Riley Voelkel: Navigating Career Milestones and Embracing New Challenges in Xmag’s Exclusive Interview

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Welcome to a glimpse inside the cinematic odyssey of Riley Voelkel. Join us as we delve into her triumphs and aspirations.

The beginnings can be challenging but always exciting, especially when a role propels your acting career by portraying the youthful version of the main character in the current hit series.

That happened to Riley Voelkel in ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ with Jessica Lange. “Even though my part was small, it marked a before and after in my career,” Riley recalls fondly. This opportunity not only exposed her to the challenges and rewards of working in a high-quality production but also taught her valuable lessons such as adaptability and being open to new ideas.

Reflecting on her time in the series, she speaks with admiration of Jessica Lange, highlighting the nerves and excitement of sharing the set with one of her role models. “When I found out I got the part, I immediately went back and watched many of her performances, trying to absorb as much as I could.” Despite the limited interactions on screen, observing and learning from an actress with so much recognition she considers very enriching. “She acts with such grace and confidence that for me, it was a challenge to try to embody that, especially being such a new and green actress.”

But she confesses that where she gained the most experience was by getting into the skin of Freya Mikaelson in the iconic series ‘The Originals’. This project allowed her to delve deeper into the development of her character over a long time, as she not only became increasingly connected to her character but also learned a lot from all the people who were part of the work team.

Although if there is something that the actress also highlights from this time, it was the relationship she forged with the fans and the significant impact that feedback has had on her career. “The connection with the fans and receiving their feedback has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work as an actress.” And as Riley tells us, direct interaction with the audience has offered her unique perspectives on her characters and helped her deepen her appreciation for the art of storytelling.

The last one she tells us about is ‘Hightown’, a series she has been immersed in since 2020, playing Renee Segna, and which has just premiered its final season.

“Playing Renee has been the most challenging and at the same time the most rewarding role of my entire career so far.” She comments that it was a character so different from her that it required her to become vulnerable and at the same time messy, which at first impression gave her a bit of respect but also offered her the opportunity to free herself and break through creative barriers that she had not yet had.

From Riley’s point of view, her character, in the three seasons that make up the series, experiences considerable evolution. “She is always taking care of herself and her children. We have seen her manage her power and the challenges she has had to keep it. Even when she might have seemed like a pawn, I think she has shown to be very cunning and a person not to be underestimated.”

Finally, when we ask her about her future projection, she confesses that she wants to start a new chapter in her professional career, and she has always wanted to delve into the world of directing. So, without setting aside her facet as a performer, she would love to direct a short film or be part of the directing team of an audiovisual project to explore and continue growing within this industry.

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