[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”23372″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Statuesque and stunning, Russian born actress and former model Olga Fonda is soon to be the bad girl that everyone loves to hate, starring opposite Sharon Stone and Jeff Hephner in TNT’s new drama series “Agent X” airs on Sundays at 9/8c on TNT. Fonda steals the spotlight starring as ‘Olga Petrovka,’ a mysterious and fearless Russian spy who is continually followed by the danger and excitement of being the #1 target of Agent X (Hepher), whose existence is so heavily classified that his existence and top secret missions are only known by the Vice President (Stone).
Check our exclusive interview with Olga!!
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23370″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Fun, adventurous, loyal
How did you get involved in Acting?
It was a natural progression from modeling, to TV commercials and then finally to TV/Film. I started out with small appearances on TV shows as a model (Ugly Betty, Nip Tuck) and then I booked my first independent film, Love Hurts, which confirmed my love for acting. Immediately after, I was also able to book a couple of TV shows (Entourage, How I Met Your Mother) which really encouraged me to dream bigger!
Did you go to acting school?
I started out reading books on acting by Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Michael Caine, and books on the Meisner technique and Stanislavski. Then I joined different acting schools in Hollywood and worked with a dear friend, Clifford David, who gave me my first introduction to acting and helped me tremendously in learning the art. I never stop! I’m always working with coaches. It’s like working out, you keep training and learning new techniques, everyday.
Did your family support your decision to become an actress?
My family is very precious to me. I am so GRATEFUL that they have always surrounded me with unconditional love and support. I really wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. For anyone who wants to follow their dreams and succeed, it is so important to have a good support team around you. And in the end, it just makes your success so much more sweeter because you’re able to share it with the ones you love!
What was the first role you ever did?
Nip/Tuck in 2006. I played a high class escort who was hired to take Dr. Troy’s (Julian McMahon) kidney. It was my first role and I had to be in lingerie the entire scene. I was no longer shy in front of the camera. Ha!
How do you prepare for a role?
I read the script. I see what the character says about herself, what others say about my character, and I look for what the writer’s message is. From there, I usually have a good understanding on where to start. To play any character you need to know where they are coming from, where they are headed, and then you build upon that knowledge. You learn their likes, dislikes, skills, and intentions. I really enjoy breaking down a character, it gives me a chance to be creative, which I love!
Tell us about the hit series “Agent X” and your character Olga Petrovka?
Agent X is a thrilling show about a hidden, top secret agent who is trained and deployed at the discretion of the Vice President (Sharon). Olga Petrovka is such a great character! She is fearless, has a great sense of humor, has fun in everything that she does, she enjoys her life, and she has strong fighting skills!
How is working with big names such as Sharon Stone?
It’s one of the greatest gifts any actor can wish for. I admire her body of work and just her as a person as well! Seeing how she gets into character and watching her perform is priceless.
What other projects you have work in the past?
Vampire Diaries, Real Steel, Nikita, and Little Fockers.
If you could choose, what three actors/actress would you really want to work with?
Actresses: Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, and Reese Witherspoon Actors: Tom Cruise , Robert Downey Jr., and Brad Pitt
What advice would you give to those who want to be in this business?
Make sure you’re a gambler, ha! You are constantly betting on yourself and a team that you put together, there are no guarantees. A lot of highs and lows. It’s addicting, but fun.
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
Building my career… Hopefully in a successful TV series and in quality films.
Who is your favorite actor/actress? Why?
Meryl Streep and Robert DeNiro. They are both so versatile and are committed to every role.
How’s your typical day?
I wake up and my husband brings me a cup of coffee. He knows that always puts a smile on my face! Shower, run errands, go to auditions/meeting. I also go to either a martial arts or pilates class. I tend to meditate in LA traffic. Haha! After a long day, I go home and make dinner. If I have time, I try to catch up on TV shows and movies. I also must get my beauty sleep!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Pancakes, riding dirt bikes, and going to the Korean spa (love the sugar scrubs!)
Best advice ever given?
When you feel like giving up, that means you are very close to success. So then is the time to really keep pushing forward.
What’s your song of the day?
“I Feel Good” by James Brown
Who is your celebrity crush?
Bradley Cooper (those blue eyes!)
Do you have any hobbies?
Dirt biking is my latest hobby. It’s so much fun!
How do you keep fit?
I believe in a healthy balance. I try to listen to my body. I have done cleanses and tried many diets before and I don’t feel the best. I try to eat healthy during the week with a good balance of carbs, fiber and protein. And when the weekend comes, I eat anything my heart desires! Combine that with exercise during the week. I try to exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Pomegranates. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants that can benefit you inside and out.
And your favorite cheat food?
An All-American Burger. YUM!
On the fashion side, who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
I grew up with Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer! They are such classic beauties!
I enjoy different designers for different things. Louis Vuitton for bags, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik for shoes.
I always appreciate good quality products. As for clothes, I’m into a variety of designers. As of now, I’m really into Vince and Helmut Lang, I like to mix and match.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
I was able to travel a lot and I’ve met most of my friends through modeling. I have learned a lot about fashion, beauty products, and how to take care of myself. Not much to dislike!
Do you support any charity?
A friend of mine, Jason Thomas Gordon, introduced me to his grandfather’s foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They pioneer research and treatments to help defeat childhood cancer. The amazing thing is that at St. Jude, no family ever has to pay. Jason is also a musician (in a rock-band called, King Size), and he started a campaign for the hospital called, Music Gives to St. Jude Kids. I love supporting them.
I’m also a huge supporter of The Heroes Project! The founder, Tim Medvetz, started this foundation as a great way to give back to those who have helped to protect our freedom and have given so much of their lives so that the rest of us can live out our dreams. Tim takes wounded veterans with him to climb the Seven Summits as a way to help provide inspiration and hope for veterans.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My cellphone, wallet, and a great attitude!
Where we can follow you?
You can find me on Twitter (@TheOlgaFonda) and on Instagram (@OlgaFonda)
Quote: “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”- E.E. Cummings
Holiday Destination: I usually like to travel to a place I’ve never been to. For example, I would like to go to the Maldives!
Restaurant: Pace on Laurel Canyon.
Movie: Splendor in the Grass with Natalie Wood.
Drink: Red Wine
Book: Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn!
Music: I love oldies music. The music is so full of life and tells great stories.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]
Photo credit: Justin Wilczynski
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
