Masiela Lusha
From a general observation, you can tell that this girl is just in her early 20's. From knowing her mind, soul, and of course - her writing, it sounds like she is an accomplished woman in her 40's. This is Masiela Lusha, who starred in the comedic show, "The George Lopez Show."
Recently turning 23 years old, Masiela has already written several books, acted in various film projects, and even started producing movies this year. She is an inspiration to everyone as she continues to shine her way through the red carpet. Get to know a little more about her as you read out exclusive interview with this star.
First off, I want to thank you for taking your time and answering our questions. It's an honor speaking with someone so accomplished, and as talented as you, especially since the George Lopez show is on daily in my house.
Would you care to introduce yourself to everyone?
Hey everyone! My name is Masiela Lusha and I'm excited to answer your questions and offer you my world. Thank you for having me, hopefully I can hear your thoughts after the interview.
You seem to have a lot of things going on, including producing films, and acting in them. Is your life as busy as it seems?
I was never a fan of vacations or any such escapes because I feel my every day life is one sparkling vacation. Fortunately, I'm offered the privilege of living out my dreams with the freedom to express myself. From a distance, with my numerous careers and endeavors, I can see why it may look like I don't have any room to breathe, but in essence, my entire universe is comprised of purposes to muse, ponder, and hopefully even inspire. What more could a girl as for? If there is a moment where I need time to mediate, I write poetry as my private escape.
How were you induced into forming Illuminary Pictures?
I grew up on the Warner Brothers studio lot surrounded by Hollywood's most professional and talented businessmen and women. I lived and learned in this environment and explored every avenue of behind-the-scenes production for a quarter of my life. Illuminary Pictures came about instinctually because I was fortunate to absorb the nature of producing through my friends and employers at Warner Brothers and ABC. I still crave to inspire my peers around the world, and Illuminary is another avenue I can take to have even more control on how this can be done.
Does it seem to be a tougher job than acting in projects?
I don't consider either career a job. When you have an unquenchable thirst, a mission, or a passion in life, this priority becomes a part of your nature and time, seamlessly. Like breathing. In their own way both careers feel natural to me and effortless, like playing. I love physically expressing myself, which is nice since I'm an actress. I also love and absolutely admire celebrated talent and cultivating friendships, which is fundamentally producing. I'm still learning the hard business aspect of my company, but I have a great, educated team around me who can handle the logistics of running a corporation. I feel my job in both aspects is to inspire, whether they be my team or the world.
Besides producing Illuminary's projects, you also star in them! How is that like, to work in the scenes, and behind the scenes?
It feels like a weight of apprehension is lifted off of me! As a film actress, I loved the camera, but in other aspects of filmmaking concerning me as the character and executive decision making, I felt dimmed out, vulnerable, and unable to control what part of me will appear on film. Because of my expressive nature, I felt helpless and even a little useless; like a prop. I would make the most of what was offered to me in a script, but anything else was entirely out of my control. As a producer/actress, I'm offered the control that keeps me feeling productive and helpful in this environment of filmmaking. I feel so privileged and honored to have influence on what inspires the public in various elements, like music, cinematography, and story. This is my dream.
Being only 22 years old, you've already published several books. You even wrote your first poetry book, "Inner Thoughts," at only 12! What was the inspiration behind your work?
My work is designed like little diary entries, so in a sense, I'm reiterating my life for the poet in you. I'm a conduit of emotions and memories that each of us experienced in life, so my inspirations come from the desire to entertain you. I write for the reader, for the poet, and hardly ever for myself. All of my experiences in life so far have been rewritten, and colored so that it can benefit you, as the reader, and hopefully inspire you to dig deep and discover your true colors a little more every day.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Someone who lead you to be who you are today?
I have many people in my life who have inspired me with their unique talent and intelligence, kind words, and even unspoken doubts. As of now, I'm sure there are about 200 or so, some who are oblivious of their influence on me, but I love people and I take their words, actions, and talent with me where ever I go. My mother, however, has been the driving force behind my fundamental happiness. Through example, she taught me what it is to respect a country and its culture, and to unapologetically pursue a dream with raw passion.
So you will be portraying, "Sharon," in "Blood: The Last Vampire," how was life on set? Were the cast and crew friendly?
We filmed in China and Argentina for Blood: The Last Vampire. I can't decide what part of filming I loved more: walking down the streets of exotic cities with a bag full of groceries, and exploring their culture, or learning to swing swords on camera. None of the cast has visited Kunming China before, so in a sense we clung together and explored the city as a team. The cast truly became my family for the duration of filming, and we were all really supportive of each other, having a sleep-over, solving crossword puzzles. Playing a vampire was exhilarating because I was given permission to be pure, condensed, unapologetic evil. Two days after filming Blood, I flew to the Balkans to portray a saint, so that played with my character equilibrium a bit.
You are also in, "Sweet Caroline," and "Angel Hair," may you share us an excerpt from the projects? And who you will star?
Sure! Sweet Caroline is a multiple camera comedy about an executive father who has his assets frozen from his third divorce and moves in with his only daughter, Caroline, from his first marriage. He's a carnivore; she's a vegan, among many other contradictions. Both characters have their issues and room to grow, and it may surprise them how much they truly need each other in the end, despite the many years of distance and indifference. In a sense, we'd like to build from the ground up the fundamental reality of what it means to have a relationship with a father, one Caroline haven't experienced for seventeen years.
Angel Hair is directed by Patrick Tatopoulos and is the story of a half German, half Jewish girl who is thrown into the concentration camp, and ultimately fights to stay alive during World War II when her spy mission is exposed to her father's enemies. I fell in love with the story because it explores what many of us at one point in our lives experience, which is the understanding, and the appreciation of our history. The story is ultimately about coming to terms with our identity, our place, and the many beautiful contradictions tied to it.
Which of your projects has been your favorite to create or film? And why?
As of now, each film has its charms. Each film is my baby.
What type of movies are you looking forward to be in?
I love high concept Action films that thrill the audience like a roller coaster ride. I adore commercial films that originate from comic books, because there is always a philosophy to discover, I love bigger-than-life love stories and biographies, and films that beg to be remembered for decades to come, ones that are so commercial that they are ingrained in our international society. I love films that roar with emotion like Iron Man and Titanic.
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You graduated high school at only 15 years old, what was that like? Were other students envious of you?
I was fortunate to not have bullies growing up. Despite my petite frame, and unassuming nature, I was fortunate to not experience the toxic negativity or jealousy that many teens face in these times. I understand now that kids smell insecurity, and I guess I gave off a vibe that said if you push me around I'll hop on a desk and pull your hair out. No one tested to see if this was true! I had many friends, and when I left early, I kept my many groups of friends near me, so in a sense, I took high school with me as opposed to leaving it behind. My friends were my center of gravity in times of grown-up work and college I had to face at sixteen.
What were your favorite times while attending UCLA? Did you join sororities? How was campus life?
No sororities or campus life for this girl! I would attend classes from 6AM til 10AM, then drive to work from 10AM til 5PM, then back to school until 11 that night every day for two years. I loved every moment because it fed my desire to learn everything there is to learn about creative English and philosophy.
People mostly recognize you from the George Lopez show, what was your most bizarre fan encounter?
All of my fan encounters have been encouraging and positive, and the fuel I need to express my passion for Hollywood. My fans encouraged me in their messages to pursue unapologetically what I love to do, which is to entertain, so I owe all of my future success to their guidance and support. My favorite fan encounter, and one which has outlined this new passion I have, is when a young girl sweetly approached me at an event and said, "I cried the entire time Carmen was sexually harassed by her friends in school, because that exact same thing happened to me." It was that precise moment that changed my outlook on acting. From that moment on, my perception of entertainment evolved. I then understood that our duty as an actor is to inspire, with the potential to offer a sense of therapy and understanding to those of us who feel in need of a friend. Actors are anthropologists, philanthropists, and therapists all under the bright cloak of entertainment.
What have you learned from all the years you've been in the entertainment industry? Was it life changing, unforgettable?
I have learned that bliss comes from finding a dream and pursuing it. I've also learned that it's okay to stand out. The most beautiful happiness I've experienced in life so far is giving back to the less fortunate what I was lucky to receive from life.
What is your favorite book of the moment, and what are you reading right now?
I love Biographies, so at the moment I'm wrapping up TITAN: The Life of John D. Rockefeller SR.
Do you have a favorite quote?
If a man for whatever reason has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself. -- Jacques-Yves Cousteau
In the next few years, what are you hoping to accomplish?
Contentment and pure happiness. I believe in making time for a family of my own, and accommodating to what will keep me happy and fulfilled decades to come despite my busy schedule. My ultimate goal is to give back to the less fortunate on a global scale, and continue to write poetry.
How does it feel to know that you are a role model to others?
Bring on the responsibility! I was a late bloomer growing up, and my bedtime is still 11pm on weekends. The smell of alcohol and cigarettes irks me, so I've never been drunk or tasted a cigarette despite having the freedom to do so, but this doesn't keep me from enjoying a memorable life with my friends! I'm pretty tame, and open about who I am, and if this makes me a role model to others then I'm honored, and cherish the responsibility.
QWhat is your idea of a perfect day?
My ideal morning would be driving to the ocean, sitting by the shore, the chillier the better, wrapped up in a blanket, and breathing in the meditation where everything falls back into proportion.
Your birthday is coming up, what is your on wish list? And how are you planning to celebrate?
A watch...any watch! I can be late for an appointment, so a watch would be nice. I can't believe it... 23 years old!
In the upcoming November's presidential election, who are you planning to vote for? Barrack Obama or John McCain?
Our country needs us right now, so any candidate I feel has the authority to guide us up the right path to recovery and respectability. I'm just relieved we're given this opportunity now!
Do you own an iPod? If so, what is on your playlist?
As of now, on my playlist is: Chinese Pop, French, German, Arabic, Albanian, Rap, Classical, 80's and easy listening. My favorite artists are Dire Straits, Kings of Leon, Axelle Renoir, Xavier Naidoo, and Morphine.
Do you have an obsession with something? If so, what is it?
I collect rare and first edition books because it makes me feel closer to the author's sentiment. I wouldn't call it an obsession, but it's definitely up there. Sachertorte is my obsession!
What is your number one, intolerable thing on your list?
Intolerance of other cultures and beliefs.
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Favorite place: ViennaFavorite movie(s): A Beautiful Mind, Ariel the Little Mermaid, Leap Year (a silent film in 1921 with Fatty Arbuckle-kept me laughing the entire time!)
Favorite food: Sachetorte, Sauteed Spinach, pizza
Favorite artist(s): Axelle Renoir, Dire Straits, Morphine, Kings of Leon, Xavier Naidoo, T.I, Bob Marley, U2
Pet peeve: Insincerity
Main goal in life: To stay happy.
-- Fan Mail Address: MasielaLusha.com is open for anyone who would like to reach me personally with questions or posts. Other contact information: Myspace.com/MasielaLusha