Thanks to VIP PR London, I had the opportunity to interview the actress Tilda Del Toro. Tilda can be seen in a recent movie written by Kevin Hart entitled Night School. Soon she will also be able to seen acting opposite Tom Hardy in Fonzo, where Tom Hardy will be playing Al Capone.
She shared some great stories on her development and entering into the world of acting.
Verge: So first off, I’d like to start from the beginning of sorts and ask about how you initially got into acting? What was it that inspired you to become an actress?
Tilda: It started with visions as a young girl. Movies and TV were in my head. There was always something on in the house. I found myself imagining myself in movies. I fall into films when I watch them and it started then. Also, I admired my dad so much and he was really into classic films. I love being able to work in them for my dad in a way and I wanted the journey.
V: How did you set about achieving your dream?
T: I started by just showing up at first. I was really lucky to grow up in an American city (Chicago) known for its theatre scene. I just looked for anything and everything I could show up to for free. That was the beginning. I remember someone asking me, “Why do you want to be an actress?”. I answered. “To be someone else.” Little did I understand how much I would have to learn to be myself in order to portray others. If there was a need to run from who I was, unbeknownst to me acting would certainly save me from that. Indeed that was a great gift for me and I hope to the world.
V: What was the first acting role that you were proud of?
T: The first acting role I was proud of was Marin in The Steppenwolf’s theatre production of “A House On Mango Street” by the Mexican American writer Sandra Cisneros. I had known about amazing actors like John Malkovich & Laurie Metcalfe among others starting Steppenwolf and I was quite proud I was able to work on that stage.
V: How often do you look back at your career and consider where you started?
T: More often now than ever. Mostly since people seem to be asking more and more. Also, I still feel as if I am building my career and work. I don’t think that ever stops. It would be really boring if it did too.
V: What has been your greatest achievement in your career so far?
T: Sustaining myself through it.
V: Now to discuss a very recent project, how did you land a role in the film Fonzo?
T: I did not have a lot of time on the initial call. It was a bit of a difficult part to tape. I tried to keep everything real and touch on things in subtle but truthful ways. After I sent the tape off I ripped up the pages I had. That is something I do after all auditions. It’s a ritual to have peace with the process. As long as I’ve worked as hard as I can I can move on unless interest develops. It’s a way of saying…I hope I get this, but I am ok if I don’t. I’ll be ok and on to the next, but on Fonzo I soon got a call that I was being considered. I still kept the same attitude and I didn’t tell anyone. I was then called for a callback which in the end was cancelled for me. My agent reassured me that it could be a good thing and that I could still get the part. Weeks later I got the call that the part was mine.
V: What was your first initial reaction when you found out that you gained this role?
T: I travel a lot and at the time was in Los Angeles. I sigh a relief I suppose…not for the role, but for the chance to work and have everything you do mean something. It’s like air blowing out of you. As an actor, you spend a lot of time holding yourself up (training etc..) to work. So, when you are working it’s such a gift. Even when your working all the time it feels that way to me. Most people in the film are super grateful and get it. “We’re making a movie. ”
V: Can you describe your experiences and feelings of what it is like acting/working in Fonzo?
T: Sure. It was fluid. Everyone from the director to any AD believed in the film. They believed in Josh and Tom. And they had every right to. What they saw and experienced made them proud. Everyone was proud to be on that set. That was the consensus that I experienced and I felt the same way. Everyone on that set was incredibly detailed oriented. We all cared.
V: What is like acting opposite Tom Hardy?
T: Tom is very present, giving and supportive. His interest always lies is producing the best work and he is very aware of all aspects of the process while it is happening.
V: Now I know recently you also stared in Night School which was written by Kevin Hart. Could you tell us about that experience?
T: I am sure that because of it being a comedy it must have been a very different tone and style to Fonzo. Certainly of a different tone, but the professionalism on both sets were the same. Also, the commitment and relentlessness to it get it done is the same.
V: Now for a closing/last question of sorts, if you could offer some advice or encouragement to anyone who is trying to break into acting, what would you say?
T: You, have the answers. Train and study with others, but remember that you will find the choices to grow and achieve success within yourself. That, Is the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far. It’s an inside job.
It was a great opportunity to be able to interview Tilda Del Toro. Thank you to VIP PR London and Tilda for allowing me to share this passion with you. I look forward to seeing Tilda in Fonzo.
