THOSE MAY FIRST RECOGNIZE RHYS OLIVIA COTE AS ONE OF THE FACES OF OSCAR DE LA RENTA. BUT AT NINE YEARS OLD, THIS CHILD ACTRESS IS ALSO ON THE BRINK OF MOVIE STARDOM. I’VE KNOWN RHYS FOR ABOUT A YEAR SINCE SHE AND MY DAUGHTER LEXIA BECAME INSTAGRAM FRIENDS. AT 8 YEARS OLD, SHE HAD ALREADY BEEN IN MANY AD CAMPAIGNS, AND ACTED WITH DENZEL WASHINGTON.
Let’s go back a bit. Your episode with Steve Harvey on his show “Little Big Shots” as the “snail whisperer” was funny. When did you first realize you could make people laugh?
My Mom has said I have been entertaining all my life. I love to make people laugh because happiness is so important.
What would you have done if the snail didn’t come out of its shell?
I would have no clue.
Well good thing it did! Did he give you any comedic pointers?
We only met him when we were filming live. So, our reactions and what you see is real.
Amazing how relaxed you were. Congrats on your movie The Equalizer 2 with Denzel Washington. It’s rated R, have you seen it?
I was invited to the premier in Hollywood to attend with the cast. Yes, I did see it. I know it’s rated R, but I know it’s not real.
How thrilling. What advice, if any did, he give you?
“Keep being who you are.”
Did any of your peers treat you differently after they saw you walk the red carpet?
Not at all. They were excited for me.
How did you prepare for your scenes?
We went over the script.
People don’t realize that Movies shoot out of order. Do you have someone help you memorize your lines?
My parents do or my acting coach Katherine.
Do you keep in touch with anyone from the set?
Yes. My Dad Adam and his family, The writer Richard Wenk and my Mom Tamara.
Who are your role models?
Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning and my family.
Who is funnier, your mom or your dad?
They are both equally funny.
Smart answer. Do you have a phone?
No.
Which job had the best craft table?
The Equalizer 2
Do you get an allowance?
No. I just help out that’s what families do. My mom and dad buy me things when I help.
Do you like to read?
Yes.
Is there a book that you hope gets made into a movie that you can star in? Homeless by Laurie Halse Anderson
What are your favorite foods?
Pasta, broccoli, Ice Cream and Pop rocks.
I’m going to offer you a choice of two and you pick one. Snails or Turtles?
I love them all. I can’t pick when it comes to any animal. However, I am known to be the snail whisperer.
Chocolate or Candy?
Chocolate
Horror or Comedy?
Comedy
Halloween or Christmas?
Christmas
Text or phone call?
Phone call
Shirley Temple or Raven Simone?
Shirley temple
Speaking of Halloween, what are you dressing as?
The little mermaid. The costume is made by Ella Dynae. It’s so beautiful.
What is your favorite Movie?
Well right now I’m filming a Christmas movie and it’s hilarious so this is my favorite.
Your first starring role! Denise Richards and Actor and Actor Patrick Muldoon play your parents. And Barbara Eden is Mrs. Claus. I love her!
They are both so nice. Fun. Outgoing. And Barbara Eden is amazing. My Mom loves her too.
What is your current schedule like?
Right now, I am on set for two weeks and we will be back in December. Not sure what is around the corner.
Who do you think has a career similar to where you want yours to be?
Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning
What is your advice to child actors?
Never stop trying.
What are your dreams?
To save animals and to be in a lot of movies.
What did I forget to ask you?
Nothing. (laughing)
Do you have a question to ask me?
Do you like doing interviews?
I love doing interviews because I’m fascinated by people. I naturally ask a-lot of questions. Do you like my interview?
One of my favorites.
Rhys is represented by Zuri model and talent. And Artistic Endeavors
Follow Rhys on instagram @rhys_olivia
Photography and styled By YVPR PHOTOGRAPHY
