Claudia Ferri On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Eden Gold
Every stumbling block is a gift, an opportunity to grow.
When to see it this way, you unlock an expansive mind and skill set.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Claudia Ferri.
Claudia Ferri is “Raquel”, a Cuban expat, and member of the Palm Beach elite in the much-awaited “Palm Royale”, streaming on Apple TV on March 20, 2024, alongside Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Carol Burnett, Ricky Martin, Laura Dern, Kaia Gerber and Josh Lucas.
Claudia’s lineage and background are multi-ethnic. 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. On her maternal side, Irish, Scottish, French & Indigenous. Her paternal heritage is Mediterranean with traceable roots in Mauritania (North West Africa). She works on screen in English, Italian, French, Spanish and in numerous foreign accents.
Some of Claudia’s 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 voiced characters in the mega-popular video game Assassin’s Creed II; Lineage and became Ezio Auditore’s mother in the live-action short movies 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 Donald Sutherland and Ben Kingsley. View the Full credits list.
Claudia has garnered several nominations and awards for her work in various languages in film and television:
* Won — Outstanding Female Performance in Film or Television — ACTRA Awards as the first generation Italian Canadian (series lead) Elena Batista, in the TV comedy “Ciao Bella” filmed in double shoot (French and English) for The CBC and Radio-Canada.
Nominated — Best Supporting Actress — Jutras Awards & Canadian Comedy Awards for her role as the neurotic sister Anna Barberini — “Mambo Italiano”
Nominated — Outstanding actress in film or television — ACTRA Awards — for her portrayal of the touching Portuguese mother Anna Maria in “A Date with Miss Fortune”
Nominated — Best leading actress in a dramatic series — Canadian Screen Awards’ Gémeaux — for her interpretation of the Colombian drug trafficker Paloma Hermosa “La Marraine” (The Godmother).
Ms. Ferri was named “2022 ACTRA Montreal Woman of the Year” for her continued mark as an actress, her philanthropy & community work, as well as her impact as an activist.
Invited as a guest speaker by the Italian Canadian National Congress for their international Women’s Day event: “Women in Cinema” held March 17, 2024
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a culturally diverse family, basking in influences from North America, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East through familial bonds. The foods, languages, and mentalities fostered as broad and inclusive perspectives as one would wish to nurture a healthy and inquisitive mind.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I didn’t choose to become an actress; it happened through a series of circumstances starting from my early childhood. I was intrigued by the diversity of human behavior and personalities around me. When I saw the Oscars for the first time and realized acting could allow me to step into different roles, a lightning bolt struck my core and from that moment on never doubted it was my path in life. I knew it was my calling
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I was born in a city but raised on a farm, where we worked really hard at a young age. As a budding teenager, in the midst of onerous chores in the pigsty, I declared my intent to appear on the big screen by the age of 30 after reading about Meryl Streep’s late start in acting. At 30, I fulfilled this dream when starring in my first feature film “The Assignment”, directed by Christian Duguay; I was 4th credit after Aidan Quinn, Donald Sutherland, and Ben Kingsley! I am still in awe of how everything lined up to match my adamant command as a determined girl.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
During my very first in-room audition in LA, there was this tricky tongue twister sentence I had to drop matter of factly. But it was such a stumbler that during my read, in front of producers, director, and, most relevant here, the writers, I faltered and blurted out loud:” Agh! I hate that line!”
I got a call from the director. Thankfully, I had worked with him before so he kindly advised me to NEVER say you hate a line in a read.
Lesson learned; when I encounter such a stumbling block, I just work harder until it’s second nature.
But conditions for actors have improved since next day auditions are no longer a norm, which gives us a better timeframe to do work that pays off.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Palm Royale is still very fresh from its release on AppleTV; That’s a thrill in itself! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with and among such stellar artisans at every echelon of the production! It would be fabulous to partake in a second season!
I’m considering some offers that are coming in but for the moment, I’m in pre-production for a comedy which will be announced once permitted.
I’m also guest starring in the 3rd & final season of Cérébrum, directed by Guy Édoin set to air soon on Radio Canada.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
Staying motivated is like breathing to me; it’s essential. There is no other alternative. Challenges are an opportunity to expand my skills and mindset so I gladly lean in.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity is crucial for fostering recognition and inclusivity in society. While we have seen advancement, there is room for more dialogue. We must consider the complexities of multi-ethnic and “ethnically ambiguous” people to ensure fairness and accuracy. Balancing opportunities without excluding deserving individuals is essential.
My linguistic and cultural heritage is 50% Italian. But to Italians I look Moroccan, to Moroccans, I look Moroccan, to French Quebec, I’m Latina, to Americans, I’m Ethnically Ambiguous.
My own experience taught me that diversity can be a double-edged sword when we try to fit ethnic groups in boxes. I had to export myself at the onset of my career for lack of open doors because I was deemed too ethnic, too Latin looking, at a time when my native Quebec was not as open as it is today.
Barely 5 months after arriving in Hollywood, I landed a supporting role playing a Mexican retired escort opposite Aidan Quinn. I was relieved and hopeful for better odds at making a living as an actress. Yet, years later, I dealt with rejection and lost opportunities when people misconstrued the term “Latin” in an exclusive manner, as to mean only from Latin America.
I was baffled. Did they mean that one was considered Latino when from Latin America but not from Spain or Italy? Just from Spain? What about Portugal? So, my Argentinian friends of Italian bloodlines could confidently be branded and included as part of the Latino community, with all its implications, but the same did not apply if born in North America or elsewhere? Something that kept me out of the loop just did not make sense.
In the last decade, there has been a lot of advancement on the subject thanks to scholars and bodies like the OEDI (Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) that have delved into the question to shed light on the matter. They conclude that Italians are included in the Latin & Latinx category. LatiNation has an interesting segment from July 15 2023 https://latv.com/are-italians-latinos-hispanic
The above only refers to my Latin roots but there is much more to my identity.
My own childhood was marked by countless family gatherings with Egyptian family members speaking Arabic, my paternal grandparents speaking only Italian, the French, and the English-speaking American cousins and family. When we all gathered, it was like the United Nations for my ears and my tastebuds. It was such a rich education for my mind and my perception of the world as well. I am hopeful that I can express myself onscreen by pulling from all my ethnic references.
The steps to accrued inclusion are gradually taking place; it has changed my circumstances for the better and I am grateful for the ability to evolve onscreen with relevance.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . follow your inner compass.
If you want to make a place for yourself your direction must come from your innermost voice. Go toward what resonates best with you. It will rarely fail you.
2 . Trust your path.
When I first started I remember being destroyed when not getting “the gig” because I saw it as rejection. Eventually, I understood that one’s choice for someone else than myself did not mean I was less worthy; sometimes it’s as simple as height, chemistry, or fit with the ensemble. The more I advance in my acting journey, the more I realize that things may not come as you wish but they will certainly unfold in a mysterious/Divine order that will ultimately bring you to a place even greater than you could have ever imagined.
3 . Every stumbling block is a gift, an opportunity to grow.
When to see it this way, you unlock an expansive mind and skill set.
4 . Competition is a mirage.
What people label competition I translate to inspiration. It’s more conducive to a collaborative attitude. It’s also a more positive way to develop every aspect of your craft.
5 . Work work work.
When I focus on work, everything else that is negative or does not serve my goals of improvement falls away. It’s also how I fend off disappointment; I spring back into an inquisitive and proactive space.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Dream more, play more, and beware of not taking yourself too seriously. Try skipping! (See next question)
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I’m not sure about a movement per se but how about a fad? I adopted an unusual habit that sometimes makes me wonder playfully what it would look like if it became mainstream.
I skip.
Yep, I skip! Just like carefree children do, untouched by the turmoil of current events and divisive issues.
On my daily walk, I do light stretches in skipping mode. It is naturally joy-inducing and feels somewhat like flying. While I felt self-conscious at first, I decided to prioritize my happiness and well-being and skip on.
Next time you go on a walk you might want to try it. Start slowly then, gradually build your confidence by skipping at crosswalks. It’ll make onlookers smile and fill you with a cheerful sensation from head to toe. Quite transporting!
Imagine the sight of adults skipping about town — Wouldn’t that be refreshing? :))
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My aunt Tina. She had the courage to speak up when the trend was to be silent or gaslighting. She scolded me with love and really drove the point home that I am unique in my own way. That every child is unique in a specific way. Each is as worthy as the other. She instilled the importance of shining that little light of mine no matter how dim it got at times.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Oscar Wilde’s “ Be yourself, everybody else is taken”.
There are so many talented, beautiful, gifted, lucky, blessed, privileged people in any given area of expertise or profession, there would logically be enough odds against oneself to just give up. But when you look at yourself as the drawing board, when you invest in yourself, the limitations give way to curiosity, exciting challenges, a sense of adventure, etc. It has made my journey so much richer, gratifying, and worthwhile.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Well, I don’t believe Meryl Streep interacts with Instagram but she has been so instrumental in defining my own path that it would be like coming full circle, like reuniting with a long-lost mother whose distant teachings resonated and stayed with me along the way.
Also, Viola Davis. She came much later, but how she composed her personal story to rise to the top, the level of commitment in her work, and her sheer talent would make for a cherished one on one.
How can our readers follow you online?
Instagram: claudiaferri_Tales
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
