Press Room

Genevieve Cortese Exclusive Interview
Source: Genevieve Cortese.com
Date: January 23, 2005

Thank you Genevieve for participating in this exclusive interview!

1. Have you always wanted to act? If not, what was your childhood dream for the future?

"Yes, I've always wanted to act. Funny actually, because I studied it in college at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. I came very close to switching colleges or changing majors - thinking WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING MAJORING IN THIS??!!, but my mom reminded me of how much I loved acting. She told me a story of when I was in a play in elementary school and I hopped off stage and told her that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After reminding me of that story, I never thought twice of being an acting major (though I did pick up English as my second degree)."

2. Does your family have a history of working in the entertainment business or are you the first?

"I'm the first in the biz! My dad has a law degree, and my family is involved more in business and numbers and less in the arts, which is so funny because all 4 of us kids are pretty creative... esp my sister who is an AMAZING writer (my lil bro is a great actor too!)."

3. What advice would you give to other inspiring actors or actresses?

"The best advice is DO NOT GIVE UP! If you know in your heart that this acting profession is what you want, DO IT! If you know that your teachers, parents, and peers are telling you that you are shooting too high... you know you are doing the right thing. Don't ever give up on yourself, enjoy and embrace the struggle because that's what makes our journey unique and allows things to unfold. Don't settle for bullshit and be true to yourself... phew (just saying because I know how negative people can be in and around our industry)."

4. What was the first thing you bought with your first paycheck as an actress?

"My french bulldog Pete and a ticket to Argentina (I LOVE to travel). Oh, and I did buy lots of books (I'm a HUGE geek)."

5. Do you ever watch the previous Wildfire episodes and think: "Wow, I was great there!" or "I could have done that a little better?"

"No, I actually don't really watch or read reviews because there is nothing good or bad that can come of it (yes there are times, but I try not to, I can be a bit sensitive). I believe that I have to live in the moment and let it go (it's the only way to stay sane). Sure, doubt comes in, but I think that once I start saying coulda woulda... then I get too cloudy and don't do my job as effectively."

6. What do you like most about your Wildfire character Kris Furillo, and why?

"I love that Kris makes mistakes. It shows girls that you don't have to be perfect or depend on someone else. I love her tough edge with a huge vulnerability. Sometimes I wish I could be more succinct and to the point like Kris. I'm too emotional and ramble way too much. I love Kris' independence, and there is something happy in her loneliness I think."

7. What is a normal day on the set of Wildfire, like in terms of things that happen and hanging out with such a fabulous cast?

"Hmm, well usually a TON of laughter, seriously. It starts off with hair and makeup... they are a RIOT. They do dances in the makeup trailer and we all giggle as we learn lines, and then we might rehearse by ourselves, head up to set, rehearse and rehearse... work out kinks (usually with jokes and food in between), and then we shoot, change clothes, get ready for the next scene, etc. By the end of the day, we either go home exhausted, or we end up at some crazy bar dancing to cowboy music... it depends. We really do love and admire each other, which is really special. Funny story, one time Micah and I did a scene where we run into Kris' trailer. We ran into the trailer, shut the door, changed clothing, and walked out wearing the others' clothes (mainly we find ways to outdo and out-laugh each other)."

8. How did you find out about the site, and what was your initial reaction?

"I think Nicole first told me about the site, and to be honest, I was totally shocked. I never thought I was that interesting to have a website, plus I'm computer illiterate. The idea that there would be a website never occurred to me. I thought it was very cool and special, it made me excited for work, and to be better so that more people could get excited about the site."

9. How did you feel when you were approached by a fan for the first time?

"A bit odd, but flattered. It sort of reassures me that I'm doing something right I suppose."

10. How are you dealing with all your new found popularity? Is it all you really wanted?

"I guess, it's nice because the show isn't overwhelmingly popular. I can be myself, and not worry and walk into this acting journey and have a steady pace. It's not too crazy. I think the biggest thing is to keep focused on work and not allow any other aspects to phase me."