This is Me: Manny Montana

Manny Montana stars as Johnny Tuturro in USA's "Graceland," an undercover FBI agent who works alongside other agents from the DEA and the ICE. Manny sits down with us for a conversation and a shoot to accommodate!

Let’s talk "Graceland."  It quickly became a very popular summer series due to its unique premise, and smart casting. What do you enjoy most about working on such a great drama?

Honestly, my cast mates! They are freakin' hilarious!! We were never not laughing and joking! Even when things were hectic on set and we were against the clock it was always fun! 

Can you talk about landing the role on this show and a bit about the audition process? Did you do anything unique to show you would be perfect for the role?

It was crazy! From the moment I got the script I felt like it was mine. And I say that with no bravado or arrogance. It just left like it belonged to me. But the process itself took so long! I think I had about six to eight auditions! When casting a show I guess the network just really wants to make sure they're casting who they feel is the right person. It was hard but I'm so glad it worked out. Being on a show like "Graceland" is literally a dream come true. 

So tell us more about Johnny.  What makes him tick?  Does it take you a while to get into character, or is he very natural for you?

Johnny is just a really fun character to play. He's always in a good mood and very upbeat, but he's also extremely sensitive so it makes for a lot of great layers to play. My cast mates and the writers are so amazing! No character stays the same. Everyone is always evolving and you never know who to trust! I'm a genuine fan of the show and think we can go far! Honestly, 'Johnny' and I are very different but also very much alike so really it just depends on the scene and premise to figure out how long it'll take to get into character. 

I’ve read that you have always been interested in careers that, maybe I would say, are reserved for dreamers. Tell me about the moment, or series of events, that led you to realize acting was something you would be so passionate about?

I was in college at football practice and my shoulder had just dislocated for the 8th time. I knew I had to make a change. I made the 6 hour drive from Sacramento back home to Long Beach, and decided if I was ever going to chase this dream I've put off and been so scared of for so long, now's the time. The rest is history. 

What three words would you use to describe your personality, and why? 

Tough. Sensitive. Giving. It's just how I was raised. I have such a big family and have always been around so many people that I think you just inherit so many different characteristics. So I think I took a little bit from everybody. But I was always taught to be a giving person. It's just always feels like the right thing to do. 

Any personal ambitions yet unattained? Directing? Producing? Writing?

Oh most definitely! Producing is really on the forefront of my mind. The longer I'm this business the more the idea of putting something together and making it fit like a puzzle is so appealing to me. I want to be a producer on "Graceland" but I really want to understand the position, not just have the credit. And from there expand into movies. 

Now tell us, what are some of the things you are just obsessing over right now? TV Shows, Books, Twitter?

I watch an incredible amount of TV (laughs). I'm so serious, I am and will always be a genuine fan of this pretend world! "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," "Parks & Rec," "House of Cards," "Orange is the New Black," and "Arrested Development!" I could go on forever! (laughs) No matter how much is going on in my life I always make time to watch my shows. It's my therapy. 

What do you enjoy doing on your days off to just get away?

Well we shoot in Florida, so that means I'm 3,000 miles away from my family and friends back home in Long Beach. So if I'm not hanging out with one of my cast mates I'm either working out, at the beach, or just at home reading getting ready for the next day. It's a great life! 

 Can you tell us about any new projects you are working on?

I just got off the set of the Untitled Michael Mann Film. It was a very small role but I just couldn't pass up the chance to work with this legendary actor who I've been a fan of since I was a kid! Other than that, I'm just hunting for the next gig and praying I can work on "Graceland" for several seasons more! 

For all the dreamers out there still working towards their goals, what advice would you impart to them?

Listen to your own intuition! You're the one that has the dream. You're the one that feels it in your bones that this is what you're meant to do. Follow that intuition. Don't listen to people that are in the same beginning stages as you tell YOU what's best for YOU! I know it's cliche, but there's only one you in the world. Be that unique person and shine that light. 

Just for fun:

a. The last movie I watched was… "This is the End." That movie had me in tears I was laughing so hard! b. My mama always told me... Being average is boring. c. I couldn’t live without… Football. It's my first love and I love everything about it. d. What makes me laugh is… My brothers. I laugh harder with them then than any other time in my life! There are certain life long inside jokes that only someone with siblings can ever understand. 

Interviewed by Pauline Aguayo

Photographed by Vince Trupsin Grooming by Amber Bruehl

Beauty Set

Today, we give you a behind the scenes look into an editorial we shot over the weekend with Katherine and Bryden of LA Models. We had so much fun (as always!) and we cannot wait to show our readers the final results from this top secret shoot!

Wouldn't you want to be on set with us too?

Behind the scenes photographed by Brandon Loureiro Photographer: Roneil Chavez Hair Stylist: Richie Roman Makeup Artist: Christina Guerra (Celestine)

Location: Hoyu Studio

This is Me: Claudia Lee

Claudia Lee is an actress and singer who hails from Indiana. She portrays Chloe Grace Moretz's new high school nemesis in "Kick-Ass 2," the sequel everyone is waiting to see on August 16, 2013! We had the pleasure of getting to know Claudia on her set for "This is Me."

Can you tell us maybe the earliest memory you have of why you wanted to become an actress? As a child I dreamed about being in the industry from a very young age. I would constantly ask my parents ‘How come I’m not on TV’ and ‘When are we going to move to Hollywood’. It’s been this constant notion of knowing my purpose in life, and how I always felt that this is something that I must do. I’m so blessed and I pinch myself daily because my dreams are coming true.

The Kick-Ass franchise has blown up since its first release, what was your experience like working on the film? My experience was life changing, and I truly mean that. I fell in love with this project from day one and have always been a fan of the first film and the comic books. I really wanted to create a character that no one has seen before. I spent a lot of time preparing and creating a back-story for “Brooke” and also separating her from all of the ‘mean girls’ that have graced the silver screen. My goal was to go into this film and blow everyone away. I haven’t yet seen the film so hopefully I accomplished my goal. Working with the crew and wonderful cast was such an amazing experience and I created friendships and memories that I will never forget.

Although the film is very action packed and explosive, is there any inspiring messages or thoughts you took away from Kick-Ass 2? There are many messages that this film brings to light, but one of the most important messages it holds is to be honest with yourself and the person that you portray. In “Kick-Ass 2”, Mindy is battling with being a teenager and the realization that she was robbed of her childhood. She lives this ‘double life’ and it’s difficult for her to confront reality in order to figure out who she truly is.

Now, picture a super power you would have. What would that be? A super power that I would love to posses would have to be flying or teleportation. It would save so much time and would be extremely easy to get out of any unwanted or awkward situation.

Besides acting, you’ve also released a song, titled “It Gets Better," which combats bullying in schools. What does the song mean to you and why did you get involved? I believe we all have experienced bullying in some form. As an artist I want to send a message through my work. At the time that I released the single, I was distraught by everything that was taking place in the news, and I wanted to have a voice. When I heard “It Gets Better” I knew I wanted to record the song because it spoke to me. It speaks about having hope and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s such an inspiring song and I thought it would be important to share my feelings on the issue.

If you could have any super hero name of your own choosing, what would it be and why? I never considered or ever thought of myself becoming a superhero. That’s just too much pressure and the injuries would be absolutely painful. But if Brooke were to become a ‘super villain’ I would choose the name ‘Black Widow’ because she’s a manipulative person. Also, Brooke has insecurities, which she covers up while manipulating others and getting her way. She is also meticulous and detailed and plans every move that she makes in life. I believe these actions are similar to a black widow because survival and success are constantly a priority.

If you could work alongside any other actor/actress, who would it be and why? Choosing one single person from the extensive list that I’ve created and still add to; is going to be difficult! I enjoy watching many artists and their approach on becoming a character. I believe the only way to learn and grow is to study the best. I would love to work with Meryl Streep. Her work is so powerful and it inspires me each time I watch her films. She captivates the audience with the choices that she makes, and that motivates me daily to create memorable choices as an actor.

If you could picture yourself in any TV series (past or present), what would it be and why? I would choose either “Married With Children” or “Full House”. I chose these two shows because they resemble the true meaning of family and love even though they are from the past. People watch their favorite shows because it allows them to escape. It gives them an hour or half hour to unwind and forget about their own lives. I believe these shows longevity and popularity were a combination of great writing and the portrayal of normal every day family life. “Surviving Jack” emulates that same message of family in a unique way and of course our writers are brilliant. I’m excited to see the audience reaction to the show and the way that people may reminisce about the 90s!

Interviewed by Pauline Aguayo

Photographed by Vince Trupsin Beauty by Lusine Galadjian for MAC Cosmetics and Chateau De Luce

Special thanks to All Saints