series, “Dr. Death?”
I could relate so much to Lizzie so I loved playing her character. Her outfits were so fun and something that I would have chosen. Working with Mandy Moore as my mom was so perfect because I got to see her be such a great mom with me on set and with her boys Ozzie and Gus who were sooo adorable and I just loved when I was able to see them on set. The experience was such a great one and it was during Christmas so I enjoyed winter in NYC! It didn’t snow as much as I wanted but it was so fun.
What other projects you have been part of?
My TV series released this past July on Paramount+, Special Ops: Lioness and I played Zoe Saldana and Dave Annable’s younger daughter. My first feature film, I’ll Be There, is currently going to film festivals and recently won the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival. That was my first red carpet event and I was so excited to dress up. I have my first Christmas Movie releasing Dec 3rd on UpTV and that filmed in Steamboat Springs, CO with A LOT of SNOW!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I still don’t have a favorite character type yet but I would like to play a funny character someday because I’ve never done comedy on TV and I think it would be fun.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I really enjoyed my first red carpet event recently because it was nice to see everyone get dressed up and celebrate how we each played a part in making the movie, making art together.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Don’t give up. If your dream is to act then work hard when no one is looking and enjoy your hard work paying off when everyone is looking.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far in this business?
What is for you, no one can take away. I audition for so many roles and I have booked the ones that were meant for me. I’ve also been bullied for being an actress and that wasn’t fun but I learned how to not let what other people think or say bother me because God loves me just the way I am.
How would your best friend describe you?
Kind, fun and silly.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Talent and Hard Work – I would say this because talent has opened doors for me but the hard work I put into acting classes and callbacks has been what has kept me in the room.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Bible because it has all the answers.
What’s next for Celestina “Celly” Harris in 2024?
Stay tuned for more….
What is your own definition of happiness?
Loving yourself and being kind to others is happiness.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet my grandfather who I am named after. His name was Celestino and I hear great things about him and I would love to see him and do fun activities with him.
Best advice ever given?
Don’t judge a book by its cover. I remember seeing someone come onto set like their character and I was a little bit scared of him and then on break, we danced together. He was so nice.
Do you support any charity?
I support St. Jude Children’s Hospital. My best friend’s baby sister had cancer and I love how they help families.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
In five years, I want to be planning my quinceanera party when I turn 15. I think these parties are so fun and I love the dance party.
Favorite song? Why?
Only U by Aaron Cole
What do you think of social media?
I think it’s good for trying to keep people updated on things you’re working on and fun memories but sometimes it’s used for bad things like bullying and gossip. I can only get on Instagram on my parent’s phones when they are near me and I love watching DIY hacks for kids and art videos. I also enjoy seeing what other industry kids are doing and their fun projects.
Where can we follow you?
You can find me on Instagram: @curlycelly
Book: The One and Only Ivan is my recent favorite book.
Quote: Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow
Movie: The Greatest Showman
TV Series: Wednesday
Favorite Food: Mexican and Seafood
Travel Destination: I love visiting family in Australia and when we go to Bali, which is close to Australia
Sports Team: Kansas City Chiefs
