Interview with Actress and Writer Vanessa Lua

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — (Feb. 27, 2020) — The Hollywood Press Corps got a chance to speak with actress Vanessa Lua. Vanessa can be seen on Season 10 of Shameless on Showtime. Vanessa is an actress, writer and host of WhatTheHellDidSheSay, a YouTube channel where she interviews celebrities.

Vanessa Luia at Yuko Kitchen in the Miracle Mile. Photo by Dustin Brown.

Hollywood Press Corps (HPC): We just saw you on Shameless as Aunt Telma! Please tell us about your experience in shooting this show.
It was an incredible opportunity. I got to work with an amazing cast and crew. They have been together for 10 years now so they are a big family and they were very welcoming to me, specially Ethan Cutcosky (Carl) who was very attentive with everyone, also, there is one scene where I get to sit on with the whole family on the couch and it was my first time meeting Shannola (V) and Steve (“Kevin”) and oh my god Shanola lights the room with her big smile. I love her and both received me with a big hug. I also had the opportunity to shoot in Chicago and it was my first time there. I got to meet John Wells and even share a Mexican candy with him.

Vanessa Lua with William H. Macy on Season 10 of Shameless on Showtime

HPC: What is William H. Macy really like?
Bill was very reserved but kind. He directed the second episode I was on and he did a great job. As an actor he was so good that I just have to react to his energy. I have to tell you I gave him some “chongos Zamoranos” , a Mexican candy handmade from my hometown Zamora. I was so nervous because I didn’t want to bother him and I knew it was my last chance to give it to him so when I got his attention I realized the container broke and it was a mess. I gave it to him, I told him to be careful when he open it and I ran away. We never spoke about it.

Vanessa Lua. Photo by Dustin Brown

HPC: Are you currently writing anything new?
Currently I’m promoting my short film LA DEGOLLADORA that is an official selection at the Pasadena International Film Festival. I wrote it, directed and acted so I am very excited to see it on the big screen. You can join me on Sunday, March 15 at 7:45 PM at Laemmle Playhouse 7. Get your passes at: https://www.pasadenafilmfestival.org

Vanessa Lua (center) in Season 10 of Shameless

HPC: You’re a model who has a connection with Texas. Could you tell us about that?
I’m one of the guest models for Fashion Cited, a charity event that benefits the Legal Hospice of Texas and features a stunning runway fashion presentation highlighting Dallas clothiers and designers.It is such an honor to walk in those beautiful outfits. Being a model was my childhood dream but unfortunately I don’t look like a model (I’m not even tall!) but that shows you that dreams come true. So keep dreaming and help people in need get legal help. You can get your tickets at https://legalhospice.org/events/

Vanessa Lua. Photo by Dustin Brown

HPC: What is your hometown? Could you tell us about it?
I am from Zamora, Michoacan, and you should add it to your next visit to Mexico. The food is amazing! Best tacos, pan dulce, papas cocidas, agues frescas! Zamora is know for the strawberries and “Los dulces del Portal” (that includes the chongos Zamoranos), and it has one of the most beautiful churches ” El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”. And if you drive 20 minutes north, you will find my favorite place on earth, El Lago de Camecuaro.

Vanessa Lua (R) as Aunt Telma in Shamless on Showtime

HPC: What’s it like to do celebrity interviews on the red carpet for whatthehelldidshesay?
I love my youtube channel WhatTheHellDidSheSay. It is a joy to talk to celebrities, find out how they overcome obstacles and ask them to say something in Spanish. I feel is a way to be a bridge between Hollywood Celebrities and the Latino audience.

Vanessa Lua during her interview with the Hollywood Press Corps

HPC: Do you have a favorite interview from whatthehelldidshesay?
It is so hard to pick a favorite interview, I love them all, they all are so special. Wait, I loved when I interviewed James Cameron and he directed me. I alsoI really enjoy talking to Topher Grace, specially because he retweeted the interview saying “Wait, is this my favorite interview ever?” And of course Josh Radnor who made me choose between a date or an interview. Check out my channel at www.whatthehelldidshesay.com

Vanessa Lua

HPC: What do you hope to achieve in 2020?

I’m currently performing improvised Comedy in Spanish with my troupe Impromundeando. I hope this year we get stronger as a team. All the members are very talented and hardworking and that is very inspiring. This year I want to focus more on my comedy writing, my stand up comedy and maybe a two person play. I also want to focus on my personal growth. I teach a recovery class at K2 CrossFit and that has taught me how important is to take care of your mind and body. I feel that this is a wish list so I am going to throw to win an Emmy out there.

Vanessa at Yuko Kitchen

HPC: What’s one thing that would surprise people to know about you?
I’m terrified of bicycles but I have done several triathlons. I still have my bike hanging on the wall of my studio apartment to remind me that fear might never disappear but that I have defeated it several times.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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