Check out our interview with talented actress and performer Grace Marie Glenn. Grace was also part of the “Miss Woodland Hills” and “Miss Teen” competition.
Follow Grace @gracemarieglenn
Hi Grace, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m Grace, and at the core of my being, I’m an entertainer, performer, and storyteller. Nothing makes me happier than stepping into different roles and bringing characters to life on stage and screen. My passion for the craft has been with me since I was a little. Funny enough I would memorize full scripts and perform them as each of the characters. Currently, my focus is on establishing myself as an actress, but my ultimate goal is to have creative control over my projects, from writing and directing to producing and casting my own films. My deep appreciation for the golden age of Hollywood drives my mission to revive musicals and showcase the art of multi-talented performers. I’m a true film and theater nerd. I love analyzing and dissecting movies, and can spend endless hours reflecting on the nuances of the stories. Being a triple threat – an actress, singer, and dancer – is a personal aspiration of mine, and I’m proud to have received the Triple Threat Award at Hollywood Launch.
Beyond my career I just appreciate life’s simplest pleasures. As cliché as it sounds, I really just love spending time with my family and friends. I am an easy girl to please, just give me some ice cream and put me around some animals! My heart has always been drawn to animals. I love visiting farms and zoos. Lately, I’ve been doing jiu-jitsu, which adds a physical and mental dimension to my pursuits. It’s been a really rewarding experience to learn how to defend myself as a woman. I also have been learning how to do my own stunts(wire work, kali sticks and fight choreography) with Will Leong.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, imaginative, passionate
When did you start acting?
I started “acting” as far back as I can remember. I played pretend when I was little and just never stopped. Whenever I watched a show or film, I would pause to reenact the scenes. I made up stories all the time, and I even went as far as memorizing entire scripts to perform, taking on every character’s role. It became quite an obsession, to be honest. However, I didn’t start pursuing acting professionally until after high school because my parents wanted me to prioritize my education which I’m grateful they did.
What was your first job?
My first job was as an extra on a Christmas movie when I was twelve. I just thought being on set was the most magical experience. We filmed during the summer, so I technically got to have Christmas twice that year!
Tell us about the “Miss Woodland Hills” and “Miss Teen” competition?
It was a truly remarkable experiences for me. I have a really have a deep appreciation for what pageantry represents. Participating taught me valuable life lessons and personal growth. I genuinely believe that every girl should consider taking part in a pageant at some point in their life, even if they don’t win. The experience is transformative, as it challenges you to improve and develop yourself in numerous ways. It’s an opportunity to take a close look at yourself, to understand your beliefs, and to define what you stand for. This self-reflection helps create a strong sense of identity and the imprint you want to make on the world. Participating in pageants during my young adulthood made me more aware of my opinions and stances on various matters. It’s a great platform for any young girl coming into adulthood to learn how to find her voice and confidently express herself. The personal growth and self-discovery that came from these competitions were invaluable.
Will you continue to compete in pageants?
Maybe in the future. Right now, I’m fully committed to going all in on my career. If I have the time and everything aligns, it’s possible I could compete again.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
The advice I would give to my younger self and what I continue to tell myself now is to embrace what you already have and focus on self-improvement. Avoid comparing yourself to others, as that path leads to striving to become a second-rate version of someone else when you can be a first-rate version of yourself. Each person possesses something unique, so there’s no need to chase after someone else’s traits. You have your own uniqueness, and once you discover it, you’ll no longer feel the need to compete with others because you are simply different and special in your own way.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
My dad always told me that intelligence isn’t just about being able to talk to the smartest person in the room; it’s about being able to communicate and connect with everybody. He emphasized the importance of learning how to talk and effectively communicate with a 5-year-old and a 95-year-old. According to him, there’s something to learn from everybody, and that has really stuck with me. He also believes in valuing and appreciating the perspectives and experiences of other.
How and when did you get started in dancing?
I started when I was 4, with ballet and tap. My inspiration was drawn from my two older sisters, who danced at the time, so naturally I wanted to follow in their footsteps. As I grew older, my passion shifted to alternative styles and I found myself gravitating towards jazz, hip hop, ballroom and West Coast Swing. Despite focusing on those styles, I continued to hold onto ballet, as my mom always emphasized its significance as the foundation for dance. Additionally, I supplemented my dance with rhythmic gymnastics to enhance my technique.
What type of dance do you like best?
I think only my mom knows this, but I love Broadway dancing, which is mostly a blend of tap, character, and jazz styles.
What is fun and rewarding about dancing? And what is not?
The fun and rewarding part is the performance aspect. After putting in all those hours of rehearsal, when it’s finally showtime, you don’t have to worry about executing the moves because you’ve already practiced them diligently. All you need to focus on is giving your best performance and shining on that stage. However, what’s not always fun is when you reach a certain competitive level. At that point, you might develop a love-hate relationship with dancing. But hey, that’s the price of excellence in anything, right? You often have to push yourself to do things you may not necessarily enjoy. Dancing demands a lot of technique, and countless hours are spent honing the athletic side of it all. Working hard on things you don’t particularly want to do might not feel rewarding in the moment. However, the sweet part is: it all pays off in the end! Looking back, I feel an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, embracing the grind opens doors to learning and mastering even harder techniques, and that’s where the real thrill and satisfaction lie.
Did you take dance classes?
Absolutely! Most of my life was pretty much just school and dance. I took every style because I love the idea of being versatile. I take ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, jazz funk, hip hop, ballroom and west coast swing.
Any advice for aspiring dancers or actors?
While I don’t consider myself to be at a stage where I can give advice, this is what I’ve picked up from my journey so far, so anyone reading take this with a grain of salt. For aspiring actors, make sure that you’re dedicated to working extremely hard on your craft. Don’t pursue acting solely to achieve fame; instead, understand that your role as an actor is to create authentic, captivating and meaningful performances. Watch and study the best actors and immerse yourself fully in your craft to the extent that for me at least becomes a bit of an obsession. Take the time to learn about all different types of human beings, as it offers invaluable insights into yourself. Ask most lastly ask yourself if you would still find happiness as a working actor even if you were just barely getting by financially and were not famous. For me, the answer is a resounding yes, as I’ve thoroughly considered the cost and committed to my passion for acting.
As for aspiring dancers, I strongly recommend focusing on ballet, even if it’s not the style you ultimately want to specialize in. Ballet is the foundation for most dance styles and provides the essential techniques and discipline. Also, before you take the stage to perform, always remember your passion that led you to dance in the first place. Have fun, because when you’re enjoying yourself, the audience will undoubtedly share in your excitement in watching you dance.
What do you love most about dancing?
I love the storytelling aspect of it. Dancing allows me to express myself in a way that’s I don’t always get to in real life. Each dance style brings out a different side or version of myself. Jazz unleashes the sassiest version of me, making me feel like I’m on stage with Beyoncé. Contemporary is deeply emotional and beautiful. However, my absolute favorite is Broadway tap because it often goes hand in hand with portraying a character!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I have two projects that I’m really eager to take on: “Hercules” and “Red Rising.”
As a kid, I used to watch “Hercules” at my aunt’s house every week! I know the entire movie by heart! Taking on the role of Megara and bringing her essence to life is just the most exciting challenge I could ever come to! It’s a dream come true for any actor to play someone who is externally different from them. To the outside person she seems completely opposite from me, but deep down I have a lot of similarities and things in common with her that would surprise people. I love the idea of transforming and becoming totally unrecognizable for a role, and Megara would allow me to do just that. She has so many contradicting aspects, just like me, and that’s precisely why I adore her. I’ve put in a lot of time and work to master her iconic voice and demeanor which is truly unique and one of a kind. As much as you can mimic someones voice and demeanor I’ve learned it really comes from the inside out. It’s understanding a feeling and essence. I love understanding her and finding myself in her.
On the other hand, “Red Rising” holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite books. I recently got to meet the author Pierce Brown who was just as smart, charismatic and charming as I’d thought he’d be, and got to pick his brain about the story and characters. I firmly believe it has the potential to become the next big thing, like “The Hunger Games” franchise. Pierce creates incredibly complex characters, and every person will undoubtedly find someone they can relate to in the story. The book’s strength lies in exploring the gray areas of humanity, where people are not simply labeled as good or bad. Each character evokes both love and hate at various points, making the storyline even more captivating!
I have many bucket list projects but I’ll hold off on mentioning those for now. Overall I really just want to do great work and be a part of great projects! I don’t necessarily care how big budget the film is or what the trendiest show is at the time. I just want to create entertaining stories for audiences. Even if it’s a small role, at my age, I have so much to learn and that is extremely exciting to me! I really want to be around the best and learn from the best. To be a sponge and soak it all up! I hope I can always be part of projects I really believe in! No matter how big or small!
What’s next for Grace Marie Glenn in 2023?
Well, I’m eagerly waiting for this writer’s and actors strike to come to an end for everyone involved’s sake, but also so I can dive into some exciting projects. In the meantime, I plan to keep myself busy by focusing on elevating my craft and sharpening my business acumen. I am also going to take this time while I have it, to focus on my education. So, while the industry may be on a temporary pause, I’ll be actively building a solid foundation for my future endeavors. Lastly, I really, really, really need to get my license!!!
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
I’ve been trying to wake up early these days but have been failing miserably. This is the year though! I am determined to become a morning person! When I do wake up I start with a prayer. I make my bed(as William McRaven said “if you want to change the world, make your bed!”). I strength train, then, I set 3 personal and 3 work-related goals. I spend an hour each on singing, dancing, and acting. I handle business-related tasks like emails and meetings. Then I workout with my trainer Mike Saffaie and alternate between jiu-jitsu training and dance classes. Afterward, I have dinner(probably steak or salmon) and I love to relax in the sauna. Of course on the way home I have to do karaoke with my mom…particularly Broadway! Somewhere in there I read and watch a movie. So…not your typical nineteen year old day in the life.
Favorite form of cardio?
Dancing and jiu jitsu!
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, the title would be “Everything.” I have an insatiable desire to experience all that life has to offer. Life is short, and I want to seize every opportunity to express myself in diverse ways and explore a multitude of characters. I think human beings are so complex and have a multitude of layers. I refuse to limit myself to a singular identity or lifestyle. I really want to embrace all aspects of who I am and what I can become. In a very literal sense, my ethnicity is a blend of many cultures, as I am Korean, Latina, French, American Indian, Congolese, Welsh, and German. “Everything” would tribute to the beauty of being a multifaceted and an ever-evolving individual, journeying through life with open arms and an open heart. My favorite song coincidentally is “Everything” by Michael Buble.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness, for me, revolves around the essence of love. As Audrey Hepburn said it best “I was born with an enormous need for affection and a terrible need to give it.” My own definition of happiness is a profound feeling of being loved, cared for, protected, and fully accepted. It’s not only about receiving love and care but also about reciprocating those feelings, providing love, care, protection, and acceptance to others.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Definitely anything from Wicked! “Defying Gravity”, “What is This Feeling”, The Wizard and I”, “Popular,” I could go on! My mom can vouch for me on this because she hears me sing Wicked probably every day. Simply put, I need it for my soul! You know it’s going to be a good day once you’ve sung “Defying Gravity”.
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be, and why?
Ok, there is no way I can choose just one! As far as who I would want to spend time with as a person, Audrey Hepburn is one of my biggest inspirations, especially when it comes to her values and character! She is just pure class and elegance! Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta-Jones are two people I am just absolutely obsessed with and have only been referring to them as “mom” for the past years. Then there are talented people who I would want to meet so I could pick their brain and ask a million questions about how they approach their craft. Christian Bale holds the title of my all-time favorite actor, then comes Heath Ledge and Cillian Murphy(so basically anyone Christopher Nolan casts) and on that note, Christopher Nolan himself.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, I support Tunnel to Towers, a great organization that means a lot to me, especially because I have two brothers in the military. Their mission and dedication to providing assistance to first responders and military personnel resonate deeply with me, and I am proud to be a supporter of their cause.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Church in the morning, followed by brunch with my family at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Afterward, I’d go to the movies and then straight to a show at the Hollywood Bowl or Pantages. I would get dinner from Bottega Loui and later host a themed karaoke party with friends. I would then end it with my favorite thing ever…a late-night drive to Malibu. On the way home I’d get ice cream.
The alternative would just involve being on a farm all by myself, surrounded by animals.
Those two days pretty much some me up its either one extreme or another!
Where can we follow you?
@gracemarieglenn on Instagram
Grace Marie Glenn for my YouTube channel coming soon!
