Rising Star Holly Gardner On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry

An Interview With Guernslye Honoré

Keep things in perspective. It’s not brain surgery. And if you’re auditioning in person you still have to get through the traffic.

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Holly Gardner.

North Carolina-born Holly Gardner is an American poet, actress, dancer, and model best known for her work in film. Her passion for the arts came at a young age — and Holly trained in dance and modeling while still a teen. Becoming interested in acting, she went to acting school in Hollywood. Since then the skilled actress has rocked the roles she has been cast in — commercials, television, and film. A member of SAG-AFTRA, She made an impression in the Comedy Vacation and in two horror movies — Catacombs and Terrorized — with one more in development. Holly makes for a compelling interview and can take you behind the scenes and talk about what it takes to live the film life, her movies, and what she has in development. You can even ask her to tell you about the time an animal wrangler for Animal Planet gave her a tarantula named Rosie….

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Hi! Thanks for interviewing me! I grew up in western North Carolina in the U.S. in a small town. Lots of relatives lived nearby and my grandparents.

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

My grandparents took care of us in the summer and after school. And I used her hairbrush as a mic and did small commercials in her bathroom. I always wanted to be on television.

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

I have lots of interesting stories, especially about Los Angeles. But one thing I notice over and over is the kindness of people who don’t know you and are under extreme stress. If you remember to be friendly, they usually can too. And even though I’ve lived in some tough places for me, people were nice. It’s really inspiring.

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?

The silliest mistake was taking things too seriously at first. You definitely want to be professional. But it isnt good to make yourself too nervous. You can’t do your job and take yourself too seriously.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I have been auditioning for various things, mostly film. I just moved . So a lot of getting settled going on. But I’m hoping I can work in a play or two. There is a local theater that does awesome shows.

As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?

Thanks!! I think I would say for them to take the best classes they can afford, make lots of friends, and keep another job going. I’ve been told even by A-list actors that other interests are important.

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 important! There are many reasons. Children and adults like to see people like them in television and movies. It makes a person feel accepted. It makes people feel they are normal. And it inspires them to achieve.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. Nobody has it memorized! I spent hours trying to be off-book at a rehearsal or class. Then I got there and no one was.
2. Your scene partner will have a stain on his tie. It’s more important to be on time.
3. Do what you can afford. K.I.S.S. keep it simple sweetheart! That’s from Margie Habor the acting coach I think.
4. Keep things in perspective. It’s not brain surgery. And if you’re auditioning in person you still have to get through the traffic.
5. Your parents are worried. Tell them the good stuff and be responsible. Luckily you can do lots of things remotely.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Burn out has not affected me as much since I’ve done lots of smaller things. I look forward to burn out in the future. And maybe I can ask you then. 🙂🙂

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 think if I could inspire a movement it would be to put more emphasis on art in schools. The kids I know seem bored and overly focused on money and prestige (my dad may laugh so hard when he reads this).

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?

I am so grateful to lots of people! My family, my teachers, my acting teachers! I was encouraged by so many people. One person I studied with was Gary Dubin. He began as a child actor. And grew up working on television and movies. He taught me acting is fun. And we should support each other in it.

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

Life lesson quote? 🙂I’m not sure I have one. But I think gratitude is important. Loyalty is important. And don’t forget self-reliance and friendship.

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. :-)

I would love to have lunch with Kat Dennings . She seems like a fun person!

How can our readers follow you online?

I am on Instagram and Modelmayhem

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.