Words by Carol Wright | Photos by Joe Lee Photography
We got the chance to speak with Eliana about her experience working with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in the movie Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.
When did you realize you wanted to become an actor?
When I was 3 years old I did a show on PBS called Potty Time. I’d teach kids how to potty train through dance and sign-language. I don’t even think I was potty trained at the time, but I loved it! Fast forward to a few years later at the age of 8, I saw my friend Jack on an orange juice commercial and knew immediately that I wanted to act, and my parents supported my dream!
What drew you to the role of Sam Hobbs?
Sam Hobbs is 100 percent a daddy’s girl and also really interested in everything he’s doing. She’s very curious and also strong-willed like her father. I felt drawn to the role because of the real-life similarities we have because I’m also very inquisitive!
Did Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson give you any advice on set?
Yes, Dwayne Johnson is awesome! In the pancake scene we had together, he told me to just get rid of the script and improv. Sometimes some of the best and funniest lines come from doing that. It was great advice and helpful for me to get into the character of Sam Hobbs!
How does it feel to be apart of the Fast & Furious family?
I feel honored! Fast & Furious has so many amazing actors and big stars, and I’m very grateful I had the chance to learn from them, especially Mr. Dwayne Johnson.
Were you a fan of the movies before Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw?
Honestly, I didn’t watch any of the Fast & Furious films because I’m too young to watch them but when I booked the role of Sam, I watched a few F&F films with parental supervision.
You wore a dress you designed to the Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw premiere. What inspired the design of the dress?
My mom and I designed it because we really wanted to implement Samoan Tribal print especially since the movie focuses on Samoa and we wanted to make sure it was incorporated. We designed it, but we found an amazing Creator/Designer to put the look together. Her name is Nancy Thompson and she does great work!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
One principle I live by is to focus on what I can control because in this industry there’s so many things I can’t control like how many auditions I get or if I book one of those auditions. But what I can control is my attitude, my effort, and learning from failure. I just feel if you focus on what you can control, it puts you as an actor in the best position to be successful.