Natalie Zea
Natalie Zea, an American actress, is known especially for her roles on television. In 2000 she was cast as Gwen Hotchkiss on “Passions,” her first major role. She is well known for her work on “Dirty Sexy Money,” where she played socialite Karen Darling. This project was her breakout role. Since then, she has had many guest appearances on television series as well as recurring roles on “The Shield,” “Hung,” “Californication,” and “The Unicorn.” Natalie is currently seen as Eve Harris in NBC’s La Brea.
Dress by ZHIVAGO
*Coat is Faux Fur
Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
I have no idea! I think a lot of kids my age dreamed of being movie stars at a young age. Then you grow up and realized that’s not really a thing. However, I took an acting class in high school and was told I was pretty good at it. Then, it just seemed like there was nothing else I could do.
Do you have a favorite genre of television or film to work on?
Comedy. I find there’s more creative freedom for actors in comedy than in any other genre. And it's fun. It may seem obvious, but all I really want to do at work is have fun.
Left:
Top and bottom by Kianna
Shoes by Aldo
Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly
Right:
Jacket by Kristina K
Necklace by NADRI
Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly
What was it like shooting on film with no cuts or editing in “Too Late? “
That was such a singular experience. We were supposed to have a full, two days to rehearse, but it got cut short because of a technical issue, so we really only had half a day. It was exhilarating. Very much like doing live theater, but you’re the understudy with no rehearsal, so now just go out there and kill it!
You’ve worked on many television series in your career, but you’ve also played roles in numerous films. What are the differences between working on series and working on films? Do you have a preference?
I don’t think there is much difference anymore. The line between film and TV has become so blurred that making them feels essentially the same.
Left:
Jewelry by NADRI
E L L A Z A H L A N
Shoes by Vince Camuto
Right:
Blazer by Gasanova
Earrings by NADRI
What were the challenges in stepping into the role of director for a few episodes on ”The Detour?” Do you have any plans to direct in the future?
Directing while acting offers up its own set of challenges. It was really hard, but I’m glad I did it. It makes me want to do it again but through an entirely different lens. The lens of, now I actually know what the fuck I’m doing.
What was it like playing the pushy and overbearing mother of Brett in “The F**k-It List?” Did you incorporate any of your own parenting techniques into the role?
Was she overbearing??? I thought she really redeemed herself in the end. I really just looked at it like a mother who loves the shit out of her kid and would do anything for him. I’m soooo faraway still from that stage of my kid's life that I haven’t even thought about college. Honestly, I’m fine if she doesn’t go. I think it’s a pretty big racket, personally.
Left:
Dress by Deity New York
Shoes by Charles David
Right:
Jewelry by NADRI
E L L A Z A H L A N
Shoes by Vince Camuto
You seem to have played a wide variety of characters. Is there something specific you look for when deciding whether to take a role?
I made a deal with myself recently that I’ll never play a character who doesn’t have a sense of humor. Honestly, that’s all I ask.
What was it like working within the hybrid genre of “comedy thriller” on “Happily?”
That one was really fun. What a weird script! I love projects that aren’t easily defined. And I thought Ben David knocked it out of the park. And that character was so in my wheelhouse. If you want a bitchy, slightly crazy vamp, I’m your girl.
Left:
Top and bottom by Kianna
Shoes by Aldo
Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly
Right:
Dress by Deity New York
Shoes by Charles David
How did you prepare to play Eve Harris in “La Brea?” Is there any distress in immersing yourself in an apocalyptic story?
So. I watched Emily Blunt in “A Quiet Place,” Carrie Anne Moss in “The Matrix,” Naomi Watts in “The Impossible,” and Sandra Bullock in “Bird Box.” And no, it’s not distressing, for me. It’s make believe.
How has “La Brea” been different from other series you’ve worked on?
Hmmm, we’re outside an awful lot. It’s different for me to play a character with so few casual moments; moments to just take a breath. Everything is at an eleven all the time. It takes a lot of energy maintaining that kind of intensity.
Jacket by Kristina K
Necklace by NADRI
Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly
What are some of your upcoming projects we can look forward to?
I do have a project in the works that’s in the development stage. It’s a personal story and one that’s quite different from “La Brea.” It’s early days still so I’m a bit guarded with how much detail I can go in to. Nevertheless, I’m extremely excited about it.
Social Media.
@Nataliezea
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Natalie Zea
Fashion Stylist: Desiree Morales at Tomlinson Management Group
Hair: Richard Collins at Tomlinson Management Group
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Photographer’s Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sienna Ropert, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: FD Studios
SHOP THE LOOK: NATALIE ZEA
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