Editorials :: Annabelle Wallis

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Annabelle Wallis

Written By: Devon Poer

Annabelle Wallis has a face that's easy to recognize. With stints on hit tv shows like Jericho, The Tudors and the new period drama, Pan Am. Annabelle's beauty and grace are dwarfed by her pure presence on the screen. Annabelle Wallis definitely has an immense talent and is on an upward trajectory in Hollywood. We sat down with her and got the scoop on everything from growing up in Portugal to working with Madonna.

LIVE: You were born in Oxford,England, but grew up in Portugal, what was that like?

Annabelle Wallis: Portugal is anamazing place to have grown up. To live and breath another culture has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. The Portuguese taught me so much about what's really important... family, loved ones, and to live life through love and passion.

LIVE: You speak four languages? Which is your favorite and does it come in handy as an actor?

Annabelle: I love the Portuguese language. It is so expressive and rich. I write my journals in Portuguese because the language allows me to express myself differently than in English. I love going to Brazil and putting on a Brazilian accent when I speak...its quite a shock when a little blondie comes out in full Brazilian slang! It definitely helps as an actor. Speaking another language has allowed me to tap into different cultures and experience things I wouldn't have access to first hand if I didn't speak the language. The way I hold myself, my tone, it all changes in another language. It's very useful when preparing a for a character role.

LIVE: You played Jane Seymour on The Tudors, how did you prepare for that role?

Annabelle: Extensive research! We had the help of the amazing Michael Hirst who wrote the show and is an expert on Tudor history on hand to help us. The hardest part about playing Jane was that she was the most beloved Queen. My only hope was that people liked her. How an audience chooses to feel about you is out of your control, you just hold your breath and wait.

LIVE: What was it like working with Jonathan Rhys Meyers?

Annabelle: He's so great! Johnny was such a giving actor, he really looked after me and made sure I was happy with all the decision making. To work with someone that good, that full of energy is so inspiring. You realize that you are up against people like him everyday who love their job, work hard and deliver. It makes you want to do the same everyday.

LIVE: You were recently directed by Madonna for W.E., how was it working

with her?

Annabelle: I am a child of the 80's and let me just say working with her was awesome. She is so inspiring and a testament that you can be strong, and beautiful, a mother, an intellect... anything you want. She is living proof.

LIVE: What types of roles do you enjoy playing the most?

Annabelle: I fancy myself a bit of a strong woman. I have a brain, I've traveled. I like to see myself as someone who can bring a lot to a female character. I love the mixture of strength and vulnerability, intellect and sexiness. I am drawn to complex women. I try to be fearless with choices. I'm up for anything!

LIVE: How do you spend your time when you are not acting? Do you have any hobbies or hidden passions?

Annabelle: I was an equestrian champion growing up and I've got the scars to prove it! I'm very outdoorsy. In England it’s riding on Exmoor and in Portugal you can always find me with friends at the beach attempting to body board but instead being pounded by waves. My family and friends are so important to me so my time is all theirs when I've got some.

LIVE: What about music or live performances? Any favorites? Any places you like to go to in England to watch a gig or show?

Annabelle: I love music! I went and saw James Blake the other night, his work takes music and makes it a visual art form. His show moved me so much because it was seeing music be performed in a completely unconventional way, blurring the lines between visuals and sound... amazing. I love all types of music, but at the moment I am into Little Dragon in a big way. I love the production choices they have made, their music is great. Dan Aubracht is amazing too. Such a great voice. I always have The Beatles on me wherever I go, Kate Bush, Nick Drake... the list never ends!

LIVE: You are currently on set, what are you working on and where?

Annabelle: I'm at Pinewood Studios. I'm doing a bit on Snow White and The Huntsman. I'm the Huntsman's wife Sara. Then it's back to New York to shoot Pan Am next week.

LIVE: You are quite fashionable, who are some of your favorite designers? Annabelle: My best friend Georgia Harding has just won the merit award for young designer in London. Her things are amazing! I am so lucky she's my friend! I Love Erdem, Givenchy (Riccardo Tisci), Prada, miu miu, Thakoon, Marios Shwab. There are so many great talents out there.