Gigi Grace is an actress and singer on the rise who wants to tackle everything from movies, television, to theater. Grace talked to NYOTA about her latest role in “The Better Sister,” actors that inspire her, and the endless inspiration of New York City.
How did your journey into acting begin? Was it a hobby that turned into a passion?
When I was little, I realized that the people on TV were pretending and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I started acting in first grade in my school’s theatre productions. I love theatre, and I think it’s the best starting point fundamentally. But I wanted to be in film and TV. I used to beg my parents to let me audition professionally, and eventually they gave in. My first real job was a music video for a film.
Who are some actors that you look up to or inspire you?
There are truly so many actors I am inspired by. Sandra Hüller’s performance in Anatomy of a Fall is one of my favorites. Harry Dean Stanton in Paris, Texas is also a performance I admire. Colman Domingo is probably my favorite actor right now. He’s been killing it.
Tell us about your role in The Better Sister; what was it like stepping into the shoes of young Nicki Taylor?
I play the younger version of Elizabeth Banks’ character Nicky. Nicky is the uninhibited older sister who has an outgoing personality. She adores her younger sister, Chloe. She comes from a difficult household. Her parents mistreat her. Playing characters like Nicky can be intimidating, but I was drawn to her immediately. I think that we need more outspoken women like her. I loved portraying her. Elizabeth Banks is incredible; it was insane to play a younger version of her
When you found out you had booked the role, how did it feel to know you would be in a major series on Prime Video?
I was so excited. I was away from home at the time, so my mom called to tell me that I’d gotten the job. I honestly didn’t think that I would book it, so it was a surprise. I was thrilled. The reality of the situation didn’t fully hit me until I was at the fitting. It moved pretty quickly. About two weeks after I found out I had booked it, we started filming.
You have worked on projects across genres, including commercials and theater. When you plan to audition for a project, is there a specific type of project you tend to lean towards?
Most of my auditions come from my agent and manager. They send me everything from musicals, to comedy, to Shakespeare and drama for stage, screen and commercials–I pretty much audition for everything that fits into my schedule that they send. I don’t have the luxury to be very selective but hopefully one day I will.
You’re also a songwriter and a guitarist. What does your process look like when creating music?
I typically write the instrumental on guitar first, then work out the phrasing and lyrics. Sometimes there will be a certain phrase or motif that I’ll have in mind from the beginning as an idea to work around. I often will scrap things later. I write very arbitrarily.
Being based in NYC, how has the city’s energy influenced your work and creativity?
Being in the city is endless inspiration. It’s so busy, there’s always something to do. My favorite thing is people watching. I love seeing different kinds of people and their personalities and interactions. There’s a lot of physicality to gain in watching people.
What advice would you give someone hoping to follow their passions and break into the entertainment industry?
Stick with your gut. And it sounds dumb, but being yourself is the best thing you can do. You carry a unique perspective, and you should bring it into your work. Bring professionalism and kindness. Be tough. And most importantly, enjoy what you create!
