10 Things about Tamara Almeida
What made you initially get into the business of acting and how did you get your start?
I always wanted to act, but never thought it was possible to pursue it as a career. I’ve been interested in the arts for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I spent all my free time dressing up, singing, dancing, acting, you name it. I grew up as one of four children in a low income, single-parent home. There were expectations to be well-educated and most importantly, financially stable. There was a lot of fear in the home. To go into acting felt irresponsible, so I kept that dream private. I had a more tumultuous upbringing than most, but when I finally left home, things started to settle and I could breathe easier. I had a career that helped me achieve personal and financial goals. I had all the safety boxes checked. I had always been interested in storytelling, and particularly acting, but it didn’t seem possible. I had no point of reference as to how you’d actually turn this into a career.
Then, we suddenly had these Latina women who began blowing up in media and it was very inspiring. They weren’t just telenovela stars, they were in movies and TV shows. That was a moment of “maybe I could do this”. I started to entertain it more and more, but questioned if it made sense to leave my security and stability. But acting kept drawing me in with how it lent itself to the storytelling. When the acting felt truthful, it really impacted me and I could feel it in my soul. It could be a show or a movie, but I’d consistently find myself deeply fixated by certain moments. It was, what was in the unspoken that would grip me. I was so compelled by the duality of humans, and found it intriguing that you could use your body as this instrument to tell stories. So, I decided to begin saving for the day that I’d be ready to walk away and give it a shot. I had to try or I’d always regret it. Eventually, the desire intensified to a point where I couldn’t ignore it. So, I started taking an acting class, figured I’d saved enough, and finally quit my job.
Which actor’s body of work has had the most positive impact on your career thus far?
Brit Marling started off as my biggest inspiration, shifting me from wanting to be an actor, to a content creator. I saw “Another Earth” when I was first starting out and I was so impressed that she wrote it, produced it, acted in it. Then, the next year for my birthday, we went to see her new film “The Sound of My Voice” and I was blown away. Minimal locations, solid sci-fi story, and great acting. I was and still am so inspired by her.
A few years later I was told about a show called “Fleabag” and it was just mind-boggling to watch Phoebe Waller-Bridge tell a story with so much truth and authenticity. She was funny, she was crass, she was a woman I related to. A lot. It’s still probably one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, and she’s developed and written so many projects since then, making her the greatest influence/inspiration for me today. She’s fierce and consistent.
Acting-wise, both Bryan Cranston and Olivia Colman have mastered the art of subtlety. They are fully activated, experiencing what is happening yet without any muscular tension. Their work heavily influences the type of acting I’d like to do.
Currently, you’re on the highly anticipated reboot of the beloved ‘90s children’s television series Ghostwriter streaming now on Apple TV+. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you excited to jump on board and take this on?
My agent sent me an email with the audition sides, and I got excited when I saw the scenes took place in flashbacks. It didn’t have many details, but the world felt very realized. I made Young Grandma Tess my own and went in to see the casting director Larissa Mair here in Toronto. It was a lot of fun and was one of those parts I knew very little about but felt very connected to. I did get an inkling that it was going to be the reboot for this show and I was excited at the prospect of working on something that was such a big part of my childhood. I didn’t hear that I’d booked it until almost two months later, so coming back to it was a real surprise and I was beyond excited. I couldn’t wait to read the scripts and take on the challenge of creating this character.
On the show, you play the role of Young Grandma Tess. What can you tell us about her personality and what you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
I love Young Grandma Tess! She’s a passionate, value-driven woman, with an innate belief to do what’s right. I’m excited that I got to sit in the strength and confidence of playing someone like her. It was also a massive pleasure that they wrote her that way. I also found at times my defaults were to play her apologetically or a bit softer, but I was so grateful that the direction and adjustments were always about maintaining her strength and leaning into it. The way they saw this woman, the way they wrote her, I can’t say enough about how wonderful it was. Also, it was so much fun to play with the costumes, hair, and makeup on this one.
What can viewers expect to see from Ghostwriter on this season?
Without giving anything away, we get to see four kids come together and find friendship as they encounter these mysteries brought on by the Ghostwriter. The books used for these episodic arcs are a mix of classics and new works, the kids are excellent, and following their journey gets more and more exciting throughout the season. Hope that says something without being too vague!
Besides Ghostwriter on Apple TV+, you’re also on the new short film Date Night premiering at the 2019 Toronto International Shorts Film Festival. What can you tell us about your role in this film?
For context, “Date Night” follows Alba who hasn’t dated in a long time, so saying she’s nervous is an understatement. Not helping: feeling old, language barriers, too much make-up, and a deeper fear her daughters don’t want to talk about. I play one of her daughters, Carmen, who is the eldest of the two. Carmen had to take on several responsibilities at an early age to help her parents who had originally immigrated from Columbia. Carmen is headstrong, fiery, and has a complicated relationship with family. A very powerful short, written and directed by other Latinx women (Margarita Valderrama wrote it and Arlen Aguayo-Stewart directed it), with an entirely Latinx cast (Valderrama played the younger sister Penelope), with a crew comprised almost entirely with POC. Once the festival run is complete, I’ll definitely be sharing this on my socials. Keep an eye out!
Outside of work, you’re a big supporter of causes that are close to your heart, which include mental health initiatives. What can you share with us about some of the projects in that realm?
I’m very committed to playing my part in helping destigmatize mental illness or any negative associations surrounding mental health in general. So many people are battling traumas, and everyone is doing the best they can. The resources are scarce, and it can feel intimidating to research this subject. I found it daunting to start therapy, but after going off and on for about nine years now, I’m grateful for those professionals who helped hold the space needed when I felt very chaotic and lost. I’m an advocate for truth and authenticity, and I think getting help in any way one needs it, can be very empowering and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Meditation helped me a great deal with my mental health and being able to reconnect me with my body. I felt very disconnected from it for many years, but a big part of that was holding onto a lot of pain that I didn’t want to embrace. Meditation has been very healing, sitting and breathing, and allowing whatever is there to be there without judgement, holding it with kindness and curiosity. It’s changed my life. My intention is to facilitate meditations for others, and in time, help bring in other mindfulness resources. I’ve signed up for courses that focus on the foundation of meditation to get a more technical understanding of this technique.
Ultimately, I would like to provide a free space for those seeking a community for these guided meditations. I can’t ignore what a saving grace it has been, time and time again. It helped me self-validate and eliminate the intense bouts of anxiety I experienced for years. Nothing has been as impactful in my life quite like meditation and mindfulness, so I’m looking for ways of paying this forward to others. It’ll take time, but this is what I’m currently working on.
If you weren’t working on your career as an actress, what would you do instead?
I’m skincare obsessed! I’d work in dermatology, focusing primarily on ethnic skin.
When it comes to fashion, which designers are your favorites and which ones appeal most to your sense of style?
I like simplicity and comfort. I’m very much a jeans and t-shirt gal all the way. More often than not, I’m in a hoodie and sneakers. When I think of glam, it’s the only time I’ve looked at designers. I haven’t followed many, but I know dresses or looks I’ve found iconic, and appeal to my sense of style. That yellow dress Eiza Gonzalez wore to the Oscars in 2018 is my dream. I love whenever Beyonce wears Tom Ford dresses. My number one is that mosaic dress she wore to her self-titled album release party in 2014, but she’s had many moments wearing his pieces that I drool over. Also, I follow Kelhani on Instagram, and she posted a photo of herself in this stunning red dress during this year’s NYFW by Michael Cinco. That would round out my favorites.
We look forward to seeing all of your work on screen. What else do you have coming up in the near future?
My episodes of Ghostwriter will be out soon on Apple TV+ so expect those shortly! I’ve also worked on several shorts in the last few months that will be out next year. I’m also focusing on creating and producing new work in 2020. I’ve written a first draft of a sci-fi series, and working on those edits and then beginning the pitch process next spring. I plan to shoot the proof of concept at the beginning of the year. It’s a big learning and I’m leaning on mentors and colleagues to help me as I navigate this brand new process. Other than that, I’ll be auditioning, writing, and producing!
Twitter: @Almeidta
Instagram: @TamaraRubyAlmeida
Facebook: Almeidta
Photos: LV Imagery