Within the unpredictable world of appearing, the place each audition looks like a battle and success can appear distant, one query lingers: What units a rising star aside? Is it uncooked expertise that grabs consideration, or is it one thing deeper — the preparation, ardour, and persistence that really outline an enduring profession?
New Jersey’s personal Erika Longo resides proof that it’s the latter. With unwavering willpower, Longo is carving a path in an business the place success is something however assured. Not too long ago, she spoke with Social Way of life Journal, sharing her journey on display screen and her deeply private position behind the scenes as a caregiver — an expertise that impressed Lina, a strong quick movie exploring three generations of ladies grappling with the affect of their matriarch’s advancing sickness.
“Lina was my means of honoring my grandma’s reminiscence,” Longo shared. “My grandmother, Carmelina D’Agostino, who I known as Nonna or Nonnie, was an enormous a part of my life till she handed away a number of years in the past. She was my maternal grandmother and the one grandparent I had rising up. She was born and raised in Salerno, Italy, however left the nation together with her new husband shortly after WWII, hoping to create a greater life in America.”
Longo continued, “She misplaced two husbands and have become a widow for the second time when my mom was solely seven years outdated. She remained single and raised my mother and aunt on her personal. She was an incredible cook dinner, and a few of my fondest recollections are of her babysitting me. We’d stroll to the library, the place she’d take a look at one in all her favourite romance novels, watch The Worth is Proper or As The World Turns, and feed the geese on our technique to Corrado’s, an area meals retailer in Clifton, NJ.”
Longo’s profession is on the rise, with a recurring position on Regulation & Order: SVU, the place she performs EMT Donna L., showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Extra credit embrace: East New York, FBI: Most Wished, and The Endgame.
Recognizing the challenges of appearing, Longo provides candid recommendation to aspiring actors: “It’s a wild and difficult business at instances. There are such a lot of issues which are out of your management on this enterprise. Keep sharp, do the work for each audition, research the craft, and make sturdy decisions so you’re feeling prepared when a chance presents itself.”
Her journey additionally highlights the boundaries girls face within the movie business, and he or she encourages others to take the leap into filmmaking. “If it’s your ardour, go for it! Lina was my first quick movie, and it was a really fulfilling but in addition difficult expertise.”
To deliver Lina to life, Longo and her staff efficiently crowdfunded for 30 days, overlaying many of the price range and collaborating with a gifted crew led by director Liz Manashil. “Lina is a narrative that focuses on three generations of ladies, and having a principally feminine crew felt like a supportive expertise — it simply felt proper.”
Along with her different work, Erika launched Midtown Self Tapes in Manhattan — a go-to spot for actors who want skilled self tape auditions.Erika additionally supplies teaching as effectively for actors who wish to dive just a little deeper. She loves assembly and dealing with so many fantastic actors and artists at each stage of their careers. From Broadway actors to sequence regulars, folks simply beginning to be taught the craft, and all the things in between, she is really grateful to have the ability to do one thing she enjoys a lot on a regular basis.
Longo’s ardour for storytelling and appreciation for teamwork are clear in all the things she does. “Being on set looks like being a child in a sweet retailer—it really takes a village and it by no means fails to fascinate me.”
For aspiring actors, Erika Longo stands as proof that expertise, perseverance, and authenticity can flip goals into actuality. At Social Way of life Journal, we’re proud to share her inspiring story and excited to comply with her journey on and off-screen.
Erika Longo’s Skilled Web site
Erika Longo’s IMDb Profile
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