So you might have just discovered Claudia Ferri aka Raquel in Palm Royale…..Claudia has appeared over and over again leaving fans with an impression of her diverse and formidable chameleonic abilities in the characters she brings to life. Remember Nicole Jackson, the ruthless casino manager and Native band chief in The Killing? Or Oakland PD Lieutenant Hernandez in Rogue opposite Thandie Newton. Then, Snoop Dog volunteered a favorable review, highly praising the series Bad Blood in which she embodies sharp francophone judge France Charbonneau.
Claudia Ferri keeps coming back, seemingly for the first time on our screens; each time, we are treated to very different and compelling performances. She brilliantly takes from the page, offers all she’s got, sparing nothing and brings forth real, multidimensional, palpable characters transmuted richly into flesh and essence.
https://www.instagram.com/claudiaferri_tales
Putting a face to a name introducing you to actress Claudia Ferri who is “Raquel”, a captivating Cuban expat, and member of the Palm Beach elite in the Apple TV Series “Palm Royale”, alongside industry icons Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Carol Burnett, Ricky Martin, Laura Dern, Kaia Gerber and Josh Lucas. Her career has been heavily influenced by her multi-ethnic background with her working on screen in English, Italian, French, Spanish and in numerous foreign accents. Some of Claudia’s recent TV credits include Québec’s Judge France Charbonneau in “Bad Blood”, La Capitana from Peru in “Queen of the South” and AMC’s “The Killing” as Indigenous band chief Nicole Jackson. She grew up hearing Italian, French, Arabic, and English spoken among parents, cousins, aunts and uncles, thanks to relatives from the four corners of the globe. Ferri’s talent extends far beyond her linguistic prowess. With an impressive resume spanning film, television, and video games, she has proven time and again her ability to captivate audiences across genres and mediums.
Ferri has voiced characters in the mega-popular video game Assassin’s Creed II; Lineage and became Ezio Auditore’s mother in the live-action short films of the same video game. She landed her first job as an actress in the role of Maura Ramirez, Lt. Ramirez’s Cuban wife (Aidan Quinn), in “The Assignment”, also sharing the screen with acclaimed talents Donald Sutherland and Ben Kingsley.
Claudia Ferri’s accolades speak volumes about her talent and dedication to her craft. From winning the Outstanding Female Performance at the ACTRA Awards to earning nominations for her roles in acclaimed projects like “Mambo Italiano” and “A Date with Miss Fortune,” Ferri’s contributions to the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed.
Hi Claudia welcome to OLC! You’ve portrayed a wide range of characters from different backgrounds and professions. How do you approach preparing for such diverse roles, and is there a particular process you follow to embody each character?
It always starts with the “awkward phase” of familiarizing myself with a new character. Repetition, variations, and time to grow into it is my approach. Then the path reveals itself as I progress with the work and the dedication toward the goal of embodying what was once on the page.
Your character Raquel in “Palm Royale” is described as a captivating Cuban expat. What aspects of Raquel’s background and personality did you find most intriguing, and how did you bring those to life on screen?
The information about Raquel was relatively limited but clear enough so I looked at all the information I could find in the script, coupled it with live examples I had encountered in life, added a backstory that would allow for an inner ark, crossing my fingers that it would mesh with the vision and direction of our creative leaders.
You have worked in multiple languages and accents throughout your career. How has your multi-ethnic background influenced your acting, and what challenges have you faced in mastering different linguistic nuances for your roles?
I was fortunate to grow up in a multi-cultural family! It certainly contributed to the direction my career has taken. When my work opportunities were stunted due to my ethnic looks, it helped me define my niche. I honed a variety of accents. I love playing with linguistic nuances!
Having played strong, complex female characters like Nicole Jackson in “The Killing” and Judge France Charbonneau in “Bad Blood,” what draws you to these types of roles, and how do you ensure they resonate authentically with the audience?
A big part of it is observation and work but there is certainly an element that translates into “leap of faith”. You give it all you have and hope to God it resonates truth!
In addition to your television and film work, you’ve also voiced characters in video games, including the “Assassin’s Creed” series. How does voice acting compare to on-screen acting, and what unique skills does it require?
It is mostly about letting your playful self out and trusting the director to align you a segment at a time. It’s like acting on a still mark. Letting it all out on the spot where you stand.
You’ve had the opportunity to work with notable talents like Thandie Newton, Kristen Wiig, and Donald Sutherland. How have these collaborations influenced your career, and what have you learned from working with such acclaimed actors?
It has been a privilege to work with Kristen Wiig, Donal Sutherland, and Thandie Newton. Each are very different from one another. I could say the same of many other actors like Aidan Quinn, Paul, and Mira Sorvino, to name a few. But I take home lessons and gems from each of them. Kristen’s calm grounded presence and playful work was my most recent treasure find; a wonderful leader. Her range, her collaborative attitude, and improvisational skills brings out the best kind of creativity on set. I have found that working with notable talent has consistently upped my game. Speaking more specifically, Kristen was a great reminder of the importance of having fun with the material. From Aiden, I integrated relaxation into my craft. From Paul, the rigor on set, from Donald I learned to not judge a book by its cover; I loved working with him because he is straightforward and genuine.
Your career spans various genres, from crime dramas to historical pieces to comedies. Is there a particular genre you feel most at home in, or do you enjoy the variety?
I really prefer engaging in a variety of genres. It’s about exploring new venues, new worlds, new vibes. I like taking risks and venturing into personally uncharted territory. It gives me the opportunity to discover more possibilities, new facets of the human psyche, and ultimately, continue to be surprised.
With a background in hearing multiple languages spoken at home, how has your personal cultural heritage shaped your identity as an actress and the roles you choose?
It’s definitely been a plus! The cultural diversity and cultural exposure I got right from birth have broadened my opportunities and fuelled my appetite for a mosaic of female characters. much like what I have done so far and, hopefully, with much more to come.
You’ve received accolades like the Outstanding Female Performance at the ACTRA Awards and nominations for your roles in projects like “Mambo Italiano.” How do these recognitions impact your career and motivation as an actress?
The nominations and wins certainly do a lot to boost confidence, a validation that we are in our element. but it did more practically speaking for me. When I studied in NY, I noticed that I was surrounded by immense talent everywhere, but quickly realized that a great majority of these gifted artists were still unknown after years of attempting to break into the industry! This gave way to an epiphany. I instinctively understood that my way into the US market was through Canada. Earning a solid reputation at home would open the door to being a working actress in Hollywood.
Decades later, when I was ready to make the move to LA, I called a lawyer asking him what he thought my chances were to get my papers. He said: “Give me a minute; let me check your IMDB.” I waited a few seconds and he got back on the line: “Oh! You won an ACTRAAward! 6 months. You’ll have your papers in 6 months.”
Wow! How come? I asked quite surprised.
Because, he said, the ACTRA Awards are the equivalent of the SAG Awards here, therefore considered very prestigious.
My epiphany proved right after all; It is the recognition I got in Canada that paved the way to my life and work in today’s film and television industry in Hollywood.
Looking ahead, are there any dream roles or specific projects you hope to tackle in the future?
I would love to work on fantasy, science fiction, and Avenger-type movies; play a reformed supervillain with a streak of mischievousness. Biopics, drama & comedy will always have my keen interest.
What’s next for you after “Palm Royale”?
I am currently in pre-production for a comedy that will be shot in LA in June. The details are still confidential but I got to laugh out loud a lot when reading the script so it bodes well! Cerebrum is due to air on Radio-Canada (French CBC).
As for Palm Royale, we cross our fingers for a second season; AppleTV will be announcing what is in store for this magical production in a not so distant future, I suppose. I would sell my (______) for another go at working with Abe Sylvia, Tate Taylor, Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Ricky Martin, Allison Janney, Carol Burnett, Amber Chardae Robinson, Roberto Sanchez and so many more of the wonderful cast, crew, and producers that I was thrilled to work with on the first season. Che sera sera!
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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