Calamos Supports Greece
GreekReporter.comHollywoodMarilyn Friday: Greek-American Actress With a Dream

Marilyn Friday: Greek-American Actress With a Dream

Marilyn Friday (nee “Paraskevi”) started acting when she was just 12 years old. The pretty Greek-Brit, whose maternal roots are in the Cypriot towns of Layia and Kato Drys, landed her first big audition in 1998. She tried out for the lead role in The Parent Trap, but it went to Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan.

Ever since, Friday has appeared in commercials and films – including a small dance role in Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – as well as a few American and British (her father is from London) television shows.

In her new project, “Only in LA,” she joins an ensemble cast in a film that deals with a wide range of social issues including human trafficking, traditional gender roles, gay rights, the porn industry, and alcoholism.

Greek Reporter spoke with Friday as well as Only in LA Co-director and Co-writer Jus Riddick about the film. We also learned more about the actress’s Greek roots and her goals for the future.

Jus, you co-wrote and co-directed Only in LA. How did the idea for the film come about?

I love the concept of a vignette style feature. It allows the freedom to cover a wide range of social issues including human trafficking, traditional gender roles, gay rights, alcohol abuse, the porn industry, and a deconstruction of the film industry itself. I wanted each vignette to have its own feel, so some are dramatic while others are comedic. The Hollywood vignette may be my favorite as it pays homage to the film noir genre.

Marilyn takes on the role of Maz. What’s the character like?

Marilyn: I play a young businesswoman who is very concerned with her image. However, she has a heart of gold and is a person who the audience wants to root for.  She becomes less concerned with her image as she begins to see the prejudices the gay community in West Hollywood faces, and decides to help make a change.

How was the vibe on-set?

Marilyn: I have worked on many feature films and Only in LA has been one of my favorite sets to work on. There was such a great atmosphere on set and the support everyone gave one another was incredible. I feel very honored to have worked with such a talented cast and crew.

The other co-writer/director is Robert Filios. Is he Greek?

Jus: That was the first thing I asked when I met him! As it turns out he is Italian. I still wonder (laughs).

Why have the backdrop for the film be LA?

Jus: Los Angeles was the perfect choice … and not simply because I live there. First, it is a shining example of a city with glitz, glamour, and big dreams, but it has another side. This other side is a dark one where failed dreams and ulterior motives dwell. Another reason for LA was the different burrows and communities each with their own style and inhabitants. Each vignette is set in a different part of town, allowing for even more differentiation in style.

What festivals have you submitted to?

Jus: We finished and submitted to the Sundance Film Festival at the deadline. I’m so happy we made it. The movie will also be sent to South by Southwest (SXSW), Berlin International, and many other top festivals. With rising stars like Marilyn, Haley Strode, and Kaylon Hunt, the festivals will be chomping at the bit.

Marilyn, let’s talk a little bit about your background and career. Being Greek, did you feel you had to change or shorten your name for the industry?

Marilyn: Marilyn is after my Greek grandmother, whose name was Maria. Friday is my middle name and I am named after my Greek grandfather, whose name was Barry. In Greek, the female version for Barry (Paraskeva) is Friday (Paraskevi). I was actually encouraged to change my stage name to Marilyn Friday as it was more ‘showbiz.’ When I changed it, I oddly was getting called in more frequently and it’s a name people always seem to remember.

Do you visit Greece often?

I love Greece. Athens is my favorite place to go. I try to visit as often as I can, as well as Cyprus.

What was your first acting gig?

My first acting job was a film called Damaged. I played a young girl who was trying to fit into an upper class society. It was very exciting and I can still remember how nervous I was before they called ‘Action!’

Do you have your heart set on a dream role?

My dream role would be to play a lead in a forbidden love story. Possibly something like Kate Winslet’s character Rose in Titanic.  I know that probably sounds kind of cliché, but I am a romantic at heart.

Who would be your ideal co-star?

I have always admired Meryl Streep and would love to work with her. I truly believe in every role she has ever taken on. She is incredibly talented.

Finally, what’s next for you?

I am currently working on a series (called) Melody and Her Many Men, which is a comedy based on a Greek-British writer who travels to LA to pursue her dreams. However, she ends up getting more than what she bargained for when she begins work at a literary agency and all the men begin to take a liking to her. The audience follows her love life as well as her Hollywood dreams.

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!



Related Posts