Discovering the young NYC based actress who co-stasr in ‘Life of Ella’
Photographer:Matthew Salacuse
Stylist:Jordan Gross
Makeup:Deanna Melluso
Hair:Netty Jordan
Text : Koura-Rosy kane
If you watched the Apple TV show ‘Life of Ella’, you must have seen the face of Vanessa Carrasco playing Ximena – described as “outgoing and kind of ahead of her age” by the actor herself. The series is centered on the character of Ella after she recovers from cancer. Ximena is her long-time friend with whom she reconnects after complicated and challenging times. AlthoughVanessa did not personally go through such a difficult experience, she truly identifies with her role in ‘Life of Ella’. “Being on set and embodying this role was a dream come true” she tells us.
The career of this 15-years old NYC-based actress did not begin with ‘Life of Ella’. Her earliest memory goes back a few years ago when she was only 7 years old. At that time, she auditioned for a movie named ‘Beaches’. Since then, the young New-Yorker did not stop navigating in the movie industry. Acting is even part of her curriculum at school – where she is majoring in drama. Vanessa has a lot of ambitions and dreams and one of them is being able to play Claudia from the 1994 famous movie ‘Interview with the Vampire’ starring Kristen Dunst, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.
Aside from acting, Vanessa has various passions and music is one of them. She plays several instruments and constantly listens to songs that she cherishes.
Flanelle Magazine had the opportunity to speak to this young actress about her life, her career and her aspirations for the future.
At only 15 years old, you have already had many roles prior to your role in the Apple TV show Life by Ella. What are your first memories related to acting?
My first memory regarding acting was when I auditioned for my agency at around 7 years old, and I had like a 12-page script from the movie “Beaches”.
You are currently based in NY, and you’ve been born and raised in the city. What do you like the most about this unique environment?
This city is crazy, but there are beautiful places in between the cracks that make it amazing. Also having a Starbucks every 2 blocks!
Your more recent role is on the Apple TV show – ‘Life of Ella’ – in which you are playing Ximena. Your character has a very complicated relationship with Ella, who’s been through cancer. How did you experience playing this role?
My experience with this role was amazing! I related really well with Ximena, and her chemistry between her and Ella. Being on set and embodying this role was a dream come true.
In the series, your character took some distance with Ella while she was being treated for cancer. Then, after Ella is able to go back to school, Ximena reconnects with her long-time friend and tries to make amends for not supporting her enough during her chemo. Within this human aspect, many people can relate to your character. On a personal level, how do you relate to Ximena?
Ximena is outgoing and kind of ahead of her age, which I relate to. Obviously, I’ve never been in a situation like her and Ella, but if it happened to me, I’m pretty sure I’d make similar choices like my character.
When you are not filming what is a typical day in the life of Vanessa Carrasco?
I spend my days in school. I go to a performing arts school, majoring in drama, so acting is always around me. Then I come home, do my homework, memorize my lines, shower, then have dinner and sleep. I also go to LA if I have something to film or to meet with my team, so then I’m able to skip school.
You certainly had a lot of projects and roles. Based on the experience you have with the industry,
what would be your dream role?
My dream role is 100 percent Claudia in Interview with the Vampire (1994). Favorite performance of all time!
Aside from acting, do you have any other passions or interests you could share with us?
I love music so much; I have my earbuds in 99 percent of the time. I’ve been playing classical piano for 10 years, and bass guitar for a year.
You can find Vanessa’s instagram @vanessa__carrasco