RUNWAY: In ‘Chasing Life’ you play April, a young journalist who is trying to balance work, family and love, all while dealing with the tragic news that you have a terminal illness. How did you prepare for such a complex role?

Italia Ricci: At first, I wanted to do all of the research that I could and know everything there was to know about the type of Leukemia that April has. But after reading the script a few times over, it occurred to me that April doesn’t have any of that knowledge. I decided to learn about it as April did so that I wasn’t anticipating how April was going to feel or act before it was written. Also, I trust the writers completely. They have teams of doctors, researchers, and cancer fighters working with them to figure out how to have April handle each step of the journey. When it came time to deal with chemo, I met some amazing warriors who helped me understand what it was like for them, and that was so incredibly helpful for more than just my work.

R: What has been the biggest challenge of taking on the role of ‘April’ and what has been the biggest reward thus far?

IR: The most rewarding moments are hearing how the show has reached out and given a voice to people who felt they needed one, and not just for people dealing with an illness. There’s so much more going on in the show that people will relate to, and when fans reach out and let you know that they feel represented, it gives me goose bumps every time. The biggest challenge is how I feel when I come home and remind myself that I’m not sick. It hurts that I get to turn it off when so many people can’t.

R: The show revolves around the serious topic of cancer, which affects so many people today. What do you hope that viewers will take away from April’s story?

IR: I hope viewers apply what is going on in the show to life with a broad stroke. Never give up. No matter what someone is dealing with in their world, it only controls your life as much as you let it. You have all of the power; you still make the decisions. It’s okay to make the wrong ones sometimes because we’re human. Just surround yourself with good people and you can get through more than you think you can. We are all stronger than we ever imagine.

R: Many actors transition into directing or producing, is this a path you see yourself taking? Do you have any personal ambitions that are still unattained?

IR: I can see myself producing one day. I don’t see myself directing—I have way too many control issues for that. I’d be a nightmare director. I’m pretty happy to have achieved what I have at this point, but of course there are other personal milestones I’m excited for down the road, like having a family.

R: What is your favorite summer vacation destination and what is your one must-have summer fashion item?

IR: My backyard. We live in LA where it’s always summer. I love my pool, my fruit trees, my dogs, and my friends. And a white flowing maxi dress, hands down.

R: Speaking of fashion, we adore your style and your complexion is simply flawless. Can you share your beauty regiment?

IR: I always wear sunscreen. When I’m outside in the sun, I’m wearing at least SPF 90.

R: What is your weekend style, and what do you like to wear on your down time? Any favorite designers?

IR: It depends on my plans for the weekend. If I don’t have to leave my house, I’m in my robe all weekend long. If I have things to do, I’ll pull it together. I actually just started wearing pieces from LUBLU by Kira Plastinina. Her stuff fits me so well and is incredibly comfortable.

R: Who are your biggest influences when it comes to your acting career? Did you look up to or study anyone in particular growing up?

IR: I didn’t study anyone in particular. I was pretty impressionable and would watch a movie and want to be that character. I would pretend to be like them for a day or two until I saw the next show or movie and then move on to that. I think I’m still like that a little bit. I’m influenced by a different performance every time I watch something new. One constant influence is Kate Hudson; she’s got a sparkle to her that you see in every character. She’s also got crazy range—rocker indie films, jazzy musical, rom-com, horror, you name it. Actually, I remember watching her movie A Little Bit of Heaven the day before my screen test for Chasing Life.

R: If you could work with anyone, actor or director, who would it be? What is it about his or her work that inspired you?

IR: I’d love to work with a ton of people. I learn so much from everyone I’ve ever worked with. The set is such an inspiring environment, even with people I didn’t necessarily get along with. You learn to be patient and professional when you really just want to scream. As of right now, I’m so impressed by Dane DeHaan. I think he’s wildly talented and also has this magnetism in his performances that paralyzes you from looking away when he’s on screen.

R: Having broken into film at just twenty-one, what advice do you have for aspiring actors who have made the move to Hollywood?

IR: Don’t give up. I was ready to go back to law school and say that I gave Hollywood my best shot, but my family in L.A. believed in me and supported me and kept faith in me when I was spent. I ended up staying because of them, and I am so grateful.

Do you have any future projects in the work that you can speak on at this time?

I shot a Sony Affirm film called The Remaining last year that is due to come out this fall. It’s a 100% religiously accurate thriller that recounts how the world would end, according to the bible. I play Allison, the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding when the end comes. It’s a movie that tells the story of a group of best friends as they navigate the challenging journeys of faith, love, and salvation at the end of it all.

To see Italia’s full photo spread, download the RUNWAY Summer 2014 issue available on the RUNWAY US app.
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You have an impressive resume for being such a young actress and it has been said you were the youngest person to perform stand-up at the Hollywood Improv. Have you just always known this is what you wanted?

In preschool, I took ballet and every night I would dress up in my tutu and make my parents sit down in the living room to watch me perform. I would say, “I have a performance, you gotta take me seriously!” I’ve just always been an entertainer and I knew that someday I would do it professionally.

You have worked primarily in the comedy genre, having roles in Hannah Montana, That’s So Raven and now starring in your new project, Instant Mom. You have also played in a recurring role as Ellie on the popular TV crime drama CSI: NY. Do you prefer comedic projects to dramatic roles? How do you decide what projects you will take?

I started out as a stand-up comedian at the age of six, so comedy is where it all began. Even though I’m mostly known for doing comedy, I really love drama! I can see myself doing gritty roles in the future, yet still doing comedy. I love it all!

On Instant Mom, you play Gabby Phillips, one of three children whose dad meets and marries a 25-year old party girl. That sounds like a fun concept for a show, what has been your favorite part of playing this role?

Gabby Phillips is very similar to who I am in real life! I love the fact that I get to incorporate different parts of my personality into the role of Gabby. It also doesn’t hurt that I get to work with Tia Mowry-Hardrict who is my childhood idol! Every day on set is just loads of laughter and fun!

On the show, Gabby has two little brothers. Do they act like true little brothers on set? Any fun pranks or stories?

I love my little boys! Damarr, Tylen, and I have our “brother-sister” moments but I love them and we always have so much fun together. There are many stories to share from set and I will tell you that a majority of them have something to do with farts. We’re gassy siblings, what can I say?

On Twitter you proclaim “LA is everything”, so, what is your favorite part of being a California girl? What do you do on your down time? And any fun plans for summer?

In my life, Los Angeles is everything because this is where it all began for me. The opportunities are out here and c’mon, you just can’t beat the weather. When I have free time I always make an effort to hang out with my friends, read, exercise, and even draw if I’m feeling it! This summer I’ll be working on another season of Instant Mom and I’m super excited. Gotta make time for the beach on the weekends of course!

Your skin is flawless! What three summer beauty products can you not live without?

Well thank you for the compliment! I always make sure to use my Smith’s Rosebud Salve lip balm for the dry weather. Also, NARS Lip Pencils are the bomb because you can get your favorite colors in matte, velvet, or satin and it lasts! Last but not least is my Proactiv Renewing Cleanser that I wash my face with twice a day. It has benzoyl peroxide crystals that target breakouts while keeping your skin clean and radiant!

Fashion is a huge part of the culture of LA, who is your favorite designer to wear on the red carpet?

I am such a fan of Ted Baker! The designs are always classy, yet fun and flirty! I love how he always incorporates beautiful, bold colors and I think the clothes are timeless.

As a fashion icon to young girls around the world, do you have any advice for dressing for the summer season?

My main advice is to try and be as comfortable as possible! You want to avoid the high-heels in the heat and wear something funky like sneakers, strappy sandals, or espadrilles. Also, step out of your comfort zone and rock some floral and bright colors!

We agree with the brights and florals! What is up next for you? Do you have any other projects in the works that you can talk about? And where can fans keep up with what you are doing?

I’ve been working on Nickelodeon’s Awesomeness TV, Nickelodeon’s new Nick App where I’m in a number of sketches, and I’ll be on an upcoming episode of The Thunderman’s. I’m always doing sketches, so look out for more videos coming soon. Also, I’ll be filming the second season of Instant Mom all summer! Keep up with my daily life on Instagram: @heysydneypark and Twitter: @iamsydneypark

What was it like to join the cast of Devious Maids right as it transitioned into a popular and widely known show?

Very exciting. When joining a pre-existing show that has proved to be very successful, it’s a gift. You aren’t living with that metaphorical dagger dangling over your head about whether the show will go past pilot or not. I could just focus on whether viewers would take to, and enjoy, my character and work instead. Actors are always finding something to worry about! You then hope to be able to be part of the reason the show goes on to be a bigger success.

What is it like to work on a series, as opposed to a film, where you are given a character, but have no idea how they will develop until you start each season?

If I’m honest, it’s a challenge. I personally thrive on challenges, so it works. It is a huge difference [compared] to film and especially theatre, where you get to rehearse and explore and really understand the track and arc of your character back to front. You can sometimes be shooting something not knowing the definite reason for why you are doing what you’re doing, but hey, doesn’t that kind of sound like real life sometimes?

Do you prefer to play roles where you can personally identify with the qualities of the character? Or do you prefer roles completely opposite to your personal nature?

I think it’s imperative that you identify elements of yourself in whatever character you play. That, to me, is the truest form of acting—showing yourself whilst playing someone who obviously isn’t you. So while you are different from your roles, you need to understand psychologically where their motivations and intentions come from, and to do so, you need to invest yourself to see where those similarities lie.

With a background in martial arts, do you think you would ever start doing your own stunts?

I just was doing a big fight scene last week and I always enjoy it, even if I lose, haha. I have a pretty gung-ho attitude, so I do enjoy the physical stuff. I would love to do an action-heavy psychological piece à la the Bourne movies.

As an actor that is quickly climbing to the top in such a short time, what has been your biggest struggle?

Well I have a hell of a long way to go and I don’t think there is ever a top, per se. I think there’s work that I aspire to do and ways in which I look forward to growing as an artist. It seems to me that struggle, more often than not, is a constant in an actor’s life and it’s almost necessary as it can be a fantastic form of creativity. I struggle often in many ways, sometimes just to get out of bed.

What was it like the first time you met, and read with, the cast of Devious Maids?

There’s always a little bit of trepidation involved when meeting a cast that’s been together for a while and reading. It’s almost like your first day at school. Everyone was lovely, welcoming and pretty darn funny, so that really made it easy for me.

What have you enjoyed most about working on Season 2 of Devious Maids?

The people. We are fortunate to have a fantastic and lovely crew and they really are the heartbeat of the production. Getting to know and observe them has been great. Then there is the motley crew of actors who are all unique and brilliant in their own individual ways and I have cherished my time with them. Finally, the people of Atlanta. They’re warm, friendly and diverse.

Is there anything that you are allowed to tell us about what is in store next for your character?

Well we are nearly halfway through the season as we speak, so at this point, viewers have already gotten to see the crazy, tumultuous dynamic between Tony and Evelyn. People can expect that to continue, get even crazier and eventually rise to a deafening crescendo!

Are there any funny or embarrassing moments, on or off camera, you are able to tell us about?

It was a little embarrassing and not very funny when I was late to a very early call time as my alarm malfunctioned. Well, that’s the official excuse anyhow, haha. No, it was very early in shooting season two and I hadn’t been around long. I was still adjusting to the East Coast time difference. Being awoken from my oversleeping by production knocking on my front door isn’t that enjoyable. I was having a great dream too.

What can we look forward to, in regards to upcoming projects?

I have a few irons in the fire, so we shall see what comes to fruition first. I just hope to be able to continue working with interesting and brilliant people and constantly evolve as a result.

Is there anything you would like to tell the die-hard fans who religiously watch your show?

I would like to give them a huge thank you. They’ve been so incredibly supportive of the show and of me personally. I have a great rapport with them on my Twitter (@iamdominicadams) and look forward to continue providing them with work that they respond to.

To see Dominic’s full photo spread, download the RUNWAY Summer 2014 issue available on the RUNWAY US app.
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You play Jennifer in Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse. Tell us a little about the show and your character.

The show is a spinoff of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married. It is based on the characters Marcus and Angela, and I play Jennifer who’s Angela’s best friend and helps her manage her own salon. Jennifer’s character is the truth; if you don’t want it, don’t ask her, and don’t expect her to give it to you with flowers. She’s brutally honest, but you love her for that; her heart is golden.

What’s the biggest difference between you and Jennifer?

I have little more tact than Jennifer. I’m gonna be honest with you, but I will consider your feelings first.

Can you tell us your favorite off-screen moment filming the show?

When I had my son towards the end of filming and all the cast showed up to the hospital for me.

Working as a stand-up comedian and a successful television actress, do you prefer one to the other?

Yeah. I prefer acting more, it allows me to step outside my normal character and become another, plus the schedule is less grueling. That being said, comedy will always be a love of mine.

What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome so far in your career?

Sexism, and the chauvinistic mindset that female comics are not funny.

In addition to your acting and comedy career, you’re also a mother. Tell us a little about juggling a busy career while having children.

It really takes a village to raise a child, and I’ve been blessed with an incredible village that loves me and my son and they have done a terrific job helping me. Without them I would probably be a bit crazy.

What would you say are your top three priorities in life?

My son and family, my health and my career.

If you could give an aspiring comedian one tip, what would it be?

Stay true to yourself. Don’t let the machine/industry define you. Always keep a piece of yourself.

You starred in The Single Moms Club earlier this year. What was your favorite part of filming the movie?

Working with Terry Crews and Nia Long, two people I’ve admired for years.

If you had to pick one best friend from the cast, who would it be?

Nia Long.

Do you have any upcoming projects that we can watch for?

I’ll be recurring on the new Martin Lawrence and Kelsey Grammer sitcom Braddock & Jackson.