Rival Mag LA Issue 10 June 2021: Laura Marano

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Letter from the Editor Holy wow! We are celebrating our 10th issue can you believe that!? With the stunning Laura Marano gracing the cover and talents like Emery Kelly, Tahj Mowery, and Bethany Joy Lenz filling the pages this issue is PACKED of Superstar talents that spoke with the Rival Mag LA crew about life, navigating the 2021 year and their upcoming releases.

Rival is excited to announce that we have an Official HQ; Rival Studios in downtown Los Angeles! We will be painting, decorating, and hosting an open house soon so follow our social media for updates.

Love, Heather Rival Graphic Designer Liat Halmos

Emery Kelley

Bethany Joy Lenz

Tahj Mowry

Laura Marano

Alondra Delgado

Anthony Hill

Izzy Stevens

Noemi Gonzalez

Interview: Olivia Vitarelli Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Sky JT Naval Grooming: Ashley Francisco

Interview: Olivia Vitarelli Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Oththan Burnside Hair: Juel Bergstrom MUA: Juel Bergstrom

Interview: Ashley Vitarelli Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Haili Pue MUA: Ashley Francisco

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Interview: Ashley Vitarelli Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Joanne Black Hair: Marc Mena MUA: Sarah Sullivan

Interview: Brianna Vacca Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Sean Dylan Perry MUA: Ashley Francisco

Interview: Bri Rodriguez Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Haili Pue Hair: Denise Perez MUA: Iris Moreau

Interview: Olivia Vitarelli Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Oththan Burnside Grooming: Jeffrey English

Interview: Ashley Oken Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Haili Pue Grooming: Laura Bueno

Table of Contents 04 22 40 54 80 98 114 130

Emery Kelley

Bethany joy lenz

tahj mowry

Laura Marano

alondra delgado

Anthony hill

IZZY STEVENS

Noemi Gonzalez

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Emery Kelly By: Olivia Vitarelli As a fifteen-year-old auditioning for The X Factor, Emery Kelly never suspected that an omniscient Simon Cowell

would place him in a boy band, saving him from elimination

fellow contestants in Forever In Your Mind.

and ultimately landing him on sold-out stages and red

The band would go on to release a multitude of singles and

singer-songwriter plays a recurring role on a new Disney+

Fifth Harmony, and Jesse McCartney. “I learned how to be

carpets. Now, approximately eight years later, the actor and series, performed and co-wrote a critically acclaimed ballad

for an original motion picture, and will soon release a dynamic debut solo album.

Kelly, born and raised in New York, has always been deeply

drawn to the entertainment scene. “I’m very passionate about it,” he says. “I was always into entertaining, since I was five years old.” In 2013, that passion, nurtured through Emery’s

EPs, as well as tour with iconic artists such as Demi Lovato, more creative with my music, how to write songs, and built a lot of performing experience,” Emery says of his journey

with the band. While Forever In Your Mind has been inactive

for the past few years, Kelly holds the possibility of a reunion close to his heart. “I’m totally down one day in the long

future,” he says. “But right now I’m focused on my debut solo album Some Of My Emotions (or S.O.M.E).”

involvement with musical theater, took on a new life. Kelly

The upcoming album, which marks the singer-songwriter’s

became a founding member of the pop boy band Forever In

promise of lyrical sincerity and rejuvenating vibrations.

auditioned for The X Factor, and, at just the age of fifteen,

Your Mind. “My sister auditioned for American Idol in 2011,

so that’s what inspired me,” he says of the decision to try his luck on the singing television series. While Emery was cut

from the competition as a solo act during boot camp (the first phase of the competition following initial auditions), Simon Cowell saw promise in the young performer, and chose to 10

save him from elimination, thereby placing Emery and two

exuberant launch into his solo music career, teems with “I believe it’s gonna change the game,” Emery reveals

with enthusiastic anticipation. “I’m excited for everyone to experience S.O.M.E for what it is, what it stands for, and

what it can do for people after they hear it.” Kelly’s eagerness to share this body of work undoubtedly correlates with

the countless hours he spent building, tearing down, and

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reconstructing the project. “The process has been amazing,

Lucas Mendoza, on the beloved series. “I got to learn so

albums that were gonna be the S.O.M.E album. But they just

industry. One thing I can say is it takes a lot of hard work and

many ups and downs,” he says. “I created two different

didn’t fit with me.” Ultimately, Kelly concludes lightheartedly, “...[the] third time’s the charm!”

Sonically, listeners can expect a subtle nod to Emery’s

previous pop roots, fortified by an altogether departure to a cutting-edge contemporary sound, one that Kelly believes

cannot be tethered to a single genre. “I think there may be

one or two songs that are influenced from my experiences [in Forever In Your Mind], but for the most part it’s a completely new sound,” he notes. “It sounds sonically different from anything I’ve heard before.”

While, according to technicalities, S.O.M.E will be the

musician’s debut solo project, Kelly’s soaring vocals can be heard in their solitary glory on his track The Answers. The

Answers, a stunning ballad championing self-acceptance, was written for the original motion picture Max Winslow

and the House of Secrets, and was even considered for

an Oscar nomination at this year’s 93rd Academy Awards ceremony. Emery, who also stars in Max Winslow and

the House of Secrets, co-wrote and performed its moving

ballad. “It’s surreal,” he says of the stream of accolades and consideration for a Best Original Song nomination. “And it was for the first song I put out as a solo artist, so it’s very

special to me that it got that much love.” Kelly’s songwriting

process, which typically varies from session to session, was

unprecedentedly simple for the creation of The Answers. “The crazy thing is, I went to the studio when [co-writers] Jeremy

Ryan and Cooper Anderson had already made the beat,” he says. “We were writing a bunch of poetic stanzas, and put it

many things on set and so many things about the TV/film

dedication to get where you wanna get to in this industry!”

Alexa and Katie’s final episode aired in 2020, but fans can

now catch Emery on-screen again in Disney+’s new dramedy, Big Shot. The show follows Marvyn Korn (John Stamos),

a college basketball coach who is fired and subsequently

assumes a coaching position at an all-girls high school. “My

role is Dylan,” Emery explains. “He’s a basketball player who is a good friend of Louise [a player on Korn’s team]. Watch the show to find out more!”

Whether acting, singing, or writing music, one truth

connects all of Emery’s multi-faceted pursuits: he is

always entertaining. “I find purpose in connecting with and entertaining others,” he comments. “I wanna change the

world with the power of positivity and love.” Kelly maintains this deep-rooted passion for driving positive change

throughout every medium he explores. “Don’t give up on what you’re pursuing. Keep going and stay strong,” he says. “Be

yourself and surround yourself with the right people that help

you create your vision.” Emery then concludes, “Get ready for S.O.M.E!!!”

Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Sky JT Naval Grooming: Ashley Francisco

all together into one. Then I sang the whole thing and it kinda just worked.” To Emery, the song tells us to be ourselves.

“It’s okay to be who you want to be,” he remarks. “[It’s about] spreading love and positivity!”

In Max Winslow and the House of Secrets, Emery portrays

Aiden, a darker character jaded by his previous experiences and surroundings. The role, a stark departure from Kelly’s

comedic roots, posed a new challenge to the actor. “I wasn’t

nervous at all to play the role of Aiden,” Emery reveals. “I was

actually really excited, because it was the first time people got to see me act more dramatic and more real than doing kids and family acting.”

The comedic ground from which he hails is the set of Netflix’s Alexa and Katie, a sitcom following two best friends as they take on both high school and Alexa’s cancer treatment. “It taught me a lot,” Kelly says of his role as Alexa’s brother,

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Bethany Bethany Joy Joy Lenz Lenz Dress: Benedetti Life Shoes: Veerah Earrings: Daria de Koning Ring: Daria de Koning 22

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Bethany Joy Lenz By: Ashley Vitarelli The world of creativity has always called out to Bethany Joy Lenz. From stage productions of Peter Rabbit as a child

to television screens all around the world in One Tree Hill,

been drawn to since I was a kid.”

Bethany Joy Lenz shines bright in whatever she does. She

Indeed, even as a child, Bethany Joy Lenz shined in the

entrepreneur, artist, activist, podcaster, blogger, and more. In

her star power is evident, even when portraying Penelope

is a revered actress, accomplished musician, impressive a word, Bethany Joy Lenz is a star.

“I grew up in Texas and New Jersey” Lenz says of her childhood. “My parents had different jobs and so we

bounced around a lot.” Undoubtedly, constantly moving

around could prove challenging and troublesome for many people, but for Lenz, all of the moving was actually pivotal

to her development as a creative. “I think it really made me adaptable and made me a better storyteller,” Lenz reflects.

“I got a chance to interact with lots of different people and

lots of different places. I learned a lot from moving around so much.”

One particular matter that Lenz learned about while moving had nothing to do with the world around her, but rather, it

had to do with herself and her future. “My dream job growing up was to be the Queen of England,” Lenz shares. “I didn’t realize at 5 that wasn’t really a possibility for an American,

acting world. From her earliest instances of being on stage, Peters in a performance of Peter Rabbit. “I remember all

the bunnies were supposed to hop off stage, and as I was

hopping off, I decided to grab a cabbage out of the garden

that was set up on stage,” Lenz explains. “I got a big laugh

from the audience, and I remember feeling like that was so

exciting to have the freedom to just explore and play and be in the moment in a way that I felt like maybe I couldn’t really be in my real life.” This sensation, coupled with her family’s

support after getting in trouble with the production’s director

for improvising, further ignited Lenz’s passion for acting. “My

parents had enough sense to tell me ‘not everybody in every town understands what real art is, even though they are in

the arts,’” Lenz shares. “Because my grandparents were both

in musical theatre, my parents knew enough to tell me I 100% did the right thing and to never second-guess your instincts

on stage. And I never really did after that, and it made a big difference.”

ha!” From there, after her royal dreams subsided, Lenz found

Lenz had certainly found her passion, leaving her with just

ever wanted to do anything else besides that,” Lenz says. “In

and pursue it. “I think the moment that I realized I really

her true dream: acting. “I discovered acting and kind of never high school I thought, ‘maybe I should have a backup plan.’

I thought about maybe being a criminal defense attorney, I

thought about being a psychologist, I thought about being a

detective, but I really, really love telling stories and being able 30

to wear lots of different hats. Acting was something that I’ve

one thing missing: the sign to take this passion for acting

could pursue acting was when I saw The Secret Garden on

Broadway,” Lenz says. “Then I saw Daisy Eagan win a Tony for The Secret Garden and it really changed the course of

my perception that I could actually be a professional actor. It

Dress: Benedetti Life Shoes: Veerah Earrings: Daria de Koning Ring: Daria de Koning

wasn’t just a hobby, I could really do that as a living.” Fittingly,

Scott on the iconic show One Tree Hill. “It was amazing,”

to meet the very person that showed her that she could be

lifetime. Most actors never get the opportunity to be on a

in a full-circle moment years later, Lenz got the opportunity an actress herself. At a screen test for a pilot in LA, Lenz

and Eagan met. “She was lovely,” Lenz says. “We ended up hanging out together during the trip. It was pretty cool.”

The pilot screen test that united Lenz and Eagan was one of the many pilot auditions that Lenz went out for at the start of

her career. “My first visit to LA I was 12 and came out with the Dallas TV and Film School to audition for pilots,” Lenz says.

“They went really well.” Flash forward to a few years later,

when a 17 year old Lenz was portraying the teenage clone

of Reva Shayne on Guiding Light. “Getting to be on Guiding

Lenz says of starring in One Tree Hill. “It was once in a

show that runs that long.” One Tree Hill also gave Lenz

the opportunity to try her hand at directing for the first time.

“Directing felt freeing in a new way,” Lenz explains. “It felt

like I could access a part of my creativity that I hadn’t been able to access before. I found out that I was really good at

it and that I am a natural leader. When I’m given the role of

leadership, I take it and I take to it really well. I also found that

my musical sensibilities helped me move with the camera and find shots that maybe were not instinctual to directors without a musical instinct.”

Light was a huge deal for me at the time,” Lenz recalls. “I

More recently, Bethany Joy Lenz can be seen in the films

It was an incredible experience to be in New York on my

in Blindfire, a movie that touches on vital topics such as

was 17 and suddenly in magazines, it was a really big deal. own. Learning about being on a set and learning about how cameras worked and how sound worked was a total crash course. I learned a lot about the industry and myself while working on Guiding Light. That was my college.”

The expertise and knowledge that Lenz acquired during her time on Guiding Light would prove invaluable, especially as she embarked on her next project, portraying Haley James

Blindfire and Five Star Christmas. Lenz portrays Jan Bishop racial tension and identity. “To me, any story that wants to encourage people to look at each other from a place

of humility, and a willingness to grow and change, and a willingness to forgive, that’s a story worth telling,” Lenz

shares. “I think that was the aim of Blindfire, and I’ve talked with a lot of people who’ve seen it, and it seems that topic has hit home for a lot of people. I’m grateful to have been

a part of that.” Lenz also stars in the hit Hallmark film Five 31

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Star Christmas. “We really had a great cast,” Lenz says

Reflecting on her incredible career thus far, Bethany Joy

outstandingly well and I’m so grateful that Hallmark let us do

profound and mature. “What’s been great about getting older

of the movie. “It was a lot of fun. The movie performed

a big ensemble comedy because it was their first one and I’m proud to have been the on-camera helm of that.”

On TV screens, Lenz has leant her talents to a wide variety of popular shows varying in genre and tone, thereby

demonstrating her versatility as an actress. In Pearson, the

spin-off of Suits, Lenz starred as Keri Allen in all ten episodes of the series. “I loved Keri Allen and I wish that I would have

been able to play her for longer,” Lenz reflects. “I really wish

we’d been able to continue that show because it was honestly the best working experience I’d had up until that point. It was just so collaborative and professional.” As for guest

appearances, Lenz has appeared on hit shows like Dexter, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, Colony, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“Working on each show is definitely flex to creative muscle for me,” Lenz says. “Each of those experiences were unique.”

In addition to being a star on screen, Lenz is also a star in

the world of music. She is a skilled singer and songwriter who has released music that has been well-received by both fans and the charts, gone on tour, released a Christmas album,

and more. “Singing is just something that is natural to me,”

Lenz shares. “It’s a comfort, it’s like a friend when I’m lonely.”

The acts of songwriting and performing are also something

that Lenz enjoys. “Songwriting and creating something out of

and having been in this business for so long is recognizing that the breaks don’t mean that you’re going to be happy,”

Lenz says of getting “big breaks” in the industry. “If you reach the next level, it doesn’t guarantee happiness, it just means you reached another level. There’s always more to look

forward to, but you have to really be content with who you

are and with your life outside of whether you’re getting these career breaks or not. When I get really honest with myself, I

feel so, so, so incredibly blessed and lucky to be where I am.

And I hope that tomorrow holds more adventures and more

opportunities to share my heart and my perspective with the world. So I continue to try and make myself a better person

so that my perspective is on a balanced, humble, intelligent,

thoughtful, intentional level. I do take my position seriously as an artist, and I’m just really grateful to be here.”

Looking forward, there are exciting things on the horizon for

Lenz. “There’s new music coming,” she shares. “I promise I’m working on it. I’m just trying to pick a genre.” Additionally, fans can listen to the Drama Queens Podcast, an iHeartRadio

podcast hosted by Lenz and her One Tree Hill co-stars Hilarie Burton and Sophia Bush. The trio discusses all things One

Tree Hill— from the audition process to set-life and beyond — and the podcast is available on all platforms.

nothing is an exciting thing,” Lenz shares. “And performing

Bethany Joy Lenz is a versatile, talented, and famed creative.

sharing your story being able to move people, or be a conduit

care as a storyteller all demonstrate the wisdom she has for

as well, just being able to interact with an audience and

to people being moved in their hearts, it’s a humbling and thrilling thing.”

Lenz’s creative prowess as a musician also includes her aptitude for writing musicals, namely her musical about

Pocahontas that she completed during quarantine. “During

lockdown, I finished my musical which is based on the tribal

history of Pocahontas,” Lenz explains. “There’s a book called The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History

by Angela L. Daniel and Dr. Linwood Custalow that is a

really powerful retelling of the oral history of the true story of Pocahontas that’s been passed down through her tribe for 400 years. So it’s very different than what’s in our English

Her aptitude on camera and off, artistry as a musician, and

her craft. “I love the fact that I’m able to tell a story that might

affect somebody’s life in a positive way,” Lenz says. “Whether it’s One Tree Hill, whether it’s an indie movie, whether it’s

music, or whether it’s Hallmark, wherever I’m being welcomed in as a storyteller, I am so happy to be able to have that

freedom to not just express myself, but to mirror something of the human condition that I hope inspires or motivates a

viewer in some way. I think that’s what all storytellers hope for. The world needs art.”

Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Joanne Black

history books. It’s a story that is in dire need of retelling

Hair: Marc Mena

perspective of the Indigenous community that was here

MUA: Sarah Sullivan

because we seriously need to adjust our treatment of and before we were. I feel really passionate about using art as a

tool to do that. I’ve been writing this play for about four years, and we finally have it scheduled to workshop very soon.”

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Lenz’s perspectives as an actress and as a person are

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Tahj Mowry 41

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Outfit: Vytal

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Tahj Mowry By: Olivia Vitarelli

Children’s book in hand, a young Tahj Mowry stood before his

age can be challenging, but Mowry quickly identified an

Tahj said, “my family realized that I was just memorizing the

acting and be ‘normal’ in a sense,” he says of the sport.

family and read aloud to them. Well, recited aloud to them. As words and not actually reading them yet.” Soon, at just the

age of nine, he would put those recitation skills to the test as

he starred on the beloved sitcom Smart Guy, playing the role

of kid genius T.J. Henderson. The term triple, even quadruple, threat doesn’t seem to encapsulate the multidimensional

nature of Mowry’s talent. Since Smart Guy, he went on to star in the People’s Choice Award winning sitcom Baby Daddy,

dance in music videos with legends such as Prince, Mariah Carey, and Michael Jackson, release a debut EP, and even co-write and direct an original film.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mowry’s stardom and unshakable

outlet: football. “It gave me a chance to take breaks from “There were times where I would leave straight from set to

go to my Pop Warner football or track practices. I was able to

have the best of both worlds which was really amazing.” After initially pursuing football in college, he says, “something was

tugging me back into the entertainment world. I believe I was created for this industry. My passion is entertaining and the

arts, so if I don’t do it I feel like I’m incomplete in a sense.” He concludes his explanation for dropping football with perhaps the most convincing reason yet. “It was really cold at the

college I was playing at… practice in zero degree weather wasn’t the vibe anymore.”

prominence in the entertainment industry were evident early

Football, which Tahj says taught him respect, teamwork, and

themselves in Los Angeles. “I was pretty young when we

for him while growing up. The actor credits his parents and

on. After briefly living in Texas, the actor and his family found finally settled down in LA,” Tahj says. “Life was busy with

two military parents and lots of auditions between my sisters and I. I have vivid memories of going straight from school to auditions and having to study my lines in the car in lots of

LA traffic.” He continues, “I had to try my hardest to not fall

asleep on the way there so that I wouldn’t wake up with nap marks on my face before an audition.”

A commitment to the entertainment industry at such a young

leadership, wasn’t the only influence molding a set of values their example as key inspirations. “My parents are two of

the hardest working people I know and my work ethic came from them! I had an amazing childhood and I’m so thankful to my parents for instilling core values into us all and for

sacrificing everything for our careers.” His parents, who were both in the military, imparted a strong set of values on him

and his siblings. Tahj reflects on some of them, noting that

“cleanliness and order were huge in our household.” Another prominent value was respecting your elders, which a young

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Tahj would have ample time to practice and perfect as the youngest member of the Smart Guy cast.

“It honestly was fun,” he says of leading a television show

before even living through a full decade. “I had been acting for a while already so I was just doing what I knew how to do and having fun while doing it.” The schedule and

responsibility might overwhelm some, but it seemed Tahj

thrived in the environment. “I’ve always liked working and

being busy even at a young age. My mom made sure the set

atmosphere was comfortable for me as well and I had a great balance of work and being a regular kid. So I’m thankful to

both parents for that!” Now, having distance from the project in the ways of experience and revolutions around the sun,

Tahj has a greater appreciation for the poise, confidence, and skill that such a task demanded of his younger self. “When

I think about it as an adult now I’m like ‘damn. I actually did that.’”

The feat, inarguably impressive, was made to look easy by Mowry’s natural knack for comedy. “I feel like it was just in

me. Truly a gift from God,” he says of this comedic instinct,

an internal mechanism necessary to a sitcom’s main player.

While the wait for more Smart Guy might be a bit longer, the call for more Mowry will soon be answered by his upcoming film, Welcome Matt. The story follows writer and director

Matt who, after enduring a traumatic experience, develops agoraphobia and becomes afraid to leave his home. “The

movie at times is equally hilarious and equally sad and painful to watch,” Tahj comments. “You can be laughing watching a specific scene, then instantly find yourself crying within

seconds.” The beauty of a dramedy, Tahj finds, is often its

truthfulness. “Life isn’t all the way funny or painful or sad— it

can be all of those things and that’s the magic of this film. It’s grounded in that reality and has a great balanced marriage between the drama and comedy.” Mowry goes on to share

more about his character. “We see Matt go from a super high point in his life and career to almost literal rock bottom—

mentally and physically. Through the course of the film you

get to see his rise, his fall, how he deals with pain and anxiety (sometimes in comical ways), and then his triumphant return back to where he needs to be mentally, emotionally, and physically.”

“I understand comedy and timing in a very deep way.” It’s in

In order to prepare for that character arc, Tahj sought better

graced televisions across America, Tahj stood in front of a

elected to stay home and disconnect from society while

the actor’s nature to cater to laughs. Before Smart Guy ever cluster of industry bigwigs, displaying his infectious charisma

to them as he led a pitch meeting. “I would have a ‘bit’ I would do where I would bring my toy cell phone to meetings and push the ring button underneath the table,” he describes,

explaining the recurring gimmick that he employed at such

meetings. “I would answer the call and tell the fake person on the other end that I was in a meeting and I’d call them back

later. I’ve just always had a big personality so as a kid it was just being me.”

Fans will be delighted to hear that a Smart Guy revival is in the works. “I feel so honored and blessed to even be able to even have a conversation about bringing a show and

character I played years ago back onto the screen,” Tahj

says of the sitcom’s potential return. “To be able to see T.J.

as an adult and to see what his family is up to now, and how

their relationships and dynamics have evolved will be just as

much a treat for me as it will be for the fans.” Tahj goes on to discuss his creative control over the project, revealing, “It’s also an amazing feeling to have so much creative input for

how the show will play out as well. The idea we’ve come up

with I am sure the fans will love.” While there are no concrete dates set for production or release, Tahj affirms, “we do have

a home for it and we do have a writer… fans can be confident in knowing that it will happen. Timing is everything and when

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the timing is right, it’s right.”

insight into what Matt might be feeling. The devoted actor

filming the movie. “I purposely didn’t leave my house unless

I was going to work of course— and this was before COVID.

I didn’t hang out with anyone either. I wanted to be physically

and emotionally disconnected from the world and from people as much as possible, just like Matt is in the film.” Still, Tahj’s connection to Matt extends beyond the now ever-relatable

and all too familiar feeling of isolation. “I’ve experienced panic attacks and anxiety before, like Matt,” Tahj comments. “So

it was something I could definitely relate to and understand.

I had to allow myself to go there mentally and emotionally

again for this film in order to become Matt. Some days were very tiring and emotionally and physically draining, but also

very therapeutic as well (not to mention super fun because, as I said before, the film is absolutely hilarious at times).”

Mowry continues, “Mental health is something that people may not want to talk about, but a lot of the time it can be

something that the person next to you may be struggling with as well, and you’d never know. Everyone has experienced

anxiety in some way, some more than others. I’m so happy to get this film out there to show that men, and especially men

of color, struggle with mental health and anxiety as well, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

The film, as Tahj points out, is an essential conversation

starter, helping to end the stigma surrounding mental health,

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and spread the indisputable truth that everyone’s struggles

No matter the various genres and careers he takes on within

Mowry concludes. “But it’s ultimately about finding the

in children’s books, eager to entertain. And ultimately, he is

are valid. “It’s a film about pain, loss, and mental health,”

strength necessary to keep going and pushing through into your purpose with the help of those special people in your life.”

Following Welcome Matt’s release in May, Tahj is excited

to broaden his genre horizons. “I’d love to explore the more dramatic side of myself in film,” he says. “I’d love to have the freedom and opportunity to express and showcase

those other sides of me emotionally.” In the spirit of such

exploration, Mowry recently co-wrote a horror film with his writing partner Hal Williams, and while he “can’t give too

much away,” he entices us with the broad outline of the film.

“It’s a paranormal revenge story. It brings the past into the

the industry, Mowry is still that young boy memorizing words loyal to laughter. “I will always find my way back to comedy.

There truly isn’t anything quite like giving someone the joy of

laughter,” he says. “So many people have told me the shows I’ve done helped them in a dark time, or when they were in

the hospital with cancer and a show I was in got them though.

That’s why I do what I do. Laughter heals the soul and I’m

honored to be able to give that to people as often as I can.”

Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Oththan Burnside Grooming: Jeffrey English

present and is set in a supernaturally scary yet grounded

reality.” In addition to co-writing the film, Tahj will also direct it. “I watch so much film and have been in this business my whole life. I have always wanted to direct so it was bound to happen at some point, and now is that time and I’m so

excited about it,” he comments. “I’ve always been a fan of

horror films and the emotions they can pull out of a viewer

and out of the characters themselves, so I knew the first film I wrote would have to be in that vein.”

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Laura Marano By: Olivia Vitarelli Laura Marano, born and raised in Los Angeles, first burst

is I feel incredibly thankful that we were already here to begin

Effortlessly combining practicality with humility, the singer-

than a lot of my industry friends because it’s always been my

onto the entertainment scene as a bubbly child actor.

songwriter and actress attributes that initial debut into a

world of bright lights and flashing cameras to a phenomenon

home.”

far simpler than a lightning in a bottle melding of talent and

Despite entering the industry as an actor, music has always

parents would have been able to support [me and my sister]

singing and writing songs for as long as I can remember,”

opportunity. She credits geography. “I don’t know if my

as child actors if we lived somewhere else,” she candidly

considers. “Maybe we would have moved to LA eventually

and found the entertainment industry, maybe not. All I know 60

with, and that I have a different relationship with this city

been an ultimate and persistent passion of Laura’s. “I’ve been she comments. “I always wanted to be a professional

singer and songwriter, but I had absolutely no idea how to

make that happen, which makes sense. It is a bit harder to

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professionally start singing when you’re 4, but that [concept]

called moodiness, but would still be considered pop.” On the

doing something, acting, when I was super young, so I

have just created that; just go with it.”

was weirdly foreign to me because I started professionally

always felt ready to start professionally singing as soon as

inventive new genre-name, Laura quickly quips, “Yes, I may

possible.”

The singer-songwriter’s tracks, in all their “moody pop”

Now, having released two EPs and collaborated with a

YOU, and will soon be revitalized by the spirit and style of

vast variety of artists, Laura can finally claim stake to that

professional singing career of her dreams. With her inaugural single Boombox, released in 2016, the musician dove headfirst into a genre of upbeat, feel-good, toe-tapping pop. “My sound and my artistry have evolved and grown in so many different ways over the years,” she notes, reflecting on the

time since Boombox’s debut. “I think I needed to go through

not only the hundreds of writing sessions and songs I wrote,

but also the different personal struggles I went through to get to where I am now as a songwriter and artist. I learned to be so much more vulnerable with myself and my collaborators,

which is one of my favorite aspects of songwriting. I now love being vulnerable and brutally honest in my writing, but it took me a while to get there.” At the moment, Marano classifies her music as “moody pop,” a moniker of her own invention branding songs that “have this layer of emotion and so-

glory, can be found on her sophomore and most recent EP a variety of different musicians, all of whom are featured on

the upcoming deluxe version of YOU (set to release in June).

“I think for this particular era of music for me, I was super

drawn to the idea of recreation and how different perspectives can recreate an already existing piece of art,” she explains

of collaborating with other artists to remix her tracks. “Not to get super philosophical, but it has made me really reflect on creating art. When you create something, does that mean

you have complete authority on what your art is about? Or is there another side, another meaning that is just as true and real as how you originally envisioned your art’s meaning?”

Marano continues, “The whole concept for me with this EP

revolved around this thought that there are two sides to every story, every relationship. Building on that by recreating and

remixing these songs has been super creatively fulfilling and, honestly, just really fun. I feel like I’ve lived with these songs

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in so many different ways, which has been super liberating.”

who started the organization. I can’t say enough nice things

Marano’s debut EP ME, titled complementary to its

helping their mission anyway I can!”

successor, invited equally liberating collaborations. She wrote the track Not Like Me alongside two-time Grammy Award

The desire to help seems to be a common thread through

Laura says of the experience. “I was and am still such a huge

entertainment industry,” she muses, “I think I would be

winner Jason Mraz. “Oh my goodness, it was so amazing,” fan, so it was a bit surreal writing with one of my heroes. I

was on the keyboard, Jason was on the guitar, and our two other cowriters, Michael and Nancy Natter, were singing

along as we were writing. The whole process happened so

organically, and it was just a magical session. I literally can’t believe it happened.” Still, Laura’s propensity to collaborate

is heavily dependent on the song that she is working on and how she is feeling. “I started writing songs by myself when I

was way younger, and I think I lost that confidence as a solo

writer when I started co-writing,” she reveals. “During the last

few years, I gained that confidence again, and I find I do love

writing individually. Writing with other people, however, is also a super exciting experience, and something that I cherish as

well. Writing by yourself can be very reflective, but it also gets a bit lonely, so it really depends on what mood I’m in.”

When writing, Laura says, “I usually start with the verses,

even though I try to start with the chorus. Honestly, though,

it constantly changes based on the song I’m writing, which is

Laura’s many dreams and endeavors. “If I wasn’t in the a teacher. Both my parents are teachers, and I always

loved tutoring my friends in school. Plus, there is a bit of

a performance aspect to being a teacher, which I do think I would always be drawn to.” As an artist, Marano says, “I

want anyone who listens to my music to be able to turn to it

whenever they’re feeling something intensely. I want them to be able to share the experience and music with someone in

their life, and have them connect with that someone because of my songs. I think that connection and bond is one of

the most special aspects of my job. People finding lifelong

friendships through some sort of art that I’ve put out is both incredible and just completely wild to me.”

As her YOU era comes to close, Marano reveals, “I am

definitely going to miss this era, but I’m also excited to finish this chapter. I have been itching to write again and to start

figuring out what this next chapter of music looks like to me.”

Laura then teases, “I have a few ideas already…”

why I think I love songwriting so much.” She continues, “Even

Laura’s deluxe version of YOU is set to release June 25!

experiences, but a couple songs came from my imagination.

Photographer: Heather Koepp

with this past EP, most of the songs came from personal

Can’t Help Myself specifically was a song that came from

me just having fun in the studio. The special part of anyone’s

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songwriting ability is that it constantly evolves with you and

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whole process.”

MAU: Juel Bergstrom

the energy you bring. It potentially is my favorite part of the

On Laura’s Spotify page, in addition to a variety of playlists

and puns, lives a direct link to donate to Childhelp, her pinned fundraising pick. “Childhelp is such a wonderful organization that I really accidentally found out about,” she notes,

explaining her decision to spotlight the organization on her page. “I got booked to perform acoustically for one of their

events in LA, and I really didn’t know much about them. For

those who don’t know, Childhelp is an organization that helps children who are victims and survivors of child abuse. Their help varies from giving them the counseling and tools they need to heal, to taking these children in if they are unable

to be with their parents or guardians anymore. I knew a little about them before that event, but after that night, listening

to all the amazing work that they do, I knew I wanted to help in any way I could. I ended up visiting their centers around California and Arizona and meeting the incredible women

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about the beautiful work they do, and I hope to be a part of

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Alondra Delgado

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Alondra Delgado By: Brianna Vacca Alondra Delgado is a bona fide, lovely lady. She knows

Night Lights but the Vida actress notes that All American

girl, Delgado watched telenovelas, a favorite being Gata

the team enlists the help of a new coach, Coach Montes, who

what she wants and how to give it her all to get it. As a little Salvaje, alongside her mother which launched her love for

the entertainment industry. The Puerto Rico native promptly began acting at a mere three years old. At four, she started participating in productions at a local theatre. Despite her

acting accolades, her heritage is very important in her life.

She credits the support of her family and acknowledges their role in her success saying, “I learned about family and the

then enrolls her daughter Vanessa at the school. Delgado

plays Vanessa, a bold, beauteous student who has a history with Cody Christian’s character Asher. Delgado confesses

that although Vanessa is very approachable, her personality is a bit different. She’s a self-proclaimed introvert and overthinker, whereas Montes is very vocal.

importance of having them as support all the time. I learned

Delgado let us in on the audition process for Vanessa: “I

because they taught me to fight and work hard.”

Santana. I’ve been a fan of the show since Season 1, so I

that family comes first, and everything I’ve achieved has been

Although the starlet built an impressive career in Puerto

Rico, unfortunately her portfolio there, didn’t hold as much significance in Los Angeles. Even though she had already starred three movies and a television show in her home

country, she didn’t qualify to be a part of SAG and had to start fresh.

Since her move, Delgado found a home in Season 3 of

The CW’s All American; a teenage drama about sports and

relationships, which follows an elite football team at Beverly Hills High. Some would say the show compares to Friday 86

focuses on more of today’s societal dilemmas. In Season 3,

sent in a self-tape that I did with my acting coach, Kazandra already knew the characters I was talking to in the scenes. I practiced it but I was still very nervous. A month after I sent in the tape, I received a call from my managers and agents telling me I booked it. I couldn’t believe it!”

When asked which one of her classmates she would like

to see Vanessa spend time with, Delgado insisted that her

character needs to find a couple of girlfriends: “That’s a hard

question. I would like her to be friends with the girls. She was

always in a weird or difficult situation, and I would want her to make friends and enjoy high school.”

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Delgado has the ability to wear multiple hats. In addition

gets herself caught in the dangerous situation. Though the

brings dedication and affection into everything that she does,

develop Carla as a character.

to being an actress, she is also a writer and producer. She and it’s apparent through her work. Her first project as a

writer and producer, A Will to Love, focuses on a group of

men and women who shockingly discover that their father had more than one family.

role was physically tough on her body, she was eager to

All American season three is airing Mondays at 8p.m. on The CW.

Photographer: Heather Koepp

She will next star as the lead in Safe House; an action film

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lost her brother, who gets mixed up in all of it without wanting

MUA: Ashley Francisco

about drugs, the cartel, a safe house, and a girl, who recently to.” Delgado plays Carla, a talented, bright med student who

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Anthony Anthony Hill Hill

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Anthony Hill By: Ashley Oken

Missouri born and Kansas City raised actor Anthony Hill

may be a series regular as Dr. Winston Ndugu- a charming,

Hill chatted with Rival Magazine LA about his role on Grey’s

distance romance with Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary)-

he hopes to leave as an actor.

sophisticated surgeon who began Season 17 in a long-

on beloved hit show Grey’s Anatomy now, but he has had a long road to get there. After a sports injury in his his senior

You’re a Grey’s Anatomy series regular, What has it been

collegiate football career- offers from top NCAA Division I

year at Shawnee Mission South High School sidelined his schools dropped off-, he realized he had to start over.

Upon making it onto the starting roster at Coffeyville

Community College in Kansas and injuring his collarbone at the final scrimmage before his first game, he knew he had

change his plans. He took first acting class in college, and

like for you to be a part of such an iconic show?

It has been incredible. I joined a series that’s been building a worldwide fan base for the past 16 years. So getting in

the mix and helping this cast and production team tell these stories that Grey’s fans look forward to seeing each week, has been a dream.

never looked back. The run of bad luck ultimately pushed Hill

This season sees your character, Winston and Maggie

He thought of a new plan: audition for a theater scholarship at

relationship and you meet her ex, two huge hurdles in

to change his trajectory and lean on his interests in theater.

a top university and continue to play football. He accepted a

scholarship at Oklahoma State University (OCU) and became a walk-on wide receiver from 2008-2010. The main plan was to be able to play football for as long as possible and shift to acting professionally.

After numerous unsuccessful auditions for the medical

drama, Hill received an unexpected call for the role of Dr.

Winston Ngudu and made an appearance on an episode at

the end of Season 16 before Covid 19 shut down production.

After a few months,Hill received another call to be a series regular. Before this, he has made guest appearances on a variety of shows, such as “Scream: The TV Series”, Fuller

House, Silicon Valley, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

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Anatomy, transitioning from sports to acting, and the legacy

(played by Kelly McCreary) end their long- distance

any romantic relationship. What can fans expect to see

in terms of how their relationship develops? Would you

handle these things differently than your character does?

Fans can expect their relationship to keep climbing. And if

you’re a “Magston” fan and haven’t seen the season 17 finale yet, it’s definitely one that’s worth watching.

The season also touches on grief when Maggie grieves the loss of DeLuca. What have you learned about the process of grief through this role?

Seeing how each character in the show dealt with Deluca’s passing, and recognizing the differences in how their grief

was expressed, it helped remind me how grief is never a one

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size fits all process.

In addition to Grey’s Anatomy, you had a pivotal guest

It helped my teammates recognize that it’s not only okay

role on HBO’s “Watchmen”. Tell me about how you got that role and what it was like to be on the show.

I got that role by putting the audition on tape and sending it to Damon Lindeloff down in Atlanta where they planned

to shoot it. The show was actually going by the codename

BROOKLYN to keep secrecy. So I actually had no idea what

the project was in the beginning. I flew down to Atlanta for the callback audition where I met the director and also learned it

was Watchmen. It went pretty well and I ended up getting the role and shooting for a couple days in Georgia on location.

It was a BLAST (solid dad joke for anyone who saw my Watchmen episode).

You’re a former wide receiver for the Oklahoma State

Cowboys before becoming an actor. How has the pivot from sports to acting been for you?

I was a theatre minor in college. My plan when I left OSU was to transition into print work and commercials using football.

Brands like Underarmour and Gatorade for example, always had football players in their ads. So, long explanation short, knowing my strength was football helped me make that

obvious pivot. From there I worked on shifting again, but

this time into TV and film. I’ve had a very blessed path, but it

started out with a plan that involved the sport I had played my whole life. Made sense to me, and I’m glad it worked out.

You were raised in Kansas City, KS and now

reside in Los Angeles, CA. What restaurants would you recommend from each city?

For KC, ya can’t go wrong with Gates BBQ. And if you want breakfast, Mildred’s is the spot. In LA, I’d go with a place

called Granville. The mac n cheese there is a game changer.

I heard that you auditioned for Grey’s Anatomy 5 years

before you got the call. Tell me about how you felt in the moment that you learned you got the part.

Oh yeah. I auditioned more than once over the years to no

avail. But when I landed this one, it was originally meant to be a recurring guest role, and I’ll be honest, after I hung up with

my agent I fell on the floor and cried. Not dramatic at all huh.

Your college football coach was very supportive of your acting career. Tell me about what that meant to you and your relationship with him today.

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It was great that he was vocally supportive at that time.

to do things outside of football, but it’s commended and

encouraged. I just caught up with him this spring in Stillwater, OK for the first time in years, and he and the other coaches are still supporting to this day, vice versa, Go Pokes. .

Speaking of which, what’s your ideal date night with someone?

I like the idea of doing something I pick for us, AND

something my date picks for us. Then having plenty of

unrushed time to talk about life and eat delicious foods.

In addition to Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve also appeared in

Scream and Fuller House. What was it like to be on both of those iconic TV series?

Scream is my all-time favorite scary movie, so getting a role

on the show was a big deal for that alone. And Fuller House was nostalgia overload. And my first multi-cam, live studio

audience experience. I loved it so much. Won’t ever forget it.

Outside of acting, what are hobbies that you like to engage with to unwind?

I LOVE boxing. It’s my main go to hobby these days. It’s so challenging and rewarding, I can’t get enough.

What kind of roles did you want to play when you started out? How does that compare to what you’re doing now?

Starting out, I wanted to be a part of stories that helped

people in ways bigger than just entertaining them. Now here I am on a show that has a proven track record of literally

saving lives. And I get to help tell these stories while playing a smart, confident, compassionate cardiothoracic surgeon. It’s amazing and I’m extremely grateful.

What kind of a legacy do you want to leave as an actor?

In a perfect world I’d like to leave a body of work that is

not only culture shifting, but also helps to change systemic structures in our world for the better.

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Izzy Izzy Stevens Stevens

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Izzy Stevens By: Ashley Vitarelli

If versatility could be personified, it would look like Izzy

I found my way to acting classes,” Stevens recalls. “I always

mediums, trades, and skillsets, making it simply impossible

how I learned to understand the world greater than my

Stevens. Her artistic prowess and innovative vision spans

for her talent to be bound to just one category. In truth, she is many things: the star of a film franchise, the writer, director,

and editor of many award-winning short films, the lead on a

hit Australian TV show, the creator of an online film school — the list goes on and continues to amaze. To summarize, Izzy

wanted to be an actor. Like most kids, films and books were immediate reality.” Indeed, acting was Izzy Stevens’ calling.

“I’ve always known I like to act and direct,” Stevens notes. “I

used to boss the kids around the playground and make them act out my favorite scenes.”

Stevens is a gifted creator, one who is poised and prepared

It was at that very high school that Izzy Stevens’ acting future

the world.

in high school, my acting teacher and mentor Yure Covich

to dazzle the industry and share her originality and talent with

One part of the world that is already familiar with the

powerhouse that is Izzy Stevens is her home of Australia. “I

loved growing up in Australia,” Stevens says. “I deeply miss it.

My family, my friends, the air, the beach, the food. Now living in LA, I can really appreciate how lucky I was to grow up the way I did.” Indeed, growing up in Australia allowed a young

Izzy Stevens to explore artistic pursuits that appeared to be

proved to expand further than the playground. “When I was directed me in a truly hilarious rendition of A Flea in Her

Ear,” Stevens says. “An agent who’d been in the audience

approached me one night and asked to represent me. It was sort of wild, about a month or two after I signed with them I booked a role on Underbelly Razor, and wow that really

sobered me out of my experimental teenage rebellion. The first day on set I was like ‘oh shit. This is it.’”

in her very nature. “Making friends and being creative came

From there, a 19 year old Stevens was off to The Golden

Stevens explains. “I was sort of a conundrum, there was a

working in TV for almost three years and I’d signed with a

easily to me, but I also really loved school and learning,”

strong rebelliousness to me when I was a teenager, sneaking out and experimenting really young, but I also deeply cared

about having integrity in my education. I was obsessed with math books as a kid, I’d use my pocket money to buy extra math workbooks from the bookstores to do ‘just for fun.’”

Stevens then began an entirely new type of counting. Far

from the pages of math books and the aisles of bookstores,

she took to the stage, where she began dancing and counting steps. “I started performing in ballet recitals at three and

continued until I went to a performing arts high school, where

State to visit Los Angeles for the first time. “I had been

U.S. manager who encouraged me to come out for pilot

season,” Stevens notes. “It was a whirlwind of a first trip, I got very close to booking some great projects and I knew

I would eventually live here. The energy was just different, being surrounded by the entertainment industry, the buzz

and hubbub and opportunity, feeling so close to it all, it’s a

drug. You can really see how people get sucked up into the

intoxicating LA vortex.” Rather than letting herself get caught up in the whirlwind of LA, Stevens instead went back to

Australia. The decision to return home was major, something that Stevens herself is the first to admit. “I probably could

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have had more of an earlier success if I’d stayed that first

you where it lands.”

and the opportunities that were presented to me, I can look

Since Placidyl, Stevens has written many more short films

glad I went home, went through film school, had that time to

as Phenomena, which was named a Tropfest Finalist in

time,” she explains. “The way the industry was at that time, back now and see all that, but I wouldn’t change it. I am so

just live and develop and grow, get my heart broken, and find out what I like and what I actually want.”

The decision to attend film school would prove invaluable for Stevens, who was eager to learn about all facets of

production. “I was drawn initially to filmmaking and directing

because I thought it would make me a better actor,” Stevens says. “When I began working professionally, I found myself

waiting back on set, watching things happen. I was curious. I wanted to be the kind of actor that knew the ropes and could collaborate effectively, to know what we were making and

why and how it was functioning, so I went to film school. That

2018. “Phenomena is a psychological thriller about a young woman who starts to see another version of herself in the

world,” Stevens explains. “At the end of the film, something pretty upsetting happens which tells us why she’s having

this experience, and when the final moment played in the outdoor cinema at Tropfest, I heard thousands of people

in the audience gasp with discomfort and shock. My whole

body was a goosebump. It was thrilling to be so close to the collective experience of an audience when I had spent six

months holed up alone editing and unsure if it would even get seen.”

changed everything though. I realized that beyond acting, I

Stevens admits that the darker tone and deep psychological

the filmmaking process that were creative and intuitive.”

people who know her. “I am such an enthusiastic optimist

also loved directing and writing and basically all aspects of

While at film school, Stevens wrote, directed, and edited her debut short film Placidyl (Or The Diary Of A Madwoman), a dark, allegorical comedy-style story which later went on to

be selected for Cinema Australia’s Sunday Shorts Program in 2017. “At the time I was obsessed with all things David

Lynch,” Stevens says of what inspired her to make the movie.

“The film is about Jane Triangle, who is the town outcast

because her head is shaped like a triangle, and yet the queen bee of the town is identical, sans triangle. I wanted to use

Jane’s absurd physical deformity to talk about our polarizing appearance-based culture, make light of how inane it all is, and also comment on societal control and manipulation.”

Stevens reflects fondly on her first experience behind the

camera. “As flawed as it is, I loved every minute of making it,”

analysis present in Phenomena may come as a surprise to and I like making people laugh,” Stevens admits. “But I

enjoy looking at the darker sides of ourselves. I also enjoy

laughing at the absurd pain of being a human.” Indeed, while the tones explored in her films may be ever-changing and unpredictable, Stevens’ goal throughout all of her stories remains the same. “Sometimes an idea nags at me until

I write it down, sometimes there is a mood or an energy I am curious about, sometimes I make films to escape an

experience I’m having personally,” Stevens explains. “I make films to stir questions, to be evocative and challenge my

audience, and hopefully make them feel less alone. All I want is to move my audience, have them question things, take

them on a journey. The genre and story will change, but the desire to affect an audience will never go away.”

she explains. “I learned so much.”

Looking forward, one of Stevens’ most recent directorial

The growth that Stevens experienced at film school helped

also starred in and produced. “One evening last December,

her evolve even further into the multi-faceted storyteller that

she is today, developing a knack for directing, writing, editing, and producing. “I really do love all aspects of filmmaking,” Stevens says. “It’s a language that has come naturally to

me. I have always been intuitive when it comes to reading or understanding people, which is what drew me to acting and

then directing. What I love about directing is that I am looking at the big picture of the narrative and finding ways to support

it so that the audience gets taken for a ride, a journey.” As for editing, “I like to take my time and make sure the thing we’ve created is allowed to be what it is,” Stevens shares. “It’s

always going to be different to the original script in some way, so it takes time to relinquish control and let the story show

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that have performed well and received high accolades, such

endeavors was in her own short film Sea Foam, which she I’d just finished up on a call with a client who was in pre-

production on her film, and I was about to cook dinner, but then I had this urge to open my laptop,” Stevens says of

the creative conception of Sea Foam. “I sat down, and 15

minutes later I had written a six page script. I called a buddy

of mine and said ‘hey I’ve just written a short, I want to make it in two weeks, hook me up with any producer friends you know,’ because I had just moved to LA and didn’t know

anyone yet. By the end of the week, we had a full production plan in place and a team, and it was sort of wild. I suppose I was following my gut, and when I know what I want, I’ll just go ahead and do it.”

Izzy Stevens is just as much of a presence in front of the

camera as she is behind it, namely in her portrayal of Bella Bartlett in the hit Australian film franchise Occupation. “I

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loved playing Bella,” Stevens shares. “We meet her as a teenage girl with the frustrations that come with feeling

misunderstood, and through the first film she matures into a tough, strong resistance fighter. In the sequel, Bella has

settled fully into her strength as a community leader. She’s fearlessly loyal to her family, and her ability to protect and fight for them has strengthened.”

Indeed, bringing such a strong character to life on screen was empowering for Stevens, who personally learned a lot during production of the Occupation films. Stevens

describes Bella as “a total badass, like run-into-the-flamesto-save-people kind of badass,” a trait which Izzy Stevens herself certainly embodies as well. “There were ways that

these films really grew me up,” Stevens says. “I had some of my best experiences as an actor on these sets, and I

also faced some of the toughest challenges I’ve ever had personally. The good stuff is being on set, with incredible actors, enjoying a collaborative experience, and doing

what I love. I’m so grateful to have had these experiences.

Through the past few years, I also learned what it means to take care of myself as a young woman in the industry.

It’s not easy and I don’t want to sugarcoat it. You’ve got to have some lady-balls and understand how to stand up for

yourself when people want to dismiss you or discount you for being exactly that. A young woman.”

Stevens added yet another trade to her repertoire this

previous year when she tacked online film coach to her long list of impressive accomplishments. Through her

online film school, Creative Luminaries, Stevens inspires and educates future filmmakers to pursue their dreams.

“Creative Luminaries is a coaching platform for actors and filmmakers who are sick of waiting for some elusive ‘big break’ and want to see their talent celebrated,” Stevens

explains. “I help actors and filmmakers make shorts, pilots, write scripts, features, start production companies, and all the stuff in between by integrating personal creative

expression, with a really grounded and intentional action plan.”

The result has been a rewarding and exciting journey for Stevens, who got the idea for Creative Luminaries from

a very natural place, at a very natural time. “I began this business after years of being the friend people would

come to for creative support or advice,” she says. “I really love to hear others’ ideas, brainstorm with them, and

creatively problem solve, so I decided to use those skills in

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a business and it’s been an incredible experience.” Equipped

have a specific plan in place, but she does have what

for Stevens was the time to actually launch her business.

curiosity and I’ve got a strong desire to build things in my life,”

with a keen skillset for such an endeavor, all that was missing Enter 2020 and quarantine, which brought the entertainment industry to a halt. “The pandemic forced me to slow down, and I’m not entirely mad about that because I needed to,”

Stevens shares. “During lockdown I started my business and directed all that energy into coaching and filmmaking. The most rewarding thing has been seeing my clients actually

achieve the success they desire. I care a lot about people

Stevens explains. “Things that excite me are the prospect of traveling all over the world with my career, discovering characters, telling interesting stories and raising up the

voices of the amazing creatives in my orbit. I look forward to transitioning to directing features, and I’d really love to work

with Taika Waititi, and Amy Adams, and about a million more.”

finding their voice and their platform, it brings me great joy

Izzy Stevens embodies the future of what creativity can be,

obsession.”

stories can become. Simply put, Izzy Stevens is the future

and a sense of purpose in an industry which can breed self-

Stevens routinely inspires her students at Creative

Luminaries, while she herself cites a variety of people and ideas as her own personal inspirations. “I’m inspired by a

more connected, less polarized world,” she says. “Maybe I am naive, but I like to think film can bring us together in a

shared experience and that there is significance in that. I’m

really inspired by the courage and talent of my friends. I have some amazing ladies in my life that are pushing boundaries

and have such interesting brains.” Stevens continues, noting industry professionals who have inspired her in the past and

in the present. “When I was younger I was really into Quentin Tarantino and Jane Campion,” Stevens recalls. “Lately, I

have really loved works by Ari Aster, Rose Glass, and Carlo

Mirabella-Davis. I’m so inspired by Ava DuVernay, and I look at the sprawling careers of Frances McDormand and Jean Smart, or the empire Reese Witherspoon has built, and I

feel a lot of gratitude that there are such a brilliant array of creatives showing me what can be done.”

Reflecting on her career thus far, Stevens has a wonderful outlook on her own experiences, as well as useful wisdom

for future creatives. “It keeps me guessing,” Stevens says of the industry and her profession. “I think I both love and hate

that.” As for future filmmakers, Stevens advises “be curious,

ask questions, stay humble.” She continues, instructing “keep

working hard even when you feel like no one’s watching or no one cares. At the end of the day, all we’ll have is a lingering memory of what was, so making sure the important stuff

stays important: loved ones, sharing great food and wine, and laughing at ourselves.”

In the future, Stevens has big plans and exciting goals. “I

have a few things in the mix right now, a few shorts that are

finishing up in post-production and will be released later this year in festivals,” she shares. “It’s been a huge few months of filming and editing and acting, so right now I feel like I’m

playing catch up.” Beyond that, Stevens may not necessarily

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matters, a vision. “All I know right now is that I’m following my

the future of what filmmakers can do, and the future of what of the industry. Her versatility behind camera, expertise

on camera, and aptitude to share her wisdom with others

proves that she is a powerful creative force. “Great acting

and filmmaking can put us in someone else’s shoes more effectively than any other form,” Stevens says. “We can

explore consciousness and explore ourselves in a way that we’re all culturally sort of consumed by and obsessed with.

We all use film and TV in these ways, to entertain, escape,

question. Storytelling can unite us, make us feel less alone, or invite us to consider other ideas. It’s powerful.”

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Noemi Gonzalez 131

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Noemi Gonzalez 138

By: Bri Rodriguez Mexican-American actress Noemi Gonzalez grew up

to the TV to watch a Tejano artist that was being featured

Perez. She now has the amazing honor of portraying

variety shows that would come on the weekends. My mom

admiring the Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla Selena’s badass drummer sister, Suzette Quintanilla, in Selena: The Series.

The musical drama series is currently available for streaming on Netflix; it depicts the origin story of Selena from the

very beginning — closely following the Quintanilla family

throughout Selena’s rise to fame and all of the sacrifices she

in Sabado Gigante or Siempre en Domingo- Mexican talent just knew she was special. I’ll never forget watching her

star rise on those shows when she would come back a little more known and still humble and vibrant. So that’s what

Selena means to me: source of vibrancy, humility, hard work, womanhood, familia, and representing Raza!”

and her family must make along the way.

Noemi grew up in a Mexican-American humble household in

Rival recently had the opportunity to chat with Noemi

model and inspiration; she shared a strong connection to the

Gonzalez. We discussed Selena’s legacy, her future

aspirations, and bringing Latinos representation to the

Desert Hot Springs, California. She cites Selena as her role tejano singer, especially in her personal life:

screen.

“I was already a fan. Then, she was taken from us. Shortly

Noemi recalls her earliest memory of exposure to Selena’s

I leaned onto her music, her family from afar, and the

music and legacy, and shares what Selena means to her:

“My earliest memory of exposure to Selena, her music, and legacy was when I was a little girl. My mom called me over

after that, I lost my eldest brother in a tragic car accident.

Selena movie not only for comfort, but also for grieving, and

inspiration. So, I started singing then, as a way to channel the weight of that experience. I was singing in school when my

friend Gina complimented me after a performance. She said, 139

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“I love watching you sing... It’s like you’re telling a story, like you’re acting.”

That hit hard. It stayed with me, close to my chest. After going to college to become a music teacher, acting found me when my friend Lorely asked me to audition with her for UC Santa

Barbara’s prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program.

From that moment on, my artistry has focused on becoming a crafted, consistent, versatile actor.”

Many artists have inspired her along her journey, and she shares the one film that made her fall in love with acting:

“I’ve been inspired by Frida Kahlo. Princess Diana. I followed Natalie Portman heavily. Her talent and brains has had me hooked ever since her debut in Leon, The Professional. I

would love to work with her. I would also love to collaborate

breaking ground as a female drummer and her new family

and very talented guitarist, husband Chris Perez. The benefit of having a series format of 18 hours as opposed to two

hours in film, is that we were able to go more in depth with

this unique musical artist’s history. I think Selena would have loved to know that her story was told including her family in depth. In turn, her story provides more needed Latine

representation to Hollywood and the world by including her family’s support.”

Noemi underwent a complete transformation to become

Suzette. Her physical appearance changed dramatically, as she cut off her long hair and received a perm. She worked

alongside her coach Shelley Mitchell, dialect coach Esther Caporale, and last, but certainly not least, she turned to a team to help teach her the drums...

with Sheila E, Shakira, maybe Lady Gaga.

“I worked with Kiko Brennesian as my drumming instructor

A movie that made me fall in love with acting would definitely

Dinos. I was given an hour twice a week with them. Originally

be Good Will Hunting, especially the scene between Matt Damon and Robin Williams. My dad paused the movie

and had me watch these actors come to life as they were

improvising and alive in the scene; that moment was electric

as Robin Williams drives the story from a funny memory to a

real emotional reality those characters understand. I’ll forever

thank my father for showing that to me and having a teaching moment in being present, connected, and flowing in the art of the characters and story.”

Noemi recalls the moment she received the call with the news that she had booked the part as Suzette for Selena: The

Series. She also explains why this special project holds so

much significant meaning to Selena fans, and why she feels this side of Selena’s story needed to be told:

“I sat up in shock, wide-eyed with the phone in my hand,

and Antonio Pontarelli as the show’s music consultant for Los we were set to film in three weeks from my first drumming lesson; I was so overwhelmed! So I was religious with my

rehearsals of drumming. I rehearsed everyday, morning and

night, for no less than thirty minutes, sometimes I rehearsed before and after my formal rehearsal to make the most of it.

Before every concert scene I would rehearse at least three times all the way through before the camera would roll. It’s

interesting... it was a full transformation to be her, but in doing so I found so much of myself.”

Noemi reflected on this one particular moment that shines in the series. It takes place in episode three of Part One, “And The Winner Is…” This is when Suzette comes to terms with

being a drummer and then meets a grateful fan after a show.

Her eyes were opened to the impact she’s made in music,

inspiring other women who want to follow in her footsteps in pursuit of a career path within a male dominated industry.

no longer able to hear what else my reps told me. *laughs*

“That is definitely one of my favorite scenes I filmed. I loved

remember thinking, ‘Selena, Abraham... Suzette…’ Stepping

really gave me a humble honor to be playing a young woman

My thoughts got louder than what they were telling me and I

into this role felt SO exciting, and at times overwhelming, but above all it was an honor.

connecting with actress Nancy Talamantes in that scene. It

who didn’t realize how much she is inspiring others, just by supporting her sister on the drums.

Before being part of the series, and as a true Selena fan, I

Filming the transition in music performance from an American

things that is so intertwined with her story is the theme of

song (La Bamba by Selena y Los Dinos) was also one of

always felt that when you talk about Selena, one of the first famila. Family is number one to her. In interviews, she always talked about her story which included her mother’s love

and support, Abraham’s musical roots with Los Dinos, A.B. producing her amazing repertoire, her sister Suzette also

song (Looking For a New Love by Jody Watley) to Latino

my favorite experiences on set. There was a lot of pressure and a lot of energy for my character to save their first

live performance in Mexico. I’ll always be grateful for my

production’s support, and I’ll never forget the local extras of

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Tecate who hyped me up before and after all that pressure.”

The actress shares that it was a really fun and family-oriented

There is a natural chemistry between the cast, and the

(“We all got really close sharing this story.”); she is very

series does a beautiful job of establishing that close sibling

relationship, especially the bond between Selena and Suzette (“There’s no Selena without Suzette”). Noemi talked about the experience of bringing this bond to the screen:

“Early on, Christian [Serratos] and I would spend quality

time with each other and we would ask about one another’s

dreams for our life and career as women. And that experience

thankful that people are receiving the series so well. Selena:

The Series Part 2 is now available on Netflix. Noemi says that everyone will be hooked upon viewing Selena: The Series

Part 2 and provides an inside-scoop of what to expect next — “We can expect to get sucked into the themes of Selena and

her siblings navigating adulthood and becoming a successful family act, watching their Selena’s star rise!

with her really established the foundation of intimacy; a

What’s different this time around is that the three siblings are

found in true sisterhood. It reminded me of memories told by

successful momentum, maintaining their original family bonds

reminder that we find solace that sometimes can only be

Suzette that Selena would relax in her sister’s bunk, sharing her designer and boutique dreams.

I loved the parallel. I’ll never forget our first family scene, which was a dinner scene. All the Quintanilla family was

no longer teenagers, but young adults. They’re navigating and growing into new family dynamics. You see the origin

story in the first part with the parents in the driver’s seat, but as the three teens get older we see Selena take hold of the wheel the way only she can.”

on point, swift, giving and professional. We were doing a

Selena: The Series brings forth much needed Latinx

all had a moment; it clicked that we were working amongst

as a Mexican American woman and what she hopes Selena

loving, natural ballet creating a world together. I think we

professionals- all Latine actors who made working together not only smooth, but fun and beautiful.”

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set throughout the duration of filming Selena: The Series

representation. Noemi shares what this project means to her fans will take away from the series:

“As a Mexican American woman being part of this series... it’s

everything. It’s so fulfilling to portray a character and share a story that brings so much empowerment. I hope to have

our underrepresented group inspired — Latinas in general,

could ever offer you. And when in doubt, light some sage to cleanse the bad day vibes.”

female musicians, and actors and actresses representing

In her free time, Noemi still enjoys geeking out over work

Mexicans and Mexican Americans can give to stories of any

She also stays open to curiosity and inspiration, as she

Raza — Telling our own stories and giving that essence only background.

I hope Selena fans take away that Selena was and continues

related things. She loves movies and going to the movies. consistently strives to learn something new; she uses

MasterClass to acquire knowledge, and more times than not, the new skill serves her personally and professionally.

to be a pioneer of endless powerful representation. Our

Noemi shares her biggest dream with Rival, as well as what

beautiful gifts, and familia are fulfilling and empowering to

to ask!)

Mexican American values of hard work ethic, sharing our make all of our dreams come true.”

Noemi shares the best piece of advice she’s received: “Fall in love with making your dreams come true, but not the

outcome. This freed me from putting myself in a box and

had me nonjudgmental on the outcomes of my hard work,

because God had even better things in mind for me than I could ever imagine.”

For Noemi, social media is the most challenging aspect of

being an actor today (actually, it’s challenging for everyone, in general):

“We are constantly shown everyone’s highlight reel and

makes her nostalgic — and her favorite Selena song (we had

“My biggest dream is probably to have it all! Make my dreams come true while having balance and fulfillment. I hope to see myself make it all happen for myself and my community.

I’m naturally nostalgic as a cancer sign, ha. I think 90s vibes make me most nostalgic. I’m inspired by art and life.

‘No Me Queda Mas’ is my favorite Selena song right now.”

What are the top 3 items on Noemi’s bucket list?

1. Take care of her mom.

now everyone is open to the scrutiny that was once only

2. Travel to her dream destinations (especially Japan).

celeb is much louder and quite abusive. It’s a new aspect to

3. To look back with pride and fulfillment.

the experience of a celebrity. This new level of scrutiny for a exposure and fame. But I channel that by making sure I’m doing fulfilling work as much as possible.”

Women face so many pressures in today’s society, especially in regards to body image. Noemi has some uplifting advice for women:

“My advice would be to do the work. Stop looking in the mirror

to criticize. Instead, look into the mirror, into your eyes and tell yourself you are beautiful everyday not just until you believe it, but well into celebrating it!

That’s one, but also if there is something you can work on

So what is next for Noemi?

“Currently working on my new project The Valet! A Lionsgate feature film, a romantic comedy starring Eugenio Derbez

and Samara Weaving. I’m looking forward to becoming that versatile actor for years to come, being present and taking in all the good with the challenging as I become a writer-

director. I hope to support my community. I would continue to pursue roles that stretch me, my representation, and remind people of the humanity we share.

to change your insecurity, then do it! Do it until you see a

Being Suzette for the series has been rewarding and I’m sure

yourself that that change did bring you fulfillment. If not, you

is to look back not only at my career, but my life with pride-

change, celebrate the accomplished goal and check in with may have to work on a core issue there.

it’s the first of many roles that will tie to my values. My goal God-willing.”

All in all, be kind to yourself no matter where you are: before,

Noemi has some valuable advice for aspiring artists:

self-love is going to work better than any beauty products

“My advice for other aspiring artists is to fall in love with the

under development, after and in maintenance. The constant

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journey — not the outcome: ‘Shoot for the moon. Even Dress: No Label Shoes: Steve Madden Earrings: BHLDN

if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’ Believe me, I

thought I was going to be a music teacher, a singer, but I stayed open and here I am today acting.

Remember to stay grateful, take breaks for inspiration,

this industry is cut-throat enough so be kind to yourself while you watch the fruits of your labor unfold. The

blessings are coming. Trust! Stay confident, stay ready.

Keep doing you, stay focused in your lane, no one else’s, you’re on your artistic journey, not theirs. That’s why

you’re you, and your exact gifts are meant to be shared with the masses. Patiencia y fe. Trust yourself.”

And a final message for the fans of Noemi’s work: “To fans of mine, I’d like to say thank you for seeing me.

Thank you for your support!! I read your comments and your hyped support recharges my soul!! You really do

inspire me to keep going- for myself, the representation I

bring, and for the generations to come. Thank you, Thank you y mas que nada, GRACIAS!!”

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