Interview with Vivian Lamolli

November 5, 2014 | Vivian Lamolli plays Filiberta "Fili" Rodriguez on the Hulu hit show "East Los High", the breakthrough teen drama with an all Latino cast set in East Los Angeles. "East Los High" was the first Hulu Original for the Hulu Latino platform. In our interview Vivian Lamolli talks about her spunky character Fili, working on the show and also a little bit about her role on the TLC docuseries "Sex Sent Me To The ER".

Foto: Vivian Lamolli - Copyright: Claudia Greene
Vivian Lamolli
© Claudia Greene

1. You come from a theater background. How did you get into acting?

Yes, tis true! My theater background is what actually led me to continuing a professional career in acting. I have been acting since I could remember, but really started following my dreams of pursuing a career in it during my college years. I changed my major quite quickly after beginning at the University of Florida (go gators!!) I was completely focused on becoming an entertainment lawyer studying political science and then I picked up a major in Theatre Performance and minor in Dance. I just started thinking what my life would be like if I didn't at least say "well, I tried..." and the answer would be: a complete bore. I count my blessings everyday and am overjoyed by the choice I made of following what has always come natural to me since I could remember.

2. "East Los High" was voted the #1 hottest show on the web. How would you describe the show to new viewers? What makes it special and compelling?

East Los High is a breakthrough teen drama with an all Latino cast set in East Los Angeles featuring true-to-life situations that entertain and educate. It is a Hulu Original Series that returns for its third season in 2015. Season one debuted in the U.S. exclusively as a Hulu Original Series in June 2013. "East Los High" was also the first Hulu Original for the Hulu Latino platform. I feel that it is the most compelling show out there right now because it is very rare that you will find a television show that will be so open about so many social issues such as bullying, homosexuality, school education, and domestic violence and so many others. I am so proud to be apart of such an amazing story because rather than talking at teens we are talking with them. I believe that's what sets East Los High apart.

3. You play Filiberta "Fili" Rodriguez on "East Los High", what drew you to play the character?

I think it would be easier to answer what didn't attract me to spunky chismosa "Fili" :)
I love everything about playing little Ms. Filiberta Rodriguez...she is open-minded, loud, excitable, feisty, and last but certainly not least loyal to all of her friends. I love embodying a smart, happy, hard-working high school student because I can completely relate to Fili regarding my own personal high school years. She is confident and tells it like it is, so make sure you don't ask her a question you don't want the REAL answer to. REALNESS all day.

4. What are Filiberta's best character traits and what advice would you give her if you could talk to her?

Filiberta has so much spirit and LIFE that she holds nothing back. Whether it be competing on the dance floor with her bombsquad babes or being upfront about life-changing situations and keeping in sync with school life Filiberta gives it her ALL. I would tell Fili to keep doing what she is doing and strive for success in every way. High school years are SO imperative in knowing who you are and becoming your true self. I know Fili has a handle on that, just continue the amazing progress and continue to FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!

Foto: Vivian Lamolli - Copyright: Claudia Greene
Vivian Lamolli
© Claudia Greene

5. "East Los High" was renewed for its third season. What are your hopes and wishes for the character?

I love the pace and direction that the character I play, Filiberta Rodgriguez is going in. I would love to see her continue to grow and mature with a romantic relationship, continue dancing and competing with her best friends but take it the next level, and last but not least have the opportunity to continue striving just to be the very best version of myself.

6. Who of the cast didn't you have so much scenes with yet and would like to work more with?

I didn't get the chance to work with Robert Paul Taylor (who plays Remy Ramirez) at all and I would have loved to see what our chemistry on camera is like. Hoping to work with him in the future at some point.

7. Do you have a favorite improv or blooper moment from working on "East Los High"?

Absolutely. Well, there are honestly too many to count but I would have to go with the time a mouse crawled through one of our bombsquad dance rehearsals that was being shot! It crawled right through the formation and I almost stepped on the little critter! Oh my goodness what a hoopla!

8. Please tell us a little bit about your TLC docuseries "Sex Sent Me To The ER". What is the best part of working on this show?

"Sex Sent Me to the ER" was such a pleasure to work on! I loved the cast and crew, such a great process. My specific episode will be airing by the end of December/early January. Without giving away too much, I play a Nurse who is just the happiest person alive for meeting a couple particular celebs hospitalized for a particular intimate situation...and that's all I can say! Hehe. I will keep everyone posted on the exact air date though. ;)

9. Do you like traveling? Have you ever been to Germany? What did you see or what would you like to see?

I LOVE TO TRAVEL. The last place I visited was Oahu, HI...basically Paradise and was lucky enough to surf on the waves and soak up the sun the entire stay. I actually have been to Germany! Love it. I went there during a European excursion, along with Spain, Belgium, and Amsterdam. I saw so many castles and LOVED Heidelberg and Kaiserslauten. We went skiing in Garmisch for the very first time in my entire life...let's just say, I survived! ;)

10. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, we would like to know what your favorite shows are?

Hmmm well I do have a couple of major guilty pleasures and so happy to be watching the new seasons of "Nashville" and "The Voice!" These shows give me life and have one of my favorite outlets of expression....MUSIC.

Thank you for making time for us, Vivian, we wish you all the best for your future!

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase

Hinweis: © myFanbase 2014 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions (up to 180 words) if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the link to this site.