10 Things about Isabella Ferreira
When did your love for acting begin and how did you initially get your start?
I actually started off dancing when I was 5 years old, and did that for about 9 years. I realized I really wanted to pursue my passion for acting, so I began searching for agencies to submit to. I took a whole bunch of classes trying to learn more about my craft. Along with participating in student films and shorts. Sooner or later, I ended up booking a recurring guest star role as Eva Diaz on Season 7 of Orange is the New Black. Shortly after, is when I booked Pilar Salazar on Love, Victor.
As you were coming up, which actors body of work did you look up to and which ones had a positive impact on your career?
There were so many actors and different pieces of work that I looked up to while growing up. For example, watching Leonardo DiCaprio take his start in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape really impacted the younger me. He was extremely young in that movie as well, and played a pretty tough role. Watching him take on this completely new identity and being so invested in the story is something I will always remember. That had a positive impact in regards to my career.
Let’s talk about your latest project, Hulu’s Love, Victor. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you excited to be a part of it?
I believe what makes this show unique, is that it features a diverse range of Latinx talent both in front and behind the screen. The series portrays universal themes that many demographics can relate to regardless of age, ethnicity, and sexuality. Some of these themes include marital issues, self-identity, anxiety, growing up in a single-parent household, and bullying. This series will show an honest portrayal of a Latinx family’s understanding and tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community, which obviously varies from family to family and within generations. I knew it was the right fit for me, because I’ve always wanted to see a show like this when I was growing up. A show that would make me feel like I wasn’t alone, and to be able to be a part of that show makes it all come full circle.
On the show, you play the role of Pilar. What can you tell us about her personality and how she fits into the overall picture?
I remember my agent informing me about the show, which at the time, was named the same as the movie Love, Simon, and being so excited. For I had fell absolutely in love with the movie and always said I wanted to be a part of something like it one day. I’m extremely grateful and blessed to have had an easy audition process. I went in to read for the role once while I was in New York. I didn’t hear anything for about 3 weeks, so I assumed I didn’t get it. Until, finally, my agent calls and asks if I am available for a screen test the next week for the show in Los Angeles. I was speechless because even being able to simply screen test was good enough for me, whether or not I actually got it. About an hour after that call, my agent calls again and says forget about the screen test… “YOU BOOKED IT!” My mom was with me that day and we started balling our eyes out from joy. Definitely a memory I will always keep with me.
What do you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
This is a hard question there are so many good scenes! But, probably any scene involving Ana Ortiz who plays my mom on the show, Isabel Salazar. All of the scenes involving us two are always either really funny because Pilar is super sassy towards her mom, or extremely emotional and important one on ones. There are so many good moments between the two characters that I think viewers will love. Also, getting to work with Ana is absolutely amazing. She is so talented and honestly like a mom to me in real life. I am so grateful for her and the rest of the cast.
What can viewers expect to see from Pilar and the rest of the cast on this season?
One movie I grew up with that really made me fall in love with acting is Titanic. My mother was obsessed with Titanic and had it in every way that she could DVD, VHS, she even had the CD soundtrack. I remember when I was much younger just sitting in front of the TV replaying the movie over and over until I nailed all of the scenes. I just loved how it made me forget about my surroundings and completely transfer myself into that world. Shows like Friends and I Love Lucy also made my love for acting grow fonder.
Dance has always been a part of your life. Do you have any plans on reviving that talent and incorporating it in your career somehow?
I would love to collaborate with Jennifer Lopez. She’s definitely been an inspiration for me growing up, her story and drive to succeed really resonates with me. So to be able to maybe one day work with her would be amazing!
If you weren’t working on your career as an actress, what other career type would you be interested in?
My best advice would be that if you really have a love and passion for it then do it, don’t EVER let anyone tell you otherwise. The past me definitely didn’t think that I could be where I am at today, but the universe may surprise you. If I could go back and tell my younger self this, I probably would’ve started acting and doing what I love way before when I started. Also, don’t forget everything happens for a reason.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
When it comes to fashion, I wouldn’t consider myself an “all knowing” designer expert. Yet, I always say, I love vintage clothing. I honestly prefer 80s to early 90s fashion. I love baggy pants with crop tops, and huge hair clips. When I was younger, I would go through all of my mom’s old photos from that time (she was super stylish) and try to recreate her looks.
We look forward to seeing your work on Hulu’s Love, Victor. What other projects do you have coming up?
I’d definitely like to bring awareness to the homelessness crisis in the future. Growing up in Philadelphia you see a lot of this. My family would get together on holidays and prepare necessity baskets that included food, blankets, and clothes to hand out to anyone in need. After visiting Los Angeles for the first time I was sure this was a cause I was passionate about. Witnessing so many people living in tents broke my heart. Everyone has a different story, but I believe everyone also deserves a second chance. The homelessness crisis is skyrocket and something needs to be done.
Through my art I hope to impact people’s lives. Even if it’s just one person. I hope to inspire in all ways good and leave a lasting legacy. I want people to know anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.
Twitter: @TheIsabellaRose
Instagram: @TheIsabellaFerreira
Photos: Antar Hanif