We introduce you to the extraordinary young starlet, Antonella Rose, who is already making waves in the entertainment industry at just ten years old, showcasing a level of talent and maturity far beyond her years. Audiences may recognize her from her stellar and critically praised performance in Hulu’s “Candy” opposite Jessica Biel. Rose’s talent will once again be front and center in her feature film “A Sudden Case Of Christmas,” directed by Peter Chelsom and filmed in Italy, which is (release TBD). The role sees Antonella starring alongside absolute Hollywood icons Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell, and Wilmer Valderrama. Beyond this joyous holiday flick, Antonella recently concluded a six-episode arc on AMC’s smash hit television show “Fear Of The Walking Dead,” which is now streaming.
Starting her career as a child model, she transitioned seamlessly into acting, making her network TV debut on Disney’s “Raven’s Home” at seven. A host of incredible projects followed this debut. As a singer/songwriter and ukulele player, she is set to release her first single later this year. Antonella is also a self-taught seamstress and crocheter, reflecting her love for fashion and design. Beyond the entertainment industry, she aspires to make a difference by getting involved with animal cruelty organizations, showcasing a commitment to using her platform for positive change.
Antonella welcome to OLC! You are an amazing talent, can you share with us your journey from child modeling to your breakthrough role in Hulu’s “Candy” opposite Jessica Biel?
First of all, thank you OLC Culture for inviting me for this interview, and thanks for the amazing talent input.
I started doing prints and commercials when I was 5. My mom is a former actress and one day, I was playing with my dolls, and I created a dramatic scene, I started crying while talking to my doll, and telling her all about my best friend, and that she was sick (all pretending), and I guess my mom saw some potential in me as an actress and found me a monologue on the internet, that was so cute called ” I don’t like boys”, I still have the footage, she submitted it to the agencies, and I got signed right away. At the age of 7, I landed my first studio role as Jillian, on the series Ravens Home on Disney, followed by Candy, which basically changed everything for me.
“A Sudden Case Of Christmas” is set to feature Hollywood icons like Danny DeVito and Andie MacDowell. How was your experience working alongside such seasoned actors, and what did you learn from them?
It was literally like having master classes in acting and improv with the greats. Andie gave me some really good tips, she has a beautiful and contagious smile, and Danny is a living LEGEND. Outside of acting, when we had our breaks, I really enjoyed showing him some funny filters on Instagram that made him burst out laughing.
Transitioning from Disney’s “Raven’s Home” to more mature roles in projects like “Fear Of The Walking Dead,” how do you approach the diversity in characters you portray?
I find it to be quite funny since I really think I have good comedic timing, but lately, I’ve been more in touch with the more dramatic roles. I think people like to see me crying, and I can do that on cue.
Being a singer/songwriter and ukulele player, how does your passion for music influence your acting, and vice versa?
I’ll tell you that sometimes, I play my ukulele to help get me where I need to be with my character. Music in my life is so powerful, so powerful that it can change my mood in ways I can’t even understand.
Your upcoming single is highly anticipated. Can you give us a glimpse into the inspiration behind your music and what fans can expect?
Lately, I’ve been listening to Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo. I tend to enjoy songs that tell you a story!
As a self-taught seamstress and crocheter, how do you balance your creative pursuits in fashion and design with your acting career?
I’m into anything that involves art, I could be in my room crocheting or painting for hours. I always have my crochet supplies with me when I’m working, It helps me to find peace and I think that’s important. My latest hobby is designing clothing, I have a bunch of sketches that I’m just dying to bring to life!!
“Fear Of The Walking Dead” is a widely popular show. What challenges did you face during your six-episode arc, and how did it contribute to your growth as an actress?
Stepping into a show that’s been here for years is quite a bit scary, especially since Tracy, the character I portrayed on Fear The Walking Dead, was introduced quite briefly and I knew it might have been hard for the fans to get to know her as a character, and as a person. But surprisingly, I’m still in shock at all of the love I’m receiving. I still can’t believe that I got to play Tracy Otto. She’s such a cool kid, and I will cherish her forever.
You’ve expressed an interest in making a difference in animal cruelty. Could you tell us more about your commitment to this cause and how you plan to use your platform for positive change?
My dad’s cousin in Brazil owns an animal shelter. You have no idea how many injured, and homeless animals are out there. Luckily, I haven’t seen any helpless animals such as that here in the US, so I’m always donating to her organization, and I would love to get to know more people here involved in this cause. I mean I have to admit, animals are definitely my biggest weakness.
Working on projects like “Candy” and “Fear Of The Walking Dead,” how do you prepare for emotionally intense scenes, especially given your young age?
I have a few methods. I always try to put myself in that person’s shoes, and mentally block anything and/or anybody from the room, so I can connect with my character, but it really just depends on my mood that day. So I also tend to use the Stanislavski method. As I mentioned before, I can cry on the spot, after the director calls cut, it just takes me a minute to get back on my feet. I just feel like I have to really be and feel the character, if not, I may not tell the story right. I find that connecting with the character will always connect my character to the audience, which is, and forever will be, my goal.
With your diverse skill set, from acting to music and fashion, how do you envision combining these elements in future projects?
I have no plans so far. I guess we will have to find out where the future will take me together. As long as it involves anything artistic, I’m happy!
“A Sudden Case Of Christmas” was filmed in Italy. How did the location influence your performance, and what memorable experiences did you have during the shoot?
Italy is very magical and in so many different ways. I mean the food is just incredible, I could talk to the people for hours, the nature such as the mountains and so on, they just never failed to inspire me, especially when I was trying to find those little ideas for scenes that can go back to even the tiniest things, such as how my character looks around, and how my character is enjoying the environment in ways that I’m not allowed to talk about yet. But, yes filming in Italy felt like a dream.
How do you stay grounded?
Good question. My parents are always making sure that I stay as grounded and humble as I can be, luckily, that doesn’t seem to be an issue yet and I hope never will be haha! For example, because of the strike, my parents put me back in regular school, so I could get in touch with my old friends, and make new ones. Yet surprisingly, I never talk about acting in school and I don’t even think they know that I’m an actress or care anyway.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future in the entertainment industry, and are there specific types of roles or projects you hope to explore?
I don’t really know — I enjoy doing all types of roles, honestly. I would love to play a superhero one day, but I think the type of roles I seem to attract are the more dramatic roles, I like these roles especially since they tend to show my range, but every now and then I do enjoy a spazzy/spunky type of role.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
