Meet MONIKA EKIERT, born in Poland and raised in France, who moved to LA last year to pursue her acting career and now has a particularly iconic role coming up…
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I always believed in the magic of this city of angels. And now something magical has happened for me. I am soon to act in an LA stage version of classic film The Seven Year Itch playing the part which first made the great Marilyn Monroe an icon. Things like this prove the power of belief. Another of my dreams is to work with Steven Spielberg. I admire so much his vision and work. In magical Los Angeles, you feel such dreams could come true.
What do you miss most from home?
My parents. They are alone in Poland in my hometown. My father is very sick and fills his days watching TV. Their dream is to see their daughter on the big screen before it’s too late. When I was in France they couldn’t see my work on TV back in Poland. So one of the reasons to come to the USA was because whatever you do here in TV and film it goes everywhere. And I want to make them proud.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
When I arrived last year it was a shock for me. I had already come to the USA previously but for short periods every time. But when I arrived for my new life, armed only with two suitcases, closing all the doors behind me and starting a new chapter in LA I was so afraid. The culture, the system and the mentality are very special and so different from mine.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus your home town in Poland?
Everything is possible in LA, you just must be at the right place in the right moment. The dreams and the positive energy are the tools to attract these opportunities.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
The view of Los Angeles from Mulholland Drive. It cheers me up and gives me the courage for everything I decide to do. You can see this place in the film La La Land when Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are dancing there.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
‘Find your community. I’ve made great friends in the French and Polish communities in LA but also through the wonderful Brits in LA community which I was introduced to by Sandro Monetti, who is acting with me and directing the play I mentioned at the start.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Listen to your heart. Stay true to yourself, always be open to learn and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. No matter what you do in life to stay focused, work hard always give your best. Show gratitude. Don’t complain. Tomorrow is another day and everything can happen.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Come see our play at the Hollywood Fringe in June! Tickets are on sale now and going fast. Just go to www.hollywoodfringe.org and search The Seven Year Itch. You can also follow me on my instagram @MonikaEkiert and on Facebook/monika.ekiert.35.
Thanks for reading and come and say hello at the play!
