Cheli Landa who plays 'Vengalis (the Alien) on 'The Smartlys' was recently interviewed by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications.
SJF: Tell us about your character in The Smartlys
CL: My character is an alien who used to live on this planet and had a relationship with a human woman, but I had to go back to my planet and I use teletransportation to visit the earth. I even came to her wedding.
I like the idea of being strong and powerful, magic, mysterious and speaking with an accent. I wear a sparkling silver shirt that makes it interesting. I come back for the woman I love, who leaves her husband on Earth for me. I’m very much like the alien!
SJF: What are three things about you that we don’t know about ‘you’ (not your character)!
CL:
1. I used to be a makeup artist for the most famous Latin entertainers of the Latin world. I had my own TV spot on Univision and Telemundo sponsored by Cover Girl, Max Factor and Maybelline among others, and I've made many commercials.
2. I lived in Mexico and worked as an actor in about 50 films in Spanish and made NARCA in English, directed by Hollywood Director Roger Ellis. Since I've been back to the US, I went to many auditions before The Smartlys.
3. I booked a radio spot on Radio Formula during Covid 19. I did auditions which they liked, so I might have my own show next year. I’m on air Thursdays a 7:30 am Radio Formula 930am, www.radioformulabc.com on Facebook.
SJF: What compelled you to audition for The Smartlys?
CL: My agent saw the ad and knowing I was in San Diego ask me to go. I had a dilemma, I didn’t know what character to audition for between the psychologist and the golfer. I was told to show up for the audition when they saw my picture. I thought I didn’t have a chance but they told me to audition anyway. I knew the lines for the golf player so I did it and knew I did good.
Someone told me to wait after the audition while everybody else just left. I was very nervous waiting and I was going to leave when I was told my audition was great and they had another character for me which was the alien.
Shelley hugged me and said you are part of The Smartlys, congratulations. So my accent and my looks work for me instead of being a barrier.
SJF: Words of wisdom/advice for actors?
CL: I tell other actors: don't be timid, show up for auditions - otherwise you will never know what can happen. Take acting classes, singing, diction, commercials and rehearse the lines. Do cold readings by yourself, follow the director’s indications and do as they say. Don’t show up if you are not sure. Plan a photo session for head shots.
Keep a positive attitude. Anything is possible.
SJF: How can we follow you on social media?
CL: Follow me Cheli Landa on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and at IMDB: Cheli Landa.
SJF: Many thanks, Cheli!
