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.

Being on camera has been a major part of your life. Do you ever wonder what you would do if cameras didn’t exist?

No not really. I do sometimes wonder what would it be like to be on camera in a world without social media though.

Girls just want to have fun! What’s your ideal Friday night or weekend experience like?
I love going to the movies. I go to the cinema every week. I’m always counting down the days until a new release.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome for your career and what advice would you give others dealing with the same challenge?

Insecurity. I think we all have some sort of insecurity regardless of whether we appear confident. The only way to overcome it is to accept and love yourself the way you are and not care what others think about you.

You’re involved with several causes. Which one is closest to your heart?

The Thirst project has become the project that is closest to my heart especially after traveling to Africa and seeing first-hand the effects of not having clean drinking water. Something so basic that we all take for granted. I’d like to see more involvement with girl on girl hate. I’d like to somehow set an example or get the word out that we as females only hold ourselves back when we attack other girls instead of being supportive.

Fans are everything…how do you usually keep up with and update your fans?

I am in constant contact via social media. Regardless of how busy my day gets, I always make time to let them know that they are important or that I am thinking of them.

Music plays a big part in your life; what do we have to look forward to from you related to your music?

I have a single and thereafter my debut album. My music is fun, summer music.

Living in Florida, New York and California is the perfect trifecta. How do you manage your time successfully?

I am not in FL as much as I wish, but it has been a great experience growing up bi-coastal. I’m really an East Coast girl living in a West Coast world.

Tell us about your current projects; Amityville and Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend?
These are very different projects. Mostly Ghostly is the 2nd part of the series and it was fun to work with all kids/teens. It was a fun atmosphere. The script is funny and the cast is very talented. I had a great time on that set and made some new friends. Amityville is a new take on the original classic and not a remake. The movie is a horror film, but what makes it different is the character development and personal struggles that are explored. It’s also a beautiful and deep movie in the midst of terror.

What kind of rivalries do you have with your siblings that drives you crazy?

I don’t have any rivalries with my siblings actually. Well, maybe one with my brother. My boyfriend is probably closer to him than me!

Share the best vacation you’ve had so far and where you’d love to visit next?

I’ve had some great winter vacations but I am looking forward to hopefully getting some time away at a beach. I’m so looking forward to the sand, sun and ocean.

What’s your favorite kind of dancing and exercise?

I love hip hop and contemporary dance and I’d have to say that dance is my favorite type of exercise.

Cuban, Italian, or Irish food – what can’t you live without?

CUBAN all the way.

To see Thorne’s cover and full photo spread, download the RUNWAY Summer 2014 issue available on the RUNWAY US app.
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You play Adilyn on True Blood. Are you similar to your character at all?

Yes! Adilyn reminds me of my younger self. There is an innocence about her but also a hunger to experience life. She loves to rebel and there is definitely a part of me like that.

This is the last season. How do you think you’ll feel when it’s over?

I think I will feel very accomplished! Being on a series has been a big dream of mine. I feel so lucky to have shared this experience with such amazing people! This experience has taught me so much about the industry and about myself and even though I’ll be sad when it’s over, I’m so excited to see what’s next for my career.

Do you remember when you received the call that you got the role? How did you react?

I was actually on my way to the first table read when they told me for sure I would be recurring! I couldn’t stop smiling and giggling! It was so awesome to get the news and then immediately get to meet everyone I would be working with. They probably thought I was a little crazy because I was SO happy to be there!

What has been the most exciting scene to film?

I shot this big stunt scene where my light powers blast someone across the room! It was so cool because when it all came together it felt like I really had the power to do something like that! That’s what makes working in a magical world so fun!

If you could bring one True Blood character back from the dead, who would it be?

I would probably bring back Denis O’Hare who played Russell Edgington. He was so badass in an evil way! I’d like to see Adilyn take him down with her faerie powers!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve come across filming True Blood?

Staying warm during night shoots! Haha! It gets really cold at night!

If you could star in a new television series and could bring one actor from True Blood with you, who would it be? What roles would you play?

Can I bring them all with me? I would seriously love to work with any one of the actors on the show again in a new project! But I think it would be fun to work with Amelia Rose Blaire because she and I were friends before getting cast in the show together. We could do a spinoff of True Blood with the young Vamprie and Faebie. We’d be best friends! Haha.

You have a film coming out later this year called Hard Sell. Tell us a little about the film.

I’m so excited about this film! I fell in love with the script after reading it. Sean Nalabof, the writer and director, created this very real, coming of age story. I play Katy, a very neurotic, over tanned preppy prep school student. She and her boyfriend Smith are always either making out or fighting!

Do you have a preference between film and television?

I would love to do both! I’ve really enjoyed working in television and feel so grateful to have had a somewhat steady job for the past year and would love to do more television! There is also something so special about making a film. You dive into a new world with people who become family for the duration of the shoot. I love that!

How do you spend your days off?

I spend a lot of time with my friends. And I love to do yoga and go hiking. Being outside is very important to me.

Shoes or chocolate?

I’ve had a love affair with chocolate and shoes my entire life. There is no way I’d be able to choose!

Any other fun facts fans should know?

I really love photography! It’s another creative outlet for me. I love taking photos of my friends. I’m learning as I go.

To see Bailey’s full photo spread, download the RUNWAY Summer 2014 issue available on the RUNWAY US app.
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Crime, drama, and comedy are heavily reflected in your past film and TV work. What is your favorite genre to be cast in and why?

I would love to do more comedy. I think it would be extremely satisfying to make people laugh for a living. I tend to play more serious characters and rarely am I considered for comedy roles, but I know opportunities will eventually come. Look at Jon Hamm’s career. It took him twenty years establishing himself as a serious dramatic actor before he got to show off his comedy chops. Seemingly overnight, Hamm went from his star-making role as the brooding Don Draper on Mad Men to killing it in 30 Rock, SNL, and Bridesmaids. As they say, it’s all in the timing.

You have an impressive filmography. What has been one of your favorite projects from your long list of credits?

Of the many great experiences I have had throughout my career, one that really stands out for me is when I got to work opposite Jessica Lange in American Horror Story. The two of us had to shoot a scene that involved some rather heavy [kissing]. The script described our characters as “hungry for each other,” so you can imagine my anticipation leading up to the scene. Obviously, I was a little nervous, I mean, we’re talking Jessica Lange here! I wanted to service the scene, but more importantly, I wanted to make sure I remained respectful to Jessica. So during our rehearsal I approached Jessica and in my best attempt not to be awkward said, “Would you like to discuss some ground rules? I just want to make sure that I don’t do anything that might make you uncomfortable.” She looked at me with a smile that was both playful and discerning and said, “Let’s just shoot it.” Needless to say, what followed was one of the most memorable experiences of my career. Jessica is the epitome of class and professionalism. I am so lucky to have worked with her.

What drew you in to be part of this latest work, Murder In The First on TNT?

I was drawn to the opportunity to work with Steven Bochco, and I was intrigued by the idea of working for a network that can take greater creative risks with its programming. Steven has been one of the most influential contributors to the television landscape over the past 45 years. I can’t think of a better person to learn from.

We love a guy that can work with his hands, and we know you build furniture. Are any of the furniture pieces that you’ve built on display or available to see? Or is it private collection only?

The majority of furniture projects I have worked on in the last few years have been for my own private collection. Very rarely do I document my work publicly. Perhaps I will tweet out a few pictures of my work. I may be giving away some of my work in the upcoming months as I move into my new house. I have several custom pieces that I built specifically for my Hollywood apartment over the last eight years that just don’t work stylistically in the new home. Keep an eye out on Twitter. Maybe I’ll organize a giveaway.

Where does your style inspiration come from? Girls love your sexy, smoldering look!

I am most comfortable in a pair of worn jeans, an old t-shirt, and some beat up boots. I suppose I have the 1950’s to thank for that look.

When you want to retreat from the busy schedule and work, where do you find your solace and peace?

I find solace right in my own backyard in the canyons of Griffith Park. Those trails have been my sanctuary for the last ten years. Anytime I need to work through a problem or just clear my head, I head straight to the mountain. It’s comforting to know that in this bustling city of ten million people, peace and solitude are always thirty short minutes away at the top of the mountain.

Who are your favorite sports teams and do you have any “cheese heads” moments during your college time in Wisconsin?

I grew up playing baseball in Minnesota so naturally I’m a huge Twins fan. Having lived in LA for the last fifteen years I’ve become a pretty big Dodgers fan as well. Nothing beats watching a ballgame on a warm night at Dodgers stadium with a dodger dog and a cold brew. In regards to my time at the University of Wisconsin, I don’t really recall many cheese heads at the badger football games, but then again I don’t remember much of anything during my times at Camp Randall Stadium. Let’s just say, there wasn’t a whole lot of watching football happening in the student section.

When you were younger, what was it about stage performances that captured your interest and gave you a desire to pursue film and acting?

I got involved in theater late in high school and quickly learned that through acting, one has the ability to affect an emotional change in another, and that resonated with me. We all go to the theater and cinema to be inspired and moved on an emotional level, sometimes to laughter, sometimes to tears. Once I discovered that acting could have such an effect, I was sold.

What was your breakthrough moment when you knew that you had arrived and found your place in film as a success?

Back in 2006, I was working on a series for ABC called Daybreak. My parents were in town visiting from Minnesota and I brought them to set. After getting a chance to watch me work, my parents and I retreated back to my trailer and as we were hanging out, my father says to me “Son, you are doing what you were meant to do. I know you’re going to be just fine in this business.” It was my father’s way of letting me know he was proud of me. It meant the world to me to hear him say that and it was in that moment that I truly felt like I had arrived at a place of success in the business.

When it comes to delectable food or dessert, what’s a secret indulgence you enjoy?

I’m a sucker for some extra crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Can we expect to see more from the series and related film Mortal Kombat? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this fan favorite.

I don’t think we’ve seen the last of the Mortal Kombat franchise. I certainly wouldn’t mind donning Scorpion’s mask one more time.

As a hiker, what’s the tallest mountain or terrain you would ever consider climbing?

Mount Fuji and Mount Kilimanjaro are on the top of my list. I would also love to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I believe Kilimanjaro is close to twenty thousand feet. That’s good enough for me.

As a contestant on L’Isola dei Famosi (Celebrity Survivor), you experienced all kinds of challenges. What was the toughest and what strategy did you employ to get ahead?

The toughest part was getting along with a group of strangers. That to me was a lot more difficult than being hungry.

Your experience in entertainment includes commercials, television, theatre, and more. What is your favorite medium/platform to perform in, and what do you hope to pursue for the rest of your career?

I enjoyed every medium/platform because they are all different in their own way. I especially enjoyed theater because you are one on one with the audience and you can’t beat that feeling.

Music videos are part of your body of work. How important is music, and being involved in the music industry, in relation to your passions?

I have been in a couple of music videos and I truly enjoyed being a part of them.

Italy is a favorite destination for many. What locations would you recommend for visitors as must see spots?

I have traveled quite a bit and the Del Duomo church is by far the most spectacular piece of architecture I have seen.

How do you handle the notoriety that comes with being known as one of the most beautiful women in the world?

I don’t really see it that way. I just live my life and try not to let things like that get in my head.

What did you enjoy most about representing Venezuela during your reign as Miss Amazonia?

They prepare you very well culturally. For me, it was a big opportunity where you learn so much. You take classes, they prepare you and teach you proper etiquette, public speaking, appearance, how to walk, dress, and put on makeup properly.

UnderSense was one of your recent films, what other future projects do you have coming?

I do have some projects in the works but you will have to wait and see.

As a model, you have modeled for some impressive brands. Is there a particular designer or brand you’d love to collaborate with?

I love fashion! Tom Ford and Cavalli would be great to collaborate with.

Outside of modeling and acting, do you have any interests or hobbies that someone wouldn’t expect from you?

I love watching my son play soccer and I enjoy being involved with all of his extracurricular activities.

How do you keep your life balanced between motherhood and career while maintaining your gorgeous physique?

It’s not easy, but I try to give my son my undivided attention. When he is in school I get my work out in and get to catch up on work.

Coming from a heavily cultured environment, how have you been influenced by your Italian and South American background?

In a way, Italians and Venezuelans are similar. We are very family oriented and love to eat good food. I have been influenced by language, style, and way of life . I lived in Italy for 13 years so the Italian culture plays a big role in my life.

To see Aida’s full photo spread, download the RUNWAY Summer 2014 issue available on the RUNWAY US app.
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