EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Lauren Buglioli

The actress in the new Netflix series "A Jazzman's Blues"

gives us an exclusive interview.

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1- Could you please introduce yourself to those who may be unfamiliar with your work?

Certainly! I am an enthusiastic actress, educator, voiceover artist, and proud dog mom. I have been involved in the entertainment industry since a very young age, thanks to being born in Los Angeles. In addition to acting, I have a background in equestrian sports and have worked as both an Early Childhood Education and Special Education teacher. Currently, I am fully focused on pursuing acting while also coaching other actors during auditions and offering career consultations to fellow artists.

2- In Tyler Perry's latest film, "A Jazzman's Blues," you portray the character Margaret. The film is now available on Netflix since September 23rd. Could you share some insights about the film and your character?

"A Jazzman's Blues" is a script that Mr. Perry wrote 27 years ago, and it holds a special place in his heart as a passion project. It is a captivating love story that tugs at the heartstrings. The film follows the journey of Bayou and Leanne as they face numerous obstacles that hinder their union. Without revealing too much, my character, Margaret, serves as one of those obstacles.

3- What attracted you to be a part of this project? Specifically, what interested you about portraying the character of Margaret?

Being a part of this project was driven by my desire to contribute to the overall narrative. As an actor, it is important to understand the role our character plays in the story. Although I may not personally identify with Margaret's perspective and beliefs, I wanted to evoke strong emotions in the audience when they witness her ignorance and hatred on screen. During the film's premiere, an audience member approached me and said, "I know you're an actor, but I hated you." This response reflects the impact I hoped to achieve with the characters who obstruct Bayou and Leanne's love. Ultimately, their love triumphs over adversity, even in the face of evil.

Lauren Buglioli is a talented actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. With her captivating performances and undeniable on-screen presence, she has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Recently, she has taken on the lead role in the highly anticipated Netflix series "A Jazzman's Blues," showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her experiences, inspirations, and the exciting journey that led her to this career-defining role. Let's discover more about the remarkable Lauren Buglioli.

Portrait Of The Month ( Oct 2022)

INTERVIEW

4- You have multiple ongoing projects, including your roles in Netflix's "Florida Man" opposite Edgar Ramirez, and Apple TV's "Bad Monkey" alongside Vince Vaughn. Among the characters you've portrayed, which one has been the most inspiring for you and why?

Oh, please don't make me choose! Each character holds a special place in my heart for different reasons. Kaitlin Fox from "Florida Man" captivated me with her relentless ambition and lack of self-awareness. And Heather from "Bad Monkey" fascinated me with her unwavering confidence and fearlessness. Discovering the essence of a character and then exploring the aspects that differ from my own self is a truly enriching experience. As Stella Adler once said, "You act with your soul. That's why you all want to be actors, because your souls are not used up by life." I believe that every character allows us to delve into parts of ourselves and humanity that we may not always access in our everyday lives. While I often play roles of mean or manipulative women, I like to joke that my interactions with "mean girls" or bullies in real life were merely character research. Let's keep that between us, though. I believe that certain characters are meant for us to portray, and that notion always ignites my inspiration. It's exciting to draw upon personal experiences and bring my own unique interpretation to a role.

5- What was the role closest to your personality and conversely the furthest from who you are?

I played a teacher in Young Dylan who raps to connect with a student. Though I never rapped in the classroom (I’m sure my students are grateful for that), her silly nature and love of teaching was very much a part of my identity as an educator. I loved playing that role and working with kids on set. I play a lot of villains so it would be hard to choose which I am least like, honestly! I don’t steal babies, nor spew hatred towards people who are different from me, THANKFULLY. I’ve played both those fictional humans, though! What a time to be alive!

6- How was your meeting with the director Tyler Perry and with the other actors of the film "A Jazzman's Blues"?

I love working with Tyler Perry and his entire team. He is such an inspiration. Not only does he change the lives of the cast and crew of his productions, but he makes a positive difference in the world. That’s the type of artist I aspire to be. The actors on A Jazzman’s Blues were humble, hardworking and kind. For me, that’s the dream trifecta. I feel lucky to be a part of this project alongside such an incredible ensemble.

7- How did your aspiration to become an actress first arise?

Since I was a young child, I had a strong desire to perform, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a family who has always supported my dreams and ambitions. While I also enjoyed teaching kids with special needs during my adult life, I am grateful that I can pursue acting and utilize my platform to support organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of children. My ultimate goal is to contribute to this cause on a larger scale.

8- You spent a significant part of your childhood in London. What did this experience teach you about yourself?

Did you notice a distinct cultural and mindset difference compared to the United States? If so, could you provide some specific examples? How was the process of adapting?

During my time in London, I attended the American School where the majority of students were expatriates. The environment was quite transient, with a high turnover each year. This upbringing made me naturally outgoing and friendly. I was always making new friends, which has proven beneficial as an actor. Every time I step onto a new set, it feels like the first day of middle school – getting to know people, learning names, and making new connections. Fortunately, I'm not shy, which has been advantageous.

I did notice various cultural differences, particularly in the attitude towards alcohol. There was less fixation on alcohol consumption, which allowed me to stay focused and never feel the need to rebel or engage in excessive partying. When I moved back to the United States for college, I experienced a bit of an adjustment since many students had a greater desire to party once they were away from home. Although my transition from London to New York was relatively smooth, I did witness some culture shock during my freshman year when it came to the party scene.

Actress: Lauren Buglioli I Photographer: Ben Cope I Hair and Makeup: Cat Sherwin I Stylist: Anna Schillin

9- Besides acting, what are your other passions?

I have a deep love for what I do, and sometimes it can be challenging to take time off. There is a prevailing notion within the industry that you need to always be available or on standby for potential opportunities. However, I am passionate about creating a balance in my life and dedicating time to experiences with friends and family outside of the industry. One of my greatest passions is spending time in the mountains, as it brings me immense joy and serves as my happy place. Additionally, I am passionate about working with children and supporting organizations that make a positive impact on their lives.

10- Do you support any organizations, and if so, which ones and why are they important to you?

I am a strong supporter of the Heart Gallery and have built a relationship with the incredible team at The Heart Gallery Tampa while working on theatre projects in Florida. Their mission is to find permanent homes for children in foster care by collaborating with photographers who capture their unique personalities through beautiful photographs. Even if adoption is not feasible, individuals can support the Heart Gallery by spreading awareness about their important work or making donations. The organization significantly improves the quality of life for these remarkable children in foster care who are eagerly awaiting their forever families.

11- At Eclair Magazine, we appreciate authenticity, especially at a time when excessive filters are prevalent on social media.

Why do you believe it is important for young girls and boys to limit editing their photos?

First and foremost, I want to emphasize that I am not here to judge anyone. Each person is on their own journey when it comes to body image and self-confidence, and cultivating a healthy self-image in our society is an ongoing process. For me personally, refraining from excessive photo editing is crucial for my well-being. It sends a message that there is something wrong with me and further amplifies a fixation on external appearances. This can be detrimental to my mental health. Instead of encouraging young individuals to edit their photos, I believe in celebrating and embracing themselves just as they are. And as adults, we should remind ourselves of the same!

12- In your opinion, what negative effects can it have on a career and mental well-being to present photos that do not reflect reality?

If our self-worth is solely tied to our external beauty, then the foundation for our happiness becomes extremely fragile. However, if we place value on our internal qualities, while continuously learning and growing, we no longer have to worry about external factors such as others' judgment, societal beauty standards, or success. This is a process that requires unlearning because our society benefits from our insecurities. When we feel insecure, we tend to spend more money and hold less power. Recognizing fear and shifting back to faith and love is an ongoing practice for me. Some tools that have helped me cultivate this mindset include The Paradox Process, To Be Magnetic (neural manifestation and meditations), and Tory Stroker Nutrition.

13- If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Have faith and cherish the present moment. There is nothing inherently wrong with you; you are simply evolving, and everything will be okay. I still remind myself of this advice today. It's an ongoing practice!