Nadia Gray was born in Clearwater, Florida where she began her modeling career at age 17 and then moved to Los Angeles when she was 20 to pursue acting.
Her acting credits include “Days Of Our Lives”, “Anger Management”, “Stitchers”, “2 Broke Girls”, “Sandy Wexler” and “Bright”.
Tell us about your new Netflix film “Bright”?
Bright is an action-thriller set in an alternate universe that takes place in Los Angeles. It’s about two cops who go through hell together to keep a deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands. It is shot with David Ayers famous grit and realness. I know I’m super biased, but this movie is going to be epic. People are going to freak out when they see it!
What was it like working with the cast of “Bright”?
The cast was amazing! It was one of those situations where every single person in the room was better and more accomplished than me, so I ate it up! I learned so much from everyone on that set. It was incredible. And yes, Will Smith really is as nice as you hear he is!
You play ‘Larika’ in “Bright”. What can you tell us about your character?
Larika is an elf in this world, and part of a gang called “The Inferni”. She’s a badass, and a bad girl who gets herself into some serious trouble.
Larika is an elf, so how many hours did you have to sit for the hair and makeup process during filming?
The H&M process was gnarly. It took at least two hours to do the ears, wig, teeth, contacts. The work the artists did was massive. It was a gift as an actor, having this new skin to jump into — definitely was not hard getting into character!
Do you have any fun stories you can share about walking around dressed like an elf on set when the camera wasn’t rolling?
One day after wrap, I had a flight to catch and decided it was a brilliant idea to keep my elf ears on. And my flight was delayed, so I was stuck at LAX for like 4 hours. It was insane. I thought it was hilarious, but I’m pretty sure I ruined the lives of children that day.
How was it working on the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’?
‘Days’ was nuts. That was my first recurring gig, and also my first time working on a soap, so I had no idea the kind of pace they worked at. They’re pumping out a new episode 5 days a week, so the amount of pages they have to shoot in a day is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Really, I have so much respect for the people working on Soaps.
How did you get started in the business?
For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be an actor. It took me a long time to realize I actually had the guts to go for what I wanted. I started doing print work, then moved to LA when I was 20. It was a slow grind getting my ducks in a row, doing background work just to have the chance to be on a set. There’s an energy and a feeling I get from being on set that I can’t get anywhere else.
What kind of dogs do you have and what are their names?
I’ve got a mini Doberman named Mary Jane, and a lab shepherd mix named Cora. They’re my adopted children. For real, I’m one of those crazy dog mom’s that talks to them all day long.
What is your favorite movie?
That’s a tough question to answer! I’m watching at least one or two new movies per week, so it feels impossible to choose just one. I’m a horror nut, so my allegiance probably lies within that genre.
Since you enjoy cooking, what is your specialty dish you are perfect at creating?
Tabuli! I probably make it every day. My dad is from Lebanon and was the chef in my house growing up, so I’ve got a lot of middle Eastern cuisine in my wheelhouse.
What is your go to cocktail when relaxing?
I call it a “One Off!” It’s reposado tequila, soda water, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Reposado is aged in oak barrels, so there are hints of vanilla…it’s the ultimate skinny margarita.
“Bright” is set in a world populated with both human and alien races. The story follows LAPD officer Daryl Ward (Will Smith) who is forced to work with an Orc (Joel Edgerton). Battling their differences and an onslaught of enemies, they must work together to protect a deadly, thought-to-be-forgotten relic that in the wrong hands could destroy everything. Gray stars as Larika, an elf, and member of “The Inferni” who plays a pivotal role in film.The film premieres on December 22,
The film premieres on December 22, 2017 on Netflix and will be released in select theaters. You can check out the trailer below.
