Born and raised in Los Angeles, Francia Raisa always had a glimpse into the wonderful world of celebrities. By the time she was a teenager, she was already auditioning for roles, and made a name for herself in no time. Most notable for her roles in Secret Life of an American Teenager, Bring it on: all or Nothing, and The Cutting Edge: Fire & Ice, Raisa talks to FLAIR about her portrayal of Adrien Lee, her upcoming projects, and everything in between.
You’re renowned for your portrayal of Adrien Lee on “The Secret Life on an American Teenager,” how did that role affect you?
I am so glad I got to play Adrien because it changed my life and I am grateful for the opportunity. I learned a lot and overall it was a fun character to play. It made me a role model to young teens. It was an amazing experience I will never forget.
Tell me about your portrayal of Adrien Lee…how challenging was it?
She was fun, a lot of fun. I got to do and say things that I would have never done personally. It was fun to step out of my own shell but it definitely became challenging once I was pregnant and my baby was stillborn. I’ve never been pregnant and definitely have never gone through that so I really had to put my mind and heart in a place that I was not comfortable with and found very challenging. That was really raw, painful material and I loved every moment.
Now that the show is over, how is the post-TV show era?
It has been great! I miss the show and the cast the crew of course, but I am also so excited as I have been crazy busy working! I did an episode on The Mindy Project and met some of the funniest people. Mindy and that entire cast are really talented and just so much fun. All you do is laugh on that set. I shot a pilot and got to work with Taylor Backford and Sarah Gamble and now I’m working with WWE and ABC Family on a Christmas Movie and I’m playing a bounty hunter. I’m really enjoying life right now.
Do you plan on shining on the silver screen again anytime soon?
Yup! May 7th, my episode of The Mindy Project airs and Christmas Bounty will come out in December. You’ll always see me doing something, in small and big screen.
I know that you’re working on a new movie, Chastity Bites, tell me more about it.
I filmed Chastity Bites a year ago. It is a comedy horror about Elizabeth Bathory. She is a witch that loves to look young and she does it by feeding from virgin blood. She travels from school to school, giving lectures on abstinence and then slowly some of the students start disappearing.
Did you enjoy working on a horror movie?
It was different. The blood was a little too real for me (laughs) but it was fun. I got really close to my costar and the writer and the director. I’ve been so blessed because every set I have worked on has been such a great and fun experience.
Out of the numerous characters you portrayed, which is the one that resembles you the most?
They all do in some sort of way. I put a bit of myself in every character I play.
Which character’s your favorite so far?
I have love for all thecharacters I play. I take so much time creating them that I kind of get married tothem and have a hard time letting go, but I have to say that I am enjoying playingTory right now in Christmas Bounty because of all the fighting I’m getting to do.And I have my own gun. It’s really cool I named it Magic Bullet.
Other than acting, I know you’re very active when it comes to raising awareness…tell me a little bit more about that.
I really believe in using your platform as an actress to do good and raise awareness since you have so many great supportive fans willing to help you spread the word.— I mean, its one of the reasons I wanted to be in this business, to have a voice and use it. Bullying, sex trafficking, clean water in third world countries, and teen self-awareness are my passion. I can’t tell you how sick and tired I am of reading all these articles with teen suicide because of bullying. Or knowing the statistics on human trafficking in the world and seeing someone throw away a bottle of water, knowing that there are people dying from drinking dirty water every day. It’s a huge passion of mine and I’m finding ways to get involved in the best way I can.
When it comes to raising awareness, have you always felt this strongly about the matters you tackle?
Yes! I love supporting women’s rights, teen girls with self-esteem issues, very female-centric causes. Girl power.
Do you find adequate support?
My fans are so great and I can’t tell you how grateful I am when they take the time to listen, read, and support when I need them to.
Tell me about your plans for 2013.
I have so many plans and goals that I’m learning to monitor one at a time. I am excited to see what else is in the cards, but you will see me on The Mindy Project and Christmas Bounty as well as in Chastity Bites for now! And tune into the last season of The Secret Life of the American Teenager! Things are great so far this year and I’m definitely excited for the future.
