Los Angeles, CA—Canadian born actress, Hunter Phoenix, was recently cast in the funny and all-too-accurate web series, Hollywood Uncensored. She will play the character Vanessa who will join a cast of literal characters as they present the ups and downs of living, working, and participating in the acting culture of Hollywood, California. From the show’s own description: Uncensored Hollywood
Aspiring actors from all over the world come to Los Angeles in search of the American dream. They will often face the merciless scrutiny of the movie and television industry, punctuated by long days, grueling schedules and chaotic lives. Throw in a little sex, drugs, alcohol and lies, and you have Hollywood Uncensored.
Phoenix, like others in the cast, are playing individuals not unlike themselves at some point in their careers – aspiring actors. As such, they must address the challenge of portraying a character who is living their life, while also not making it a reality program. “It’s just another role,” she says. “It’s not me or my life, but of course I empathize with my character from time to time and draw on my own experiences to breathe emotional vibrance into Vanessa’s world. What makes the show both poignant and funny is that it contains that kernel of truth. We’ve all had ruthless acting coaches, bad auditions and dealt with difficult industry types in our past. Thank God my life is a little more balanced now.”
Phoenix lavishly praises her new acting coach, Michelle Danner, a woman who has also worked with Gerard Butler, Catherine Bell, Zooey Deschanel, James Franco and Penelope Cruz in the past and also helped her to land her latest role on Bandit Hound II. When asked about how she broke into the business and ended up working in LA thousands of miles from home, she describes a career as diverse as working on stage productions of A Streetcar Name Desire to Second City improv and even hosting for HGTV. And how to have steady work in such a competitive industry? Her response was simple: be yourself.
“I spent so many years insecure and trying to be someone else – often being told that I was too young, too old, too blonde, not blonde enough, my eyes were the wrong color and I was too thin or too heavy. Many times in the same week! This business can beat you up if you let it. Don’t. Just be you. You are incredible and unique and you can bring something to the table that no one else can.”