Ashley Reyes
Ashley Reyes a theater, screen, and television actress from New York, stars in the fantasy drama show American Gods as Cordelia on Starz. She also plays Natalie in the show Slayers, which is in post-production. Also, she’s known for her role as Daisy in the film Night Has Settled.
Dress by Tibi
Flower Hat by Laura Clare
Earrings by David Yurman
How did you get into the entertainment industry?
My grandma was a young actress many moons ago but became a teacher after having her first kid. I always thought that must have been such an interesting life. Growing up I was a super shy kid, but I was always doing things like making recordings in different voices in the back seat of the car on the way to my brother’s sports practices. I loved making him laugh and the rest of my family smile. I always felt my best when I was performing, It was never really a conscious decision to make a career of it, more of a natural progression.
What was it like filming American Gods, and your overall experience coming in during season three?
In one word, it was surreal. I went from auditioning for two and a half years, doing eight shows a week on and off-Broadway, to suddenly working on a major show that was in full swing with some of the biggest actors out there. I was overwhelmed at times, but everyone was so welcoming and supportive. I think a lot of people enjoyed having a new kid on the block so they could be the big kid showing me around.
Left:
Dress by Tibi
Flower Hat by Laura Clare
Earrings by David Yurman
Right:
Earrings by David Yurman
Top by Celestino
Flowers by Laura Clare
How did you get cast on American Gods? What was that audition process like?
I received a self-tape audition in my e-mail the was super secretive with a fake name. When I looked at the scene I was talking to “Shadow Moon” about “Mr. Wednesday,” and I knew then it was for American Gods. But to be honest, I did my first tape in my living room with an outfit from the waist up and sweatpants from there down. Then a few weeks later, I got an e-mail saying the producers loved it and wanted me to do it again with a few notes. I did that, waited a few days, and I was lucky enough to be getting a potential final test for another show at the same time, but then American Gods swooped in and just full out offered me the role without ever meeting me. It was nuts.
Can you tell us more about your next project, Slayers, and what can we expect?
Thomas Jane and Kara Hayward being absolute badasses, Malin Ackerman being charming and brilliant, and a lot of blood!
Left:
Headpiece by Laura Clare
Right:
Earrings by David Yurman
Dress by Max Mara
Flowers by Laura Clare
Headpiece by Laura Clare
How do you prepare and ensure you bring out the most in a character you are playing?
One thing I’ve always said about why I love acting is that I get to live out 1,000 people’s lives before I finish my own. I try to find the humanity and emotional life of each character, which starts with script mining. What do people say about my character? What do I say about myself? Why do I do the things I do? And then it all comes down to listening and playing at that moment when we’re filming.
How did your certification by the British Academy Of Dramatic Combat come about? How was the overall experience? Has there been a role where you have been able to use those skills?
We were required to take a stage combat class for our first year, but I continued for all three years. I loved handling a sword. It made me feel so strong in a way I don’t normally. I haven’t been able to use it yet, but I hope I will be able to someday.
Left:
Earrings by David Yurman
Brocade Blazer by Celestino
Flowers by Laura Clare
Right:
Blouse by Celestino
Pants + Shoes by Dolce & Gabbana
Earrings by David Yurman
Flowers by Laura Clare
What has been or favorite project to work on, and why?
That’s a tough question. They’re like children, I hate to pick favorites. But I loved American Gods because I learned so much and I just felt like all of my work was paying off. But I loved doing The Play That Goes Wrong. There’s nothing like being in front of a live audience making hundreds or thousands of people laugh every night. And that cast is my second family. Those two are my favorites.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? How do you keep yourself motivated?
Oof, I have no idea. All I know is it’s going to be good. I have big dreams, but as they say, “make a plan and the universe laughs.” I’m just loving the ride. During the pandemic, it’s been difficult to stay motivated and believe in me at times. Honestly, the love of what I do keeps me motivated. And the connection with real people keeps me inspired. If it’s a tough day, I call my mom, who will pick me back up.
What’s your dream role?
Well, hopefully, it hasn’t been written yet so I can play it. I love women who find their strength, even if they do questionable things. Women who are messy and are finding themselves like I am. That would be dope.
Dress by REDValentino
Shoes by Max Mara
Flowers by Laura Clare
What is your life motto?
I have “I am enough” tattooed on my ribcage in Hebrew. That’s something I constantly tell myself. And when I feel like I’m the underdog in something, I tell myself that’s a good thing. That just means the goal is to do the thing and do it well.
Can you link us with your social media’s
You can find me at @reyesashleyreyes on Instagram and @asheyreyrey on Twitter!
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Lindsay Adler
Talent: Ashley Reyes
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Linh Nguyen
Makeup: Yvonne MacInnis
Floral Designer: Laure Clare
Photo Assistants: Benyde Walker and Steven Turner
Assistant Fashion Stylists: Laurel Scimeca and Victoria Durant
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Victoria Durant, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
