Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How AnnaMaria DeMara Is Helping To Shake Up The Entertainment Industry

An Interview With Guernslye Honoré

Authenticity Reigns: Don’t contort yourself to blend in; embrace your uniqueness and authenticity. I made the mistake many times, to look the part I thought casting wanted me to be. Sometimes casting doesn’t even know what they want until you walk in!

As a part of our series about Inspirational Women In Hollywood, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing AnnaMaria DeMara.

AnnaMaria, born and raised in Toronto, Canada, to Guyanese and Ukrainian immigrant parents, embarked on her artistic journey as a professional dancer, which naturally led her to acting. She received extensive training in Los Angeles under mentors like Arthur Mendoza and Sharon Chatten, and her talent has been showcased in TV shows such as Days Of Our Lives, Nip/Tuck, Bomb Girls, Private Eyes, Lucifer, and films like An Ice Wine Christmas, Sparks Over Brooklyn, The Day You Found Me and the recently filmed ‘Into the Deep’ in Thailand opposite Academy Award-winner Richard Dreyfuss. AnnaMaria has also made significant contributions to two tech advisory boards, and also written, produced, and starred in her acclaimed short film CHECK, PLEASE!, and studied under the guidance of story/career consultant Jen Grisanti. She is currently in pre-production for the independent, scripted comedy SINGLED OUT! which is due in 2024. In addition, she actively engages in charitable endeavors, including volunteering with Postpartum Support International. AnnaMaria’s storytelling is fueled by her passion for love, mental health, family dynamics, motherhood, and always finding ways to incorporate her love for dance into her work. She lives in Los Angeles with her 9-year-old son.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a big, boisterous family of six in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Older parents, first-generation immigrants from different countries, exposed me to diverse music, movies, and cultures. My mother’s from Ukraine, my father from Guyana in South America, near Brazil. I relished traditions from both, like pairing beet borscht with garlic pork for Christmas. Learning older school ways Despite feeling a bit behind my schoolmates, Despite having older parents and grandparents in comparison to my friends, I gained invaluable hands-on teachings.s from my parents. Summers with our grandparents taught us gardening, sewing, baking, and fixing rather than replacing. School days brimmed with skating, swimming, scouts, Tae kwon do, and dance. My dance passion flourished; ballet instilled discipline and persistence. Encouraged to embrace boredom, my siblings and I grew creative, often performing skits, mimicking dances, and reenacting movie scenes in the basement. Family play became a key to my fulfilling life. To this day, holiday gatherings involve games and skits, preserving traditions for the next generation.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

It was undoubtedly my parents, though ironically they never allowed me to zone out with TV shows. My mom acquainted me with classic black-and-white films early on — Streetcar Named Desire, Great Gatsby, Rear Window — and TV gems like I Love Lucy. Swiftly, I became acquainted with old-time stars like Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Hedy Lamarr, and Jane Russell- (Later, I met Jane Russell at a gala!). As we matured, my dad led us to the video store, making us decide on just one movie as a family. Often, it was comedy like Leslie Nielsen’s Naked Guns, evoking hearty laughter, or adventure like Indiana Jones, a reminder of his own boyhood adventures in the jungles of Guyana. Those emotions have held strong, guiding me toward a career in the film industry.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I snagged a role as cast alongside Roselyn Sanchez in Lifetime’s Christmas film, “An Ice Wine Christmas,” where I managed a family-owned ice winery. Also, I co-starred in “Christmas By The Book,” playing a literary agency’s big editor aiding my sister’s best-seller bid. These holiday releases sparked a flood of Facebook messages from friends who enjoyed the movies. Little did I realize how cherished Christmas films truly are! But an impactful story stuck with me. A dear dancer friend messaged me, sharing that her Nonna, bedridden due to dementia, recognized me from our past dance events. My presence lit up her face, reviving memories. This deeply resonated, having a mother with dementia myself. My friend’s message emphasized the significance of spreading joy, reminding me of the importance of seemingly lighthearted Christmas movies in touching lives unexpectedly. Today, I’m prepared for any role, anticipating more meaningful moments.

It has been said that our 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?

Oh boy! Anyone can tell you, I have been blessed with many talents from acting to knowing how breakdance — but singing is NOT one of my talents…yet. There’s a story in the industry, if you can’t ride the horse don’t say you can! I received a commercial audition from my manager that read; ’looking for professional singers’ and I immediately passed on it. My manager called me back right away and said that I should just go for it. Somehow she convinced me in her 30-minute phone call to just do it. I had so much anxiety about going to this audition that I can still remember the feeling before and the feeling after. I showed up and to my delight they actually wanted ‘bad singers’ even though they asked for ‘professional singers’ on the breakdown. So what did I do? I just sang my very best! I think they thought I was joking, I got everyone in the room laughing. (This is when we had live auditions, remember that?) As if this audition couldn’t get worse, on the spot, they also asked me to randomly freestyle sing- what-the-heck? So I chose to rap. I grew up with two brothers that loved rap. I somehow was able to make up some rap about a chocolate bar. Words just came out of me and somehow they rhymed. After that audition, the director actually called my agents and manager, and told them how impressed they were, that I was funny, and that I booked the job! Still to this day, it was the most fun I have had in an audition room. The commercial was for Butterfinger chocolate bar and I worked alongside the even more hilariously talented and beautiful Jaime Pressly! It was my mistake that I said no, but not a mistake that I hired a manager who persuaded me to say yes! I guess the lesson is that what you think are your flaws can end up being some of your best qualities!

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?

It would have to be my older sister, Sasha. She is the one person I can call when I have good news, bad news or I just need someone to talk to. When I have hard decisions, she will listen to me go on and on about why this or that could be a better choice — but to hear her say: “But what does Anna want?” gets me checked in and aligned every time. I am lucky to have her.

You have been blessed with great success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Absolutely. “Have a life!” Those words resonated in acting class with Sharon Chatten. Not even sure if they were for me, but they stuck. Now, I pause for self-checks. We, actors, obsess over perfection and await the project that’ll transform us. Yet, life’s miracles are all around — like cradling hot tea, inhaling its aroma on winter nights. A full life enriches characters; remember that.

Every industry iterates and seeks improvement. What changes would you like to see in the industry going forward?

I would like to see change in how pay is structured for not only actors and writers, but also on-camera singers, dancers, stunt workers, musicians and background workers.

You have such impressive work. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Where do you see yourself heading from here?

Thank you. I had a great last few years with my past projects. Earlier, I had the privilege of collaborating with Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfuss in the action thriller ‘Into The Deep,’ complete with an enchanting shoot in Thailand. Currently, I’m diving into a digital series titled ‘Singled Out!’ with the dynamic duo Lara Amersey and Eva Thomas. Thrilled to share we secured pilot funding and will roll into production later this year. Witnessing this brainchild morph into a green-lit venture alongside my team brings immense satisfaction. It’s a comedy celebrating diverse women smashing conventions and uniting in a partnered world.

We are very interested in looking at diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture and our youth growing up today?

To me, it’s important to showcase a wide range of ages, disabilities, and multicultural backgrounds in film and TV for authentic and inclusive storytelling. By representing various age groups, we acknowledge the multifaceted perspectives and experiences. Inclusive portrayal of disabilities not only reflects reality but also helps dispel stereotypes while promoting empathy. Showcasing multiculturalism enriches film and tv by connecting with characters from different walks of life. When the youth see characters who resemble their own backgrounds, experiences, and struggles in film/tv, it sends a powerful message that their stories are valid and worth sharing.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Authenticity Reigns: Don’t contort yourself to blend in; embrace your uniqueness and authenticity. I made the mistake many times, to look the part I thought casting wanted me to be. Sometimes casting doesn’t even know what they want until you walk in!
2. Own Your Brilliance: Never dim your intelligence or talents to make others comfortable. Flaunt your smarts proudly because they’re an asset. I went to Cannes Film Festival with my short film ‘Check, Please!’. And I remember one person said I was too pretty to be a producer and stick to acting. I don’t know about you, but I think Elizabeth Banks is stunning and a killing-the-producing game!
3. Feel It All: Don’t shy away from feelings because they guide your growth. Acknowledging your feelings makes you more connected to yourself. They really are your compass. I’ve learned to grasp the contrast between reacting impulsively and tuning into my genuine emotions.
4. Dreams Expand: Stay open to unexpected opportunities and your journey just might surprise you with even greater achievements. Life is but a dream!
5. Check the Warning Signs: When I first got to LA, I drove this old beat-up 2 door Geo tracker. I loved it so much, I got a sparkle black paint job and named it The Edge Mobile. My dad use to call and ask ‘did you check your oil?’ One day the ‘check engine’ light came on, and it was too late, I needed the entire engine replaced! Pay attention to signs in life that something needs addressing. Ignoring them can lead to bigger problems. Address issues proactively for smoother rides ahead. And by the way, I highly recommend you also find yourself a trustworthy mechanic!

Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Please share a story for each one if you can.

It’s important for me to show up calm, cool, and collected to make the right intuitive decisions so self-care is at the top. My practice includes meditation, visualization and journaling. I also work out daily. It’s a combo of Cycle Fit, Yoga, stretching, pilates, dance, hiking and somatic bodywork on any given day. Sounds a lot but my body is my instrument and I want to maintain my mobility and flexibility for long. I found the right teachers makes all the difference so I tried a lot of classes before I found the right ones!

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”- Kobe Bryant. The poster is hanging in my son's room so it’s a family favorite because we talk about the signifiants a lot. Instead of putting the energy into persuading someone to believe you, do the work until you know how believing in yourself truly feels. Definitely worth it! Rather than investing energy in convincing others, channel it into doing the work until you feel the authentic belief in yourself. The effort is absolutely worthwhile!

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?

Embrace our moms! In history, villages nurtured kids. Nowadays, distance or hectic schedules often hinder seeking help. Even nearby, reluctance persists. Let’s resurrect communities where kids flourish with parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. It sounds like common sense, but the surprise is how crucial it truly is.

I volunteer with the helpline PostpartumSupportInternational.org so moms who do not feel themselves during or after pregnancy can reach out to learn how to get the help they need. In the meantime, we should lend a helping hand to our moms and to our future generations.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!

Besides the iconic Keanu Reeves, my high school drama teacher, Mrs. Kelly, holds a special place. She handed me my first monologue, and after I performed, she asked if I’d considered a future career in acting. It was a game-changing moment. So I would love to see her again and say thank you!

Are you on social media? How can our readers follow you online?

@annamariademara IG

@AMDeMara TWITTER

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.