Check out our interview with talented actress Zoe Bernard who currently co-stars in Wes Andersen’s sci-fi comedy-drama film ASTEROID CITY with the star-studded cast (Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, etc.).
Asteroid City premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival where director Wes Andersen received an 8 minute standing ovation.
Follow Zoe @zoebernard11
Hi Zoe, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a musician and an actor and I live in San Diego.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Friendly, kind, smart
How did you get started into acting?
My sister was always doing projects and it looked like a lot of fun.
How has this changed your life?
I think it has made me more confident. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is being on set with everyone and seeing the final product. And the worst part is waiting around to film. It can be hours sometimes. Especially if you are working with a director who pays very close attention to detail.
How do you prepare for a role?
I learn my lines, read the script, and then hear what the director wants from me. Then I try to become the character.
Tell us about your work in the new film “Asteroid City,” and your role as Bernice?
I got to play the role of a school kid in the 1950s who got quarantined in Asteroid City. Bernice’s teacher was played by Maya Hawke. We got to spend a month in Spain filming with such amazing actors. I did not even know who most of them were until later.
How did you get the role and how challenging was the casting?
I auditioned at the end of 2020 and had several callbacks. But I did not book the role until about 7 months later. Things were slow because of the pandemic.
What other projects you have been part of?
I played the young version of YouTube star Hannah Stocking in many high-profile videos (millions of views) for several years. Then I did a Nickelodeon commercial and a few films.
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5lIn9mtGkA” title=”Best Friend Breakup | Lele Pons & Hannah Stocking”][vc_column_text]
My most recent film is called Switch Up. It is a romantic comedy and is coming out this year.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I like dramedy because I like the best of both worlds. I like being funny, but I can also cry on cue. So, both are fun.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be up to right now?
I just got back from touring with one of the bands I am in (School of Rock House Band San Diego). We went to Ohio, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee. We got to play at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It was pretty cool. I am also in another band called Kid Tributes. I play a lot of instruments, and music is super important to me.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I like seeing how things are made. Like watching how we did some of the scenes in the film, then seeing what it ends up looking like. We shot a lot with green screens. Plus, we all had to imagine the alien so seeing how it looked at the end was cool.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Just to keep auditioning. You never know when the right role is in front of you. I practice my lines until I know them. I know you don’t have to, but I really can’t act if I have to read a paper.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
That there is not a guarantee for anything. You can only do your best, the rest you don’t have control of.
How would your best friend describe you?
Kind and athletic.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Never give up when trying something.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I would say read up on every subject that interests you. If you want to try something new, do it 100 percent. And plan every detail to get what you want.
What’s next for Zoe Bernard in 2023?
I am going to keep playing music, hopefully record an original song, and keep auditioning. The right role will come when it is the right time.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I like chicken salad. I also like stir fried veggies. Oh, and egg whites with avocado and salsa.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream. I have a sweet tooth.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Neil Peart. He is my favorite drummer.
Best advice ever given?
Always be supportive of your peers no matter what they are doing. Always treat everyone as equals. Don’t talk badly about anyone.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, I donated almost $10,000 to Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s Foundation a few years ago. I baked hundreds of my own recipe banana bread and sold it. My grandpa has Parkinson’s Disease and I want to do what I can to help him. One time a girl who was my age (9 at the time) and lived down the street, came and talked to me. She learned about my Papa. A little while later, she came with all her money from her piggy bank (50 dollars) and told me she had not known what to spend her money on until she met me. That made me feel really good. All the parents were crying including my Papa. The gardener even gave $300. I am planning on revisiting that charity (I called it Zoe’s Bakery) and raising more money.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Doing something with music and acting together.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
It’s the end of the world as you know by REM. I know all the words lol.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s good to a certain extent, but certain platforms can be toxic. I think you should only interact with the friends you know.
Where we can follow you?
Book: Wonder
Movie: Asteroid City
Tv Series: Black Mirror
Favorite Food: Mexican food (my mom’s tacos)
Travel Destination: Italy
Sports Team: SD Padres
Photo Credit: Deidhra Fahey @deidhra
