With an actress mother and a household where creativity was celebrated, it was almost obvious that the young Anabella Raye found her own love of acting down the line.

Anabella also expresses herself through other creative outlets, including painting, interior design, and cooking. She also loves music and has collaborated by writing songs with her brother musician Austin Raye.

In this short interview, she talks to us about her interests beyond acting, as well as the pros and cons of pursuing a career in the world of entertainment, which definitely makes her happy.

Anabella first of all, we would like to know a bit more about your acting career. How did it all get started? When did you find out you wanted to be an actress?

When I was a kid, I always found so much joy in performing. I participated in local theatre programs, put on shows with my cousins, and made movies with my friends. When I got older I decided to pursue acting professionally, and I studied acting at the LA County High School for the Arts, Brown University, and various acting studios in Los Angeles and New York.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced in this highly competitive industry?

Reminding myself not to be overwhelmed by the audition process, but to instead view each audition as an opportunity to practice my craft and do what I love.

Let’s talk about your experience with “Long Slow Exhale” which dealed with a heavy, sometimes dark story about a women's college basketball team in the midst of a shocking murder and sexual assault scandal.

My character, Kate, is the daughter of the murder victim, and she is obviously going through a tremendously difficult time. She feels not only devastated by her father’s death but also incredibly guilty about their estranged relationship. It was a challenge to step into her emotional state and explore how it affected her behavior.

What other project occupies your time at the moment?

Right now, I am writing a short-form comedy series that I am very excited about!

Is there a character or role that particularly caught your attention and would you like to play at some point?

Having grown up doing a lot of theatre, I have always had dream roles in classic plays. It would be an incredible experience to play Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire.

So far, what has been the best and the worst parts of a career in acting?

Best- Having your own trailer

Worst- Having to spend so much time in your trailer

What is essential for you when building a solid career in the industry. What factors does it all depend on?

Perseverance and luck!

Ping Pong round, short answers only!

A special movie for you:

Boogie Nights. Incredible film all around.

A phrase from a movie that you will always remember:

“NOT!” - Borat

The most awkward moment you've ever experienced on a set:

While finishing a scene in Long Slow Exhale, I didn’t know where to exit, and I accidentally stopped right in front of the camera that was supposed to be capturing a very dramatic look between Rose Rollins and Lyriq Bent. Everyone laughed and said, “uh Anabella, you’re still in frame.” I was so embarrassed.

If not actress, what would you be?

Entrepreneur— my notes app is filled with 1 AM startup ideas.

A lesson learned during the pandemic:

Apparently, I am the only person incapable of making my own sourdough starter.

A guilty pleasure in your life:

Raw cookie dough. I live dangerously.

Your favorite dessert:

Did I already mention cookie dough? :)

Three things you dream of having one day:

An iced latte tap, an animal rescue farm, and a really big bathtub.

Anabella Raye makes a space for herself in the entertainment world

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