[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”26807″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Our interview with talented actress and recurring guest star on Season 7 of Tyler Perry’s “The Have and Have Nots” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. the stunning Celeste Thorson.
Her new theatrical release “ANTIDOTE” is in theaters now and her upcoming feature film “Dutch” is currently in production. Celeste is also known for her work on “How I Met Your Mother,”Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “The Exes,” and “Heartbeat” to name a few and over 24 episodes of Travel Television airing in 66+ countries.
Celeste is an influencer with over 1.8 Million fans on social media where she shares fashion, lifestyle, travel and philanthropy content reaching over 30+ million views.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26806″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Celeste, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a California native with a multi-ethnic background from both sides of my family. Before I became involved with the entertainment industry, I was working for a number of non-profits promoting human and environment rights. I still love advocating for worthy causes and supporting the efforts of charitable organizations. Now I primarily work as a screenwriter and performer for film and television.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, kind, and playful.
Name one of your strengths?
Empathy, I love learning thru the perspectives of others. I think understanding and consideration goes a long way in life. It is something I am constantly reminded of in everyday interactions.
How’s a typical day in your life?
My days are so varied and rarely routine because I am constantly working on different projects and productions. They often include production meetings, auditions, photo shoots, film shoots, fittings, red carpet events or preparing for all of the above. I generally try to start the day with all of my emails, news, and social media to get up to date. Then, I typically make the rounds across the city to accomplish all of the appointments and goals for the day. In the evenings, I often attend film screenings or industry events that require some specialized hair, makeup, and styling before walking the red carpet. When I get some free time at home, I like to watch streaming services, spend time with family, friends, and pets and whip up something delicious in the kitchen.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Both my mother and my husband are my biggest supporters. My mother has obviously been on my team since day one, and despite the challenges of being a single parent she sacrificed so much to provide me with opportunities as a child. My husband is very encouraging and perpetually supportive of my goals; it’s wonderful to have him by my side cheering me on. I feel lucky to have both of them in my life and thankful for their unconditional love.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started out doing print work and then signed with CESD Talent agency for both print and commercials before signing across the board. Then I moved into writing and hosting travel shows and performing in sitcoms and independent films.
What was your first acting role?
My first acting role was Peter in Peter and the Wolf for a community theater project as a child, but I wasn’t a professional child actor. My first role as an adult was as Joann in The Trip Back Down by John Bishop.
Have you ever taken acting classes?
Yes, as an adult I studied at a variety of styles at different schools. I enjoyed Meisner, Stanislavski, scene study, cold reading, and several other methods for interpreting scripts.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
For me, the best part of being an actress is seeing the world thru the lens of other peoples lives. It challenges you to shift your paradigm to empathize with their hopes, dreams, flaws, disappointments. It’s fascinating to walk in the shoes of people completely different from you while still finding ways to relate to them.
The worst part is probably the randomness in the work schedule. I love going from project to project and building comradery with the cast and crew, but it is always a little sad when it is over, and you have to start over again.
How do balance your personal life with your acting life?
I try to do fulfilling things in my personal life so my acting life can be wildly creative. I think it helps that I am able to write as a creative outlet. I set personal goals, education goals, health goals and they all somehow contribute to my work as an actor too, but they are also independently fulfilling.
Best advice ever given?
One step at a time. Just focus on the next baby step in front of you, and when you look back, you won’t believe how far you’ve come.
How do you prepare for a role?
I like to read the role the first time just to discover it as an observer without expectations. Then, I reflect on the environment and context of the scene to imagine the tone. I let the emotional beats sink in and go through the thought process of the character. What must they be thinking to lead them to say what they are saying? Then I think of the objective and obstacles to them getting what they want and experiment with different ways they might go about trying to get it.
Tell us about your work in the theatrical “Antidote?”
Antidote is an adventure film set in Mexico starring Randy Couture, Natali Yura, Rafael De La Fuente, and Wil Travel. I played a nurse in a remote village dealing with a clinic of patients who’ve fallen ill from a mysterious disease and the urban legend surrounding those circumstances. It was beautiful filming in Playa Del Carmen in the lush forests where the story was set.
What other projects you have been part of?
Some of my favorite projects have been working on TV comedies with Neil Patrick Harris in How I Met Your Mother, Wayne Knight on The Exes, or Luke Matheny on A Kid Called Mayonnaise. I also love doing sci-fi for films like Whipping Boy and Scrubbed. Joie Ride has been a passion project which allows me to share lifestyle and travel content across multiple platforms.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I enjoy playing roles that either bring light into the world through laughter or challenge our perceptions of reality through drama. I enjoy action because it allows the character to express themselves in more physical circumstances, jumping into adventure and confronting fear courageously. Science fiction often gives my imagination a creative outlet to transcend the boundaries of our current society and explore a time and place where the environment and technologies might be entirely different, but the core human conditions endure.
Which role has been the most challenging and which one your favorite?
I did find the stunt choreography in the film Scrubbed challenging but very rewarding at the same time. I love the physicality of hand to hand combat, so that was a lot of fun. Skydiving in Destination X was a bit challenging to override the mental hesitations, but also completely worth it for the view and rush of adrenaline. I think one of my favorites was working on How I Met Your Mother because I have always admired Neil Patrick Harris’ projects and it was a pleasure to collaborate with him and watch him work his magic.
What is next for Celeste Thorson in 2019?
I will be appearing as a recurring guest star in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and Have Nots on the OWN Network. I also just finished filming a movie called Dutch. I will be releasing more lifestyle content on JOIE RIDE TV. I am also currently writing a script called HOME FREE which I’m very excited about
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
Cate Blanchett because of her subtle focused nuance. Gary Oldman because of his chameleon-like ability to transmute himself into unrecognizable characters.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
Cellphone, lipgloss, and cash.
What music do you like?
Everything from Bedrich Smetana to Tycho, Guns and Roses, Queen, Bassnectar, and Rihanna.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Meditation in nature, self-care spa day, and a homecooked dinner with the family.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I love sci-fi, stand up comedy, action films, the great courses series, and discovering Netflix or Amazon originals.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Any kind of fruit, especially avocados.
And your favorite cheat food?
Mac and Cheese, extra truffles.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself creating stories that inspire me, collaborating with filmmakers and performers that challenge me and building memories of a legacy of love with my family.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I love the work that UNICEF, UN WOMEN, Human Rights Campaign, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Save the Children, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, and so many other national and global organizations. Locally, the Los Angeles Mission, Hashtag Lunch Bag, Big Sunday, and Happy Period all do important work supporting our most vulnerable neighbors in Los Angeles.
What do you think of Social Media as you are a big influencer for so many people?
I think it’s a wonderful tool to connect with people around the world to become better educated about global issues and more culturally diversified. It’s a great place to share ideas, get inspired, and publish creative works. I am always inspired by new art and creations I discover from artists near and far.
Where can we follow you?
You can find @CelesteThorson for my photo gallery on Instagram, thoughts on the news on Twitter, daily stories and video updates on facebook.com/OfficialCelesteThorson and occasional posts on YouTube.
Quote: Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you. -Walt Whitman
Holiday Destination: Hawaii
Drink: Sparkling Juice
Song: Ma Vlast by Bedrich Smetana
Movie: Frida[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Greg Doherty Photography[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
