HI! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS RACHEL REDLEAF IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I am a fun, big, loud, raunchy, one woman show! I love to make people laugh and I always make a big impression.
HOW AND WHEN EXACTLY DID YOU REALIZE YOU HAD THE PASSION FOR ACTING?
I was 4 years old and I saw a show at a theater in the round. I loved it cuz you could walk on the stage at intermission. I called it the “play place theater”. That same year, it became my second home. I got my start at Desert Stages Theater in Scottsdale and I caught the bug immediately. I never even learned to ride a bike cuz I was too busy going to play rehearsals and realizing my true passion!
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR ROLE IN NETFLIX’S ATYPICAL?
Beth is such a sweet girl! She’s taught me to be accepting and loving no matter what. I wish I learned some baking skills from her, but unfortunately that’s just tv magic.
TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHERE YOU HAD DIFFICULTY WITH A CHARACTER. WHAT WAS THE ROLE AND WHY WAS IT CHALLENGING?
I played Anne Frank in a production of The Diary of Anne Frank. I absolutely loved getting to tell Anne’s story but it was the first time I was part of something so serious. Anne is fun and goofy, but the circumstances are very much the opposite. I wanted to make sure I portrayed her truthfully, and it was challenging to go to that dark place while remaining youthful and happy. This was an incredible experience that I learned a lot from. Very different from my comfort zone of over the top comedy.
DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
It definitely depends on the role. But I do research on who this person is. I try to get down their voice first and if they have any specific mannerisms. Once I’ve decided on these, I have a more fully realized character who wasn’t born today but had a life before whatever story is about to be told.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
Jim Carrey, Carol Burnett, Robin Williams, and Bette Midler! I grew up loving theatrical performers. I liked seeing crazy things on the screen that you would usually only see at a live show, so these people really influenced my love for loud facial expressions, crazy voices, and physical comedy!
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I’m a natural blonde! Shhhh 😉
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS/ROLES YOU CAN TALK ABOUT?
Season 2 of Why Women Kill just started streaming on Paramount Plus, and I play Young Alma. Our 4th and final season of Atypical comes out on Netflix on July 9th and Beth has some really funny moments this season. I’m still auditioning and can’t wait for my next adventure!
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS?
Ask questions, reach out! I love hearing from y’all and appreciate your love and support! Thank you for letting me be my true authentic self! It’s okay to stand out because you’re different!
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @rachelredleaf and book me on Cameo! You can also check out my website rachelredleaf.com
