Exclusive Interview with Stephanie Gil: The Spanish Actress with the Greatest International Projection

Stephanie Gil, the talented spanish actress, shares her international journey, from starring in ‘Fátima’ to projects with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Antonio Banderas, showcasing her versatility and passion for languages.

At the age of 14, you starred in the film ‘Fátima,’ directed by Marco Pontecorvo. What was that experience like, and what did it mean for you to bring such an important character to life at such a young age?

‘Fátima‘ was an incredible experience. I had the pleasure of working with actors like Lucía Moniz, Goran Visnjic, and Joaquim de Almeida, who taught me a lot. I started filming at the age of 12, in my first leading role, which came with responsibility, but I loved the experience. I hold a special fondness for that time, filled with precious memories with wonderful people. We discussed with the director how to accurately build the character of Lucía, a historical figure, while still maintaining my essence. I remember mornings with music, getting dressed and applying makeup, entering the set with a smile on my face.

After ‘Fátima,’ you participated in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate,’ a major American production. Tell us about your experience working on a project of such magnitude and under the direction of Tim Miller.

‘Terminator ‘was striking in terms of production. I met Arnold and Linda, two exceptional individuals. Being on set surrounded by actors with such a track record was a privilege. James Cameron expanded scenes for my character, taking me to Budapest and Los Angeles, enriching my experience. I still watch the footage from the shoot, and it feels like a dream.

You are fully bilingual in Spanish and English and also speak French fluently. How do you think this linguistic ability has influenced your acting career and the opportunities you’ve had in different countries?

My career is international thanks to my bilingualism. I opened doors by being able to speak with different accents—American, British, and Mediterranean. Now, I’ve just finished shooting a series in French, my third language, which fills me with happiness. I learned French in school, and Joaquim de Almeida, in ‘Fátima,’ told me how important it was to learn languages. My goal is to speak five throughout my life, for personal and professional satisfaction. I am fascinated by languages.

You began your career in theater in London with the Kingston Junior Drama Company. How did that theatrical experience influence your acting skills, and how does it compare to your work in film and television?

I cherish my first theater experience. I decided to pursue this at the age of 9 when I played Alice in ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ It was a pivotal moment, and the director told my parents, “Your daughter is an ACTRESS.” It was a canonical event in my life.

You’ve been part of various productions in Spain and abroad. How do you select your projects, and what aspects do you consider before accepting a role?

To accept a role, I look at the story and the character in it. I love reading scripts, and when I find a moving story with a message, I know it’s what I want to do. Portraying real women from history excites me; it’s a challenge and has a lasting impact.

In 2019, you were part of the BBC series ‘The Salisbury Poisonings.’ What was it like working on that series, and what challenges did you face in portraying your role?

‘The Salisbury Poisonings’ was wonderful, based on real events. Balancing studies with filming was challenging, but it was worth it. I had a tutor assigned, and I remember those evenings doing homework in my dressing room after shooting. It was fun.

In your upcoming release, ‘Journey to Bethlehem,’ you share the screen with big stars. What was it like working in the musical genre, and what challenges did you face during filming?

Working on a musical was a new and enjoyable experience. The biggest challenge was singing, dancing, and acting simultaneously. Recording in a studio and learning choreography was a meticulous process that left me amazed but helped me learn and grow.

You are finishing filming ‘Une amitié dangereuse,’ your first project entirely in French. How has it been working in another language and in a historical project?

It’s been my first adult character, portraying Queen Anne of Austria. It’s also my first project in French, a language I love. Shooting in palaces, even in the real bedroom of Anne of Austria, was incredible. I put a lot of effort into bringing the character to life, and I’m happy to be in this great project.

Looking ahead, in 2024, you will star in ‘Who will remember.’ What can you tell us about this project, and what are your expectations for your character, Alice?

Still in pre-production, ‘Who will remember’ is about the Armenian genocide, based on Alice’s life. I’m grateful to give voice to women in impactful situations. I want their stories to be told and not forgotten.