Check out our interview with visual artist and actress Paula Andrea Placido who can be seen in the new season of Showtime’s “The L Word: Generation Q.” The Argentine-Colombian, born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Florida, is best known for her work on Shameless and Hacks.
Follow Paula @ppplacido
Please tell us a little about you?
I’m a pretty chill person, which is kind of weird because I come from this big, crazy Latin family. My Mom is Colombian and my Dad is Argentine so I grew up with football on the tv and Asados every weekend. When I’m not acting or painting I’m usually cooking, working out or at a movie theater. I try to go see something in theaters at least once a week, it makes me feel like a kid again and reminds me of why I moved to LA.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate. Curious. Stubborn.
How did you get started into acting?
It’s something I had wanted to do since the first time I saw Harry Potter, but I was limited by being a kid living in a place with not much of an industry (Florida). I scratched the itch by going to art school and later on, I was able to audition for Eclipse, the third Twilight movie. That audition really changed things for me, I bombed but it motivated me to move to LA and keep at it.
How has this changed your life?
Oh man, in the most positive way. I’ve learned so much about myself, it’s been the ultimate test of resilience and how positive affirmations are key in moments of struggle or doubt.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Rejection, it’s never ending. Whether it’s the part or finding representation. It’s tough but it’s also a blessing, it’s given me mental calluses. A ‘’No ‘’ doesn’t really hurt anymore, I’ll just go knock on another door.
How do you prepare for a role?
Finding connections between the character and myself is key. I have to be able to see and understand why they want and need whatever it is they want and need. It’s also important to understand the relationships and how I feel about the other characters in a scene.
Tell us about your work in the new season of Showtime’s “The L Word: Generation Q?”
It’s been a lot of fun, it’s definitely a dream come true. Teenage Paula would be screaming. I’m super excited, as a fan, to watch this season. The storylines are sexy, funny and bold. I had the best time on this set with this cast and crew.
And about your role as Roxy?
It was A LOT of fun to play Roxy, mostly because we are so different so I had the green light to act a fool. Roxy is always down for a good time and she’s been friends with Dani since they were kids. I know when I call on my oldest friend, it’s definitely brings out another side of me and I think it’s exactly what Dani needs at the time— to let loose a bit because Roxy’s definitely not judging her.
What other projects you have been part of?
My first role on TV was Shameless, It was definitely a PINCH ME moment, it’s an iconic show with an amazing ensemble. Most recently I finished working on SUGAR, a new series for Apple TV. That’s going to be a really cool project, I got to work with one of my favorite actors Colin Farrell and Director Fernando Meirelles.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I’d love to work on a comedy series like Brooklynn Nine Nine. I love Michael Schur and his style of comedy, which is why I loved Hacks so much and had the best time on set. I would also love to play in George Miller’s Mad max/Furiosa world. I love dystopian themed movies.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Getting lost in the work is the best. If I can make myself laugh, that’s usually a good indicator that I don’t even see myself anymore and I’m just living in the moment as this character.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Know that every job isn’t for you, no matter how much you want or need it. The director could have their preferred choice and then another actor walks in and it’s evident that they are the right one for the role. The part is meant for who it’s meant for and it’s really out of our control.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Take nothing personally and be nice to everyone you meet.
How would your best friend describe you?
I have two best friends so I think it depends which one you ask. One would say I’m loyal, thoughtful and relentless while the other one would say I’m all those things + annoying.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear” sounds like a good title and I think it defines my journey pretty well.
I moved to Los Angeles by myself at 19 with $3,000. It was probably the scariest leap because I didn’t have any family, friends or a job. I came out here and started from scratch and now in retrospect, it’s been everything I wanted.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Keep creating art, find your voice, and spend as much time as possible with your parents. The party and gatherings can wait, they’ll still be there tomorrow.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I’m not an entrepreneur so I’m not sure but I do think every artist should read “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield.
What’s next for Paula Andrea Placido in the last months of 2022 and for 2023?
I will be recurring on season 3 of “The L Word Generation Q” which premieres November 18 on Showtime. It’s going to be an amazing season, they brought so many fun guest stars like Fletcher, Kehlani and Jen Tullock. I’m so excited to watch from a fan’s perspective. And by Summer 2023, you can see me on a new Apple series with Colin Farrell called “Sugar”. I grew up watching all of his movies, so to get the chance to work with him was a dream come true.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love cooking at home. I’ve been making a spinach, goat cheese, beet and nectarine salad a lot lately. So good and refreshing.
And your favorite cheat food?
oooooh a “Guava and Cheese” pastry from Porto’s. I love sweets.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Accomplishing everything on my to-do list.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kobe Bryant. He was my favorite basketball player growing up, and even into adulthood, he’s been such an example for me. His competitive nature and that sense of tunnel vision and just his overall work ethic is inspiring.
Best advice ever given?
It wasn’t given to me personally but Will Smith’s advice when he won the Nickelodeon Teen Choice Award has stuck with me. He encourages people to read and to run because 1. There’s no new problem that someone hasn’t already had and written about it in a book and 2. if you learn how to defeat that voice in your head that’s encouraging you to quit when you’re running, you will know how to not quit when things get hard in your life.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I would love to be on a comedy series, working with more Latin filmmakers and joining George Miller’s Mad Max world.
Favorite song? Why?
“By Your Side” by Sade. It feels like God is singing to me.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s cool in moderation.
Where can we follow you?
On Instagram: @ppplacido
Favorites:
Book: The Alchemist
Quote: One day or day one. You decide.
Movie: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
TV Series: Game of Thrones
Favorite Food: French Cuisine
Travel Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Cover Photo Credit: Cathryn Farnsworth
Blue Top Credit: Ariel Richardson
