WWE Diva Anna Bogomazova, on why it’s crucial to be clear about who you are in order to thrive
I would say work on your craft, create a brand for yourself, and create a team of like minded people. Your surroundings are very important. Your agent is more than just an agent, he/she’s your partner and it’s important that you look in the same direction and be clear about what are you pitching. Also be clear of who you are and don’t waste your time to go to auditions that are not right for you. For example I’m 6.1 and I have a Russian accent why would I audition for the part of a 5.4 blonde girl next door? It might just burn me out. So be selective of your auditions and the team.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Anna Bogomazova, former WWE/NXT Diva, Kickboxing World Champion and Sag actress. Anna was born and raised in Russia and moved to the United States at the age of 21. Now Anna is working on her first TV Pilot called “Wake Up”.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was always focused on self growth and I like to explore different sides of myself, creatively and mentally. I wanted to perform since I was a child, at an early stage I chose gymnastics and later on kickboxing, just the idea of being in the ring excited me. When I moved to the states I was offered to work for WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and there I fell in love with acting. As a wrestler I sucked, that’s why they got rid of me lol but as part of training we had an acting coach and classes and it’s where I fell in love with acting.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
I remember my first acting class with coach and pro wrestler — Dusty Rhodes, as I was standing in front of the class (which was huge, about 50 or more wrestlers) with a spot light on me and the camera, Dusty said “Come on my Russian queen, tell us about yourself.” And everybody started laughing, I remember how confused I felt, should I be offended or should I just keep going. I think that day Dusty taught me to embrace my identity and to be myself in front of the audience.
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?
Once in improv class, I had to be the worst carpenter in the world. And I though that carpenter is a person who makes carpets, the words just sounded similar to me, and I did the whole scene about carpets, everybody was laughing so much and I was thinking wow I’m very good at it. After I was done, the acting coach explained to me that carpenter is a person who makes wooden objects and structures. At the end of the day I did a scene about the worst carpenter in the word who works with carpets! That’s what happens when English is your second language.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Right now I’m working on a TV Pilot called “Wake Up”, my friend Sarah Parienti and I created it, we wrote the script, cast the talents and directed and acted in it as well. It is a very interesting and challenging experience as we are learning as we are doing it. I would say so far it’s been a journey!)
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
There are so many, I think we all remember our first teachers and for me it was Dusty Rhodes, what can I say he was such a character, always had something to say and he never gave a sh*** about what others might think of him, and I really like this quality in people. I remember how he would allow me to do whatever I want in front of the camera, he would give you freedom to explore your talent.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I would say work on your craft, create a brand for yourself, and create a team of like minded people. Your surroundings are very important. Your agent is more than just an agent, he/she’s your partner and it’s important that you look in the same direction and be clear about what are you pitching. Also be clear of who you are and don’t waste your time to go to auditions that are not right for you. For example I’m 6.1 and I have a Russian accent why would I audition for the part of a 5.4 blonde girl next door? It might just burn me out. So be selective of your auditions and the team.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start 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 a believer of breaking the rules and habits, I would like all of the people on this planet to embrace who they are and their talents. Instead of following the rules or traditions, religion etc, and be what others want us to be. Can you imagine how different the world would be if every single person would embrace her/his talents and do what makes her/him happy?
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 Embrace who you are, your identity
#2 You can do it
#3 Get an agent
#4 Be clear on what you are pitching
#5 Do what makes you happy
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Life will always show you a way. The universe constantly gives us signs and directions, and if we don’t listen, then accidents might happen. In my case I broke my arm in the wrestling ring and had two surgeries. As I look back I see that wrestling wasn’t my path but I was very stubborn and giving up was a failure for me, so I was doing what ever I could to make it in WWE. When my injury happened I had no other choice than sit back and reevaluate my life goals and to find what makes me happy.
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?
Wow, what a great question. I agree 100% that the universe constantly sends us messengers and helpers, even though we might not always see it this way. Sometimes people who are very tough on you are actually teaching you something very, very important. I can say that my parents were amazing helpers and teachers for me, my mom supports me no matter what I do, and my dad gave me the toughest lessons. But besides that I’m very greatful for my current acting coaches in Miami, Ralph Kinnard and CJ, also my kickboxing trainer back in Russia — Fad Farziev. Also my friend and amazing artist Ali Shamsi, who finds the right words that keep me going. There are so many people I’m grateful for, I wish I could mention all of them here.
Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. 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 see this. :-)
Oprah Winfrey is the first person that came to my mind. Why? I feel it would be fun to have a lunch with her, she is the greatest example of success and believing in yourself and pursuing the dream.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
My Instagram is private but you can send me a request at @Anabogomazova
Twitter @Russianbruiser
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational!
Thank you, it was a pleasure.
