You play Natalie “Fig” Figueroa on Orange Is the New Black, the one character I simply had no sympathy for and then BAM, you made her vulnerable & human out of left field! What is it like playing an essentially unlikeable character?

First of all, thank you for the compliment! I am so glad you saw her humanity & vulnerability, not just unlike-ability. I think playing someone like Fig has given me courage to be ok if not everyone likes me. I’m working on How To Get Away With Murder and was just talking to the spectacular Viola Davis today about that; about the courage, as both human and character, to be ok if not everyone likes you, and teaching our daughters that. The great news is fans seem to love Fig and are so generous with their praise & gratitude.

How do you feel this show is redefining not only female roles in film & television, but the female identity in today’s culture?

It is a gift beyond measure to be part of something so groundbreaking. I think anything that makes us look deeper into how we are treating one another, the female role in our culture today, and how we can change that, is spectacular and so needed. Jenji and the whole writing team do a genius job of it!

If you could switch places with any other character on the show, what role would you pick & why?

Suzanne – “Crazy Eyes”. It would be incredible to see the world through her eyes. I am so fascinated by mental illness and what it would be like to experience something like that.

As Fig, your style is all business paired with a killer pair of shoes, what is your personal style like?

My personal style is so eclectic. I love a simple white t-shirt and jeans, bohemian hippy dresses, modern vintage and of course, I love couture!

If you could take home one item from Fig’s wardrobe to keep for yourself, what would it be?

Her Mercedes.

You are a veteran pro of acting with roles on stage as well as television and film. What has been the most epic role of your lifetime or have you not had it yet?

Wow, Epic? I think every role hopefully helps you grow and teaches you new things, and is epic in that way. I mean come on; don’t you feel your life is epic sometimes? I have been blessed to play some incredible women with truly epic stories. Writer Virgina Woolf and artist and activist Tina Modatti, I think both changed the world in ways such as art, politics and feminism and I am beyond lucky to have portrayed them and gotten to touch their soul in that way.

You are sort of an advocate for everything cool & healthy, from breastfeeding to environmental issues to charities. What are some of your favorite causes and how can we get involved?

Thank you so much for asking! I love helping the Women’s Prison Association. I think if Fig won’t help women in prison, I will! I designed a locket with Kira Kira and 100% of the proceeds to go the WPA! I also work with The Cancer Support Community & made a film where 100% of the sales go to CSC.

With being a mom, an actor, an activist, a philanthropist and a wife, how do you prioritize what is most important in life?

Being a mom is first, always. But I am always teaching my daughter the importance to serving the world and having work that you love, that you feel serves too.

I hear you have been selected by IMDB as one of the top three picks to be the next bond girl. Who was your favorite bond girl & what would you love to bring to that franchise?

Great question! I would have to say Pussy Galore just for the name. I loved watching James Bond with my dad when I was a kid. He is such a heroic character, I love that he never took himself too seriously.

You’ve got quite a few projects coming up including The Networker, The Other Side, Ava’s Possessions, No Letting Go, The Girl in the Book, Primrose Lane & more. Can you give us a sneak peek at what fans can expect?

I am also about to appear on two fun TV shows. Prepare to see characters nothing like Fig!

Your home has been featured in magazines & TV for being green. Do you have any tips on how can we take steps to be green in our daily life & habits to live healthier?

I think #1 is being aware of your water and electricity use and recycle! We both compost and recycle and you would be shocked how little garbage we have. Reuse/Reduce/Recycle. The little steps can make a huge difference and save you money too.

You have recently been named as a “woman to watch” by New York Women in film and television. Congratulations to you – what an honor! What is it like being such a strong role model to women everywhere?

I am so honored by this and that the WPA awarded me the ‘2014 Sarah Powell Huntington Leadership Award’. As amazing as it is to win awards as an actress, to be given an award saying: we value the woman you are, your inspiration and what you bring to the world is… well I am speechless!

If you could create your own show, what would it be about and who would you cast, dead or alive, to work alongside you?

Wow, another amazing question! I would make a mockumentary about the yoga community in LA. Sort of like a mighty wind but about Yoga and the new age world. I would have everyone in each week with amazing new guest stars, including George Clooney and George Burns and Einstein.

Do you have a beauty or fitness routine that you follow?

I work out– it is my anti-depressant and I love to change it up. Now I am working once a week with a new trainer, who I love, Jason Wimberly! He kicks me to the curb and teaches a spin class that I love too. I am obsessed with coconut oil and all its amazing beauty benefits. My new favorite line is Sircuit and their Oraia.

So other than the amazing amount of new films you have got coming out, what is next for you in this adventure of life?

I just finished shooting an episode of Hawaii 5-0 in Hawaii!

For more information on the charities Alysia is involved with, visit:

www.kirakira.com/products/WPA-Limited-Edition-Locket.html

www.cancersupportcommunity.org

www.speedgrieving.org

www.ywlcs.org

www.healthychild.org

www.say.org

www.careerwardrobe.org

Published in the Fall 2014 Runway

You have been touted as the daredevil musician; let us talk first about your stunts. You have reached some impressive heights through snowboarding, skateboarding, motorcycles and wakeboarding. Do you have a favorite?

It’s always hard to choose! I’m so ADD. But wheelies are addicting because they’re always dangerous.

Where did you first fall in love with the adrenaline rush? And how did the idea of incorporating it with music come about?

I was born jumping off things, breaking stuff, making something do what it’s not supposed to do… Adrenaline is my drug. My father was an athlete and my mom a musician so I did both growing up, but then I got into the airshow scene stunting motorcycles with Circus of the Machines. The pilot asked me to edit his airshow music and I said I would do it for free if he put my music in it. I was selling CDs and merchandise to all the kids. The biggest Airshows draw half a million people and they have big acts play at them. So, I asked myself what if I was both the act on the stage and stunted at the same time. It’s never been done. It’s just a lifestyle I want to represent.

Speaking of your music, your tracks are full of infectious energy! “Light Up The Sky” and “Our World” make me want to dance, and I must admit, I did. Do the stunts inspire the music, or does the track inspire what you’ll do on stage?

I incorporate the visual and lifestyle into the music. I love to dance and love to rock out. So I try to write my songs for that and keep everyone pumped.In contrast to the high-energy pieces, you also write more melodic, passionate tracks.

“She Will Wait” and “The World Is Burning” are filled with so much emotion. Where did you find your inspiration?

Ex-girlfriends and crap. I’ve been through a lot and [have] grown from it. I truly am a passionate person and not every day in my life has been all roses. I just like to tell it like it is.

Are you currently touring, or do you have any plans to tour? What can fans expect from a Remington stage show?

I’m bringing the heat! Just like a P!NK show or KISS or Michael Jackson. I want to give them a show. And I am gearing up for something big soon! I’m in the studio right now putting it all together.

You have collaborated with sponsors who are incorporating your music and footage to inspire others. Can you tell us a little bit about those relationships? And what do you feel makes someone a “champion”?

Champion is a lifestyle. It’s what I represent. It’s never giving up until your last breath and pushing the limits in your own life. I tell all my fans and friends to put up a “champion” when we take pictures. It just represents greatness.

We must touch on your fashion. We have seen you rock both stylish suits and casual hoodies. What is your go-to stage style?

I like funky shoes/boots, black tight jeans and a black shirt with color and a jacket!

What about on your days off?

Pajamas. Or just some jeans, sandals and a v-neck. 😉

Are you a huge horror movie fan?

My favorite horror movies are mostly Hitchcock films: Psycho, The Birds, and Rear Window especially, although that was more of a psychological thriller. I was terrified after seeing Ringu (the original Japanese version of “The Ring”). I was 9 years old and I saw it on VHS. I remember being too scared to even take the tape out of the VCR. It was years before I could calmly sit in the same room with a TV set alone.

While filming Ouija, did you have any creepy experiences or nightmares? I know I would!

I think the scariest part was hearing all of my friend’s stories about Ouija boards and ghosts in general. I went ghost hunting before we started shooting to get me in the right headspace.

Had you ever played with a Ouija board prior to the movie?

I played with Ouija boards a bunch of times when I was growing up, but I was usually the one pushing the planchette around.

What was it like working with the cast?

Most of the cast members are much more seasoned actors than I am, so I was a little intimidated when I realized I would be working alongside them. It ended up being an awesome and unexpectedly hilarious experience.

You play Sarah in the film; can you describe your character for us?

Sarah is nearly seventeen but can’t wait to be older. She craves independence but also needs validation. She lives with her Dad (who regularly gets on her nerves) and her older sister, Laine, who (although she might hate to admit) she actually really loves. Sarah can usually be seen wearing black eyeliner, black nail polish, & combat boots. She listens to Jack White and The Kills.

You were born in San Juan. How is life in Puerto Rico versus American life?

Island life rules. My family is mostly Cuban and I was born in Puerto Rico (double island vibes!). You’d think we would be super laid back, but in reality, everyone in the family is pretty high energy. Made up mostly of women, we’re all loud, outspoken, incredibly affectionate, brutally honest, love espresso, and eat… a lot. Sofia Vergara’s character on Modern Family is basically our collective spirit animal.

Now that you are focusing on acting, do you miss ballet?

I danced for years and years, and it was absolutely my favorite thing in the world. I loved performing, but luckily, I still get to do a lot of that. It was really fantastic being so flexible and in such great shape though – I do miss that. Now I just dance around my room in my underwear eating almond butter right out of the jar, day dreaming about the days I could do perfect splits.

Being relatively new to Hollywood, do you get star struck easily?

I only have one story about being star struck. I met Johnny Depp in Puerto Rico a few years ago. I was at work. We spoke for a bit. After he left, I cried. A lot. So much so that my boss asked me to take the rest of the day off, and sent me home.

What has been the most difficult adjustment for you in the entertainment industry?

I’ve just been trying to not take the industry too seriously. I respect it but I can’t let it fool me into thinking that “fame and fortune” will make me happy. Fame and fortune will make me famous and rich… but no one said anything about ‘happy.’

In the MTV film, Disconnected, it explores how technology has affected our lives. Do you feel, as a society, we are slaves to technology?

That just depends who you ask. Having access to the internet and modern technology is almost like having a super power. Some people will harness that power to do good, others for evil, and others will keep it to themselves and use it to impress their dates.

Now, with the heavy stuff out of the way… let’s talk fashion! How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic and laid back. I like to be comfortable and I love hand me downs. I wear a lot of my mom’s old clothes, it’s mostly from the 90s and early 00s. I can usually be found wearing a super worn out pair of Levi’s 508s and a comfy tee. I rarely wear make-up either, so being all gussied up and styled for shoots is quite the treat.

Is there a must-have item for you this fall?

I’m actually on the hunt for the perfect high-waisted jean. My legs aren’t as narrow as most girls with my waist size, so finding a pair that fits all over is not as easy as it seems.

What would be your dream role?

Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny meets Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich.

Who would be your leading man?

I just want to see more films made with leading ladies at the center of them!

Can you share any upcoming projects you have in the works?

I have a few photo projects I want to complete before the year is up. Did I mention I take photos? I have also been working on a short film with some friends of mine for about a year now. That is still very much under wraps but I am looking forward to being able to share much more soon!

For more on Ana and her photography visit www.anacoto.com.

Published in the Fall 2014 issue of RUNWAY®

We hear that you just recently celebrated a birthday, congratulations! Was there a big celebration for the special occasion?

Yes there was. My beautiful wife surprised me with a party with family and friends. We had an amazing DJ, a taco stand, a photo booth and it was perfect to be surrounded by loved ones. My cousin even flew in from New Mexico! I was extremely touched. It’s the second surprise party of my life; the first being my 18th!

You have delved into the world of classical theater in the past, and you’re a writer as well, when did you first discover you had a love for acting?

I discovered I had a love for acting very early in life. As a child, I would dress up in costume and imagine myself in different scenes. I was always fascinated by classical movies and theater, especially Alec Guinness (a family friend) and Laurence Olivier. They became my virtual mentors as I read their books avidly. My father also had a great passion for acting and encouraged me to pursue it. I was also deeply influenced by Brando, De Niro, Pacino and Peter O’Toole. I realized my dream after being accepted into the prestigious ConservatoireNational Superier D’art Dramatique in Paris.

You have gained a substantial amount of popularity from the roles you have played in the past. Appearing on General Hospital, The Vampire Diaries, The Adventures of Tin – Tin, and Beowulf. What would you say has been your favorite character to play?

My current favorite is definitely Mikael, the patriarch of the Mikaelson clan on “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals.” It requires an intense amount of focus to play such a fascinating and terrifying character. Mikael has perfected the art of chaos, revenge and cruelty over centuries and assumed an almost monster-like presence over his brood. I love the complexity of the character because his hatred is actually rooted in so much scorned love. There is a Shakespearean and operatic dimension to Mikael that appeals to me enormously. I also love the physically demanding aspects of playing him. It’s so much fun to train and choreograph the fight scenes with everyone. It comes naturally to me due to my background in muay thai and judo.

I’ve read that you enjoy activities such as rock climbing and that you even lived on a boat for some time. As a guy who enjoys the outdoors, what would you say is your favorite activity? Also, do you have a favorite brand of athletic clothing or any gear that you just can’t live without?

My favorite activity at the moment is rock climbing. It’s the perfect blend of physical and mental exertion. It’s like doing yoga on the rocks. A mental and physical puzzle while you are at one with nature. It’s deeply humbling and challenging to attempt to lead a climb without falling. I like Under Armour and Prana for climbing gear and La Sportiva Miura and 5.10 ASYM climbing shoes.

Speaking of clothing, on a more polished note, we have seen you in Lanvin and their suits definitely suit you! Do you have any other favorite designers when you want to dress to impress?

I love Lanvin. Their suits are sublime. I’m also a huge Tom Ford fan. My friend Duncan Quinn makes gorgeous suits. I also enjoy Paul Smith, Margiela, John Varvatos and Givenchy. As for shoes, I like Ferragamo and Fiorentini Baker boots. All Saints is my favorite brand for everyday casual wear.

You just recently wrapped the film, Phantom Halo, and are presently working on a few television series. Can you tell us about some of the new projects coming out?

A Walk Among the Tombstones is a movie directed by the fantastic Scott Frank and starring Liam Neeson. I saw it recently at a screening and it’s extraordinary. It’s a great psychological film noir. Very dark, gripping and beautifully shot. I play a Russian gangster whose life is turned upside down when his daughter is kidnapped. It was a great experience to work with the fabulous Liam Neeson, a prince of a man. I’m also excited for the upcoming season of “The Originals.” I have a feeling this season will reach epic dimensions akin to a Shakespearean family tragedy. I’m very proud of ‘Phantom Halo’, directed by Antonia Bogdanovich and produced by Peter Bogdanovich. It’s the most wonderful script and it was a deeply enriching experience to delve into such a multi-layered character, a fallen British theater star who is now an alcoholic abusive father. It was also fantastic to be able to quote so much Shakespeare on film.

Back to fashion, what would you say is your daily street style when you’re off- camera?

Fiorentini Baker boots, Levis, a V-neck t-shirt and a super cool custom-made Nick Fouquet hat. And there’s nothing wrong with wearing a scarf.

If you weren’t involved in the movie and television industry, what do you think you’d be doing for a career? Are there any other endeavors you still would like to accomplish?

I would like to paint or sculpt. I would possibly be an artist, or musician, or high-performance athlete, or explorer. I could go on.

Being of Scottish and French Heritage, you are fluent in quite a few other languages. Which one would you say is your favorite in which to speak? And which do you think the ladies truly love the most?

I think, in the US, women love an English accent. French is my first language. I love to speak Spanish and Italian also.

For any fans looking to follow in your footsteps, do you have any words of inspiration or encouragement to leave them with?

Never give up hope. Hope is what keeps you going, keeps you alive as an actor. Work hard.

Published in the 2014 Fall issue of Runway

You have done many period pieces, with the Love Comes Softly series for the Hallmark Channel and The Identical. What do you love most about making films that take place in the past?

The thing I love most about making films in the past is that I get to immerse myself in situations that I would otherwise never have the opportunity to be in. I’ve gotten to drive a team of horses in a covered wagon, teach an art class inside a Japanese internment camp, and do the twist in a 1950’s honkytonk. Stepping inside someone else’s shoes from another era offers an invaluable perspective that I don’t think you can get just by studying history.

Do you ever get to keep any of the wardrobe from your roles?

Sadly, I’ve never gotten to keep any of the wardrobe from my period roles since the costumes are almost always vintage pieces rented from costume houses.

Is there a certain fashion trend you wish would come back?

I love the look of the late 50’s/early 60’s fitted bodices on the dresses. I know they weren’t comfortable, but they look so feminine.

What is the most challenging aspect about being an actor?

I think the most challenging thing about being an actress is not identifying with your success in it. There is so much up and down with work and other people’s opinions, and I think it’s important that your self-worth is not based on any of it. I believe that staying grounded in who you are outside of the industry is key to hanging on to your sanity.

You’ve played the role of Missie LaHaye for five movies in the Love Comes Softly series. How do you relate to Missie and how are you different?

I relate to Missie LaHaye in that I am a loving mother, wife and teacher, and that I think it’s important to be compassionate to everyone, regardless of their plight. We’re different in that I’m not a specifically religious person, and that I get to wear pants while typing this on my laptop!

You’ve been a guest star on TV shows like ER and NCIS. What has been a standout moment from those experiences?

A stand out moment for me in my guest star experiences would have to be working with Mark Harmon on NCIS. He is one of the most generous, kind and conscientious television stars with whom I’ve ever worked. He makes sure that everyone in his cast and crew are very well taken care of. Now, when I am starring in something (e.g. The Identical) and I question how to deal with a situation on set, I think, WWMHD… What Would Mark Harmon Do.

Aside from acting, you work with children. Can you tell us more about the not-for-profit organization you work with?

Yes! I work with a not-for-profit organization called City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts. I taught dance, Shakespeare, musical theatre and photography to the at risk youth of LA for over a decade. This 30-yearold organization goes into the most financially challenged and gang influenced neighborhoods, and creates arts programs for children. City Hearts classes keep them off the streets, and enrich them with the creativity and self confidence that only art can. We’ve taught tens of thousands of children over the years and have had brilliant success stories of triumph over tremendous adversity. Check them out at www.cityhearts.org.

What kind of film projects can we expect from you in the future?

Aside from The Identical, which is my latest release, you can expect to see me in some film projects that actually take place in this current decade! I have a short film, that I star in with Ed Asner, making the rounds at festivals this year called Pacific Edge. And there might also be some films in a totally new genre for me on the horizon, but I’m not quite at liberty to talk about that yet. My husband secretly hopes that I’ll play a German spy in my next movie, but I would love to be in a project where I had some sort of powers, a la X-Men.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

I would say the most influential person in my life has been my mom. Aside from loving me unconditionally, she’s a dance teacher and a musical theatre choreographer. Without her love of theatre and performance, I would have never found the passion for acting and teaching that I have today. I owe so much of who I am to her.

Is there a must-have beauty item you can’t live without?

A hair brush. I’ve had long, strawberry blonde hair my whole life, and instead of getting a sassy, edgy, current haircut, I still cling to my long locks like I did in 7th grade. Maybe it’s a crutch, but I’ll probably keep it that way until it turns gray.

What would be your dream role?

My dream role would probably be something like Khaleesi Daenerys in Game of Thrones; a strong and powerful woman that gets to rule with compassion and dragons!

If you weren’t an actor, you would be…?

I’d probably be a therapist. I spend a lot of time listening. I enjoy it.

How can you relate to your character, Tamara, on Awkward?

At this point, after four years, Tamara is a big part of me. When I created her, I took bits of myself as well as people I knew and loved in high school. We also both talk really, really fast!

Can you dish any details on the second half of season 4 airing this fall?

We left on a pretty crazy note… with the new girl, Eva, telling everyone she’s pregnant. In the next 10 episodes, we find out lot more about that situation, plus a lot more about Jake and Tamara. They left off deciding to become friends again after breaking up, so you’ll see where their new friendship leads.

Are there any plans for another season after this one?

I hope so! We haven’t heard yet, but my fingers are crossed. I want the show to go on forever.Tell us about your project “Breaking the Chains”.

I am the spokesperson for this new non-profit! We focus on changing the face of eating disorders and can hopefully bring a new sense of hope, through art, to people suffering. We are currently running a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo to fund our first launch project, a music video that I’m starring in.

Has being in the entertainment industry affected your self-esteem or body image?

Of course. I think it’s hard not to be affected by this industry. I try to always remain positive and love myself, but I am definitely more conscious of how I look being in an industry that puts you [under] a spotlight.

Is there an actor or an actress that you would love to play opposite of onscreen?

There are a billion! I would love to work with Sandra Bullock, Paul Rudd, or Jennifer Aniston. I love comedy, so anyone comedic really!

When you go home to Michigan, do people treat you differently?

It depends. There are always those people who hated you in high school but are super buddy-buddy now. I try not to pay attention to that. I’m still friends with my best friends from high school and they treat me no differently. In fact, when I see them we really don’t talk about my career at all. They watch everything I do, but we would rather talk about boys!

What beauty products can you not live without?

A good deep conditioner! I dye my hair often, so I use a L’Oreal conditioner to keep my hair from breaking. That and eyeliner. I’m not complete without a smoky eye.

How has your personal style evolved over the past few years?

I’m 22, so the past few years I did a lot of finding myself. I went from dressing rather simply to discovering I like to have an edge.

Is there a fall style trend you absolutely love?

I love big sweaters! They’re classic; you can dress them down or put on jeans and heels. They always look great with a scarf too!

Are there any trends out right now that you just don’t see the appeal of?

Right now, no. I’m pretty open to trying different, fashionforward things. As long as it looks good on my figure, I’m good!

Can you share any tidbits on some upcoming projects?

Last summer, I worked on an independent comedy called Sharon 1.2.3, where I got the chance to play a young mom. It was a really cool change for me! That film will be circulating soon.

You love doing comedy. Is there a comedian you really look up to or would love to work with?

I really love Sandra Bullock. I think it’s so cool that everyone has always admired her for being funny and then she won an Oscar for a drama! I would love a career like that.

What advice do you have for women trying to break into the entertainment industry?

I tell everyone the same thing. If you wouldn’t die if you weren’t acting, if you don’t love it with every bone in your body, then don’t do it. It’s really, really hard.

Published in the Fall 2014 issue of Runway

Let us start with what made you dive into the fashion business after all your other great successes in the entertainment field? What is your global message? And what does the Arqueonautas brand stand for?

I am the ambassador of the Arqueonautas brand since its style represents my personal lifestyle and how I live and where I go.

Were you actively involved in the designing and production process of the Arqueonautas collection?

I’m not designing. I will look at things and further decide which clothes are interesting to me and they will make those. I will only look at things. I am not a designer. I shouldn’t take credit for the designing part.

Let us talk about the brand. What is your mission? What does the brand stand for?

For me, I am always on the go. And if I get out of the water, I want to put those clothes on. If I have to get on a plane and go, I pack those clothes with me and go. I’m not the movie star. I’m not the musician. I’m not the director. I’m just a person. And so it’s how I live my life.

Great! If you can successfully do what you want, it’s some kind of freedom that you create for yourself.

Yeah, and I think sometimes people like this style and some of them don’t. But for those who are often outside in nature, this brand of clothes make sense.

Does it somehow represent your lifestyle? The California way of living?

Yeah, but the clothes that we design are for all around the world. They are compatible for the very cold climates and for the very hot climates as well. And so it’s a lifestyle. It’s not an act. It is real, haha.

What would you like to achieve in marketing this brand. What is your target market?

I think we’d like to expand it into different countries. But only the people decide that. You know, it would be nice to have it reach America. We started here in Germany. I would like to see it expand.

What advice would you give the RUNWAY readers to support your idea to protect the oceans? I heard you would love to support the Ocean charities with the Arqueonautas brand.

Yeah, I think everybody feels that way. I bet you want to support it too. I’m the same. In fact, I have for the last 25 years. I have invested in technologies that try to protect the ocean from high levels of pollution, oil spills and things like that. So those things have always interested me. And that’s why the money that I make, after I take care of my family, I have invested in trying to solve a few problems.

That’s a great way to put it!

Yes, I can take the money I made and I can put it in really smart places and make more money. But I have not been that smart. I have chosen to take my money and put it into things that maybe will work or maybe won’t. But if they do work, they can make a difference in the world.That makes you not just a good-looking person but also a beautiful person! Haha, that makes me a stupid person! It’s a great gesture and beautiful homage to the beauty of nature! I always like to do that. You know, in life sometimes you go, “what if?” What if we could fix this? Wouldn’t that be a cool thing? But people say, I don’t know. That’s a big problem. I’ll follow up with… “but what if we could, maybe I should try.” I’m only trying to do what I can do in the world. That’s all. Not more important, not less important than other people. It’s just what I can do. But I have done that since I was a little boy. I just decide to do things.

So you always know exactly what you’re doing and you go for it?

Yes, because if something doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean you should stop.

What are your future goals after having achieved success in so many different fields and projects?

I think if I am going to make films, I should try to make films that sometimes can have a bigger meaning than just entertainment. Not all films, because I love to be just entertained too. I love crashes and all that stuff as well. Sometimes a movie can touch your heart. Sometimes a movie can change the way you think. And I always liked that, when something changes me a little bit. Either I meet a person or I read a book, and I feel like, oh, that changed me a little bit. And I like that, when that happens.

Will you tell us what your favorite role or project has been to date? And what gives you the most joy nowadays?

Yes, I have been very lucky I have been able to do the things I wanted to do or try to do. I’ve had a measure of success that people have acknowledged around the world. For me, I don’t have to do anymore, but for me life is not over. Some people ask me, “Why don’t you retire?” Why would I retire? I still like to play. But what’s most important is that movies aren’t the only thing in my life. Music isn’t the only thing in my life. My interests in life are very wide!

Thank you and all the best for your future plans! We will keep our eyes on it! Hopefully our paths will cross again sometime.

Yes, I’m sure we will!

Published in the Fall 2014 issue of RUNWAY.