[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27396″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Check our exclusive interview with beautiful and talented actress Rebecca Knox.
Rebecca plays the role of Tina Swope on Netflix’s Emmy Award Winning TV series ‘Orange is The New Black’ final season. Though a new addition to Litchfield’s inmates, interest in who Rebecca’s character skyrocketed and she was quickly written in as a recurring guest star. She has assured us this final season is nothing short of expectations.
Prior to getting cast on OITNB, Knox appeared in the film ‘Return to Montauk’ alongside Stellan Skarsgård (Mamma Mia!, Thor, and The Avengers). She appeared in a few short films, including ‘Something About Wonder’ and ‘Thinking Inside the Box’ and has also appeared in primetime shows such as ‘Bull’ and ‘A Crime to Remember.’ She just wrote, produced and acted in her first film ‘Cavity’.
Aside from acting, Rebecca has always been a businesswoman creating her own record label as well as her own Mezcal company, Doña Sarita.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27395″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Rebecca, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a New York City rat living in LA. I act, write, produce, and direct. I love to cook. I love to run. I especially love to paint.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate
Determined
Happy
Name one your strengths?
No matter how many no’s I get, or how many people don’t understand my work— I keep creating, keep trying. And I always will.
Did you always know that you wanted to become an actress?
Actually no. Being in front of an audience used to scare. I would turn bright red, get sweaty, and my voice would crack. It was actually when I was working in music and about to start a semester at NYU that I switched the gears of my entire life and stepped into an acting class. There was something in my gut telling me to do it. After that initial class- I was sold. The rest is history!
Do you get nervous when go to an audition?
Not as much as I used to. I think there will always be an element of nerves before any performance- whether it be an audition or a scene on set. It’s something I have accepted as part of the job and I’m ok with it. Now it feels more like excitement than nerves.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I wake up around 8am usually and meditate before I look at my phone. Then I’ll check my emails and go to the gym. I love lists- and I usually have a long list of errands on my ‘To-Do’ list- for which I will try to complete. Towards the afternoon- depending on the day- I’ll either be prepping for an audition, reading a script, or doing some writing of my own. By the end of the day I am either cooking at home or spending time with friends catching up over tea or booze (depending on the night).
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family! I am such a lucky gal to have the support system I do- even while they are almost 3,000 miles away.
What was your first acting role?
My first acting role was a lead in an NYU student film called ‘Something About Wonder’ by Yiyi Han. It was both my first audition and role and one of the most fun sets to work on!
Do you have or had acting classes?
I have studied at quite a few places. The studio that changed my craft though is The Maggie Flanigan Studio in NYC. Charlie Sandlan is the head teacher there. If you want to be a serious actor, I tell everyone to go there.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The rejection is both the best and worst part because it makes you stronger and show’s you what you’re made of. How badly do you want it? You are constantly being forced to face yourself. I meditate every day to stay grounded, because it isn’t easy.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27394″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Best advice ever given?
I met Meryl Streep (crazy… I know). I was so nervous I could hardly speak. I think I said something along the lines of – I am actor, I love your work. I I I I… etc. She put her hand to my cheek, looked me in the eyes and said “You’re beautiful Rebecca. But you must work hard.” It felt as thought I was blessed by a goddess. Her words were engrained in me and from that moment on- I have worked harder than I ever have. A few months after that meeting I actually booked my first Guest-starring role on the CBS show Bull.
How do you prepare for a role?
Inherently- I ask the same questions from the start and do my research. Who is this person. What does she want. What is her need. What is her tragic flaw. And from there each role is different so there really isn’t a single way I do it.
Now tell us about your work in “Orange is The New Black?”
I’ve been on the show for 2 seasons and it has been both exciting and challenging. It is the first show of its kind telling incarcerated women’s stories so it was a huge honor to be a part cast that does that.
How did you get selected for the role in OITNB?
I auditioned and got the call that I booked it a couple days later.
How do you feel working with this amazing cast?
I constantly pinch myself because firstly, its an incredible show. Secondly, the cast is wildly talented. It is an honor.
And about your role as Tina Swope?
I have loved embodying Tina for the last two years. She has taught me a lot about myself as a human and an actor.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
There isn’t one in particular- I would love step into as many shoes as I can as my career develops.
What is next for Rebecca Knox in 2019?
OITNB Season 7 release, ‘Cavity’ (a film I wrote, produced, and acted in) festival submission/ release, directing a secret project, shooting my next script, and hopefully acting in a new film/show!
Now tell us about your Mezcal company Doña Sarita? Where the love to Mezcal comes from?
My family and I have been traveling to Mexico since I was born. Although I am half Colombian (not Mexican), my family loves Mexico and it feels like a second home. My father came up with the idea a few years back to start our own brand after visiting Oaxaca. Our mezcal is distilled and imported from Oaxaca and sold in the US. It is absolutely delicious!
Why and when did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I’m not sure if it was ever a decision per se. I take after my father and I’ve always had ideas for different projects, events, and products. I think its just in my blood.
What music do you like?
I listen to all genres but heart and soul is rock’n roll. I love Bowie, the Stones, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty but the list is endless. I love punk. I love the feeling I get in my heart when something is loud and fast.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Waking up when I feel like it, meditating, going for a run, and then painting or writing all day. Spending the day alone is always a great way for me to reset.
Something people don’t know about you?
I grew up on the ocean and yet Im terrified of swimming in it. I think that stems from a nightmare I had a kid of drowning. Ever since, I can only last a few minutes without jumping out.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being completely content in the current moment. The appreciation of life as it is.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I currently am watching Sneaky Pete and Forever and loving it. I try to watch as many movies/shows as possible so I am up to date.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I think I mostly eat healthy food anyway. I always love a crunchy salad. Oysters and Lobster in the summertime!
And your favorite cheat food?
Pasta! Or Any Mexican food. I think I was Mexican in another life.
Do you support any charities?
The Innocence Project
Center for Reproductive Rights
thetrevorproject.org
wri.org
Where we can follow you?
Quote: “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night, the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”- Polonius (Hamlet, Shakespeare)
Drink: Doña Sarita Margarita
Movie: I’ll never be able to choose just one.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
