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Award-winning actress Anna Stadler has quickly made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances in both television and film.
Although she hails from a place far from the bustling film sets of Texas, Anna’s connection to the Lone Star State has grown stronger over the years. With over 28 upcoming projects in the pipeline, some of which will be filmed in Texas, Anna is poised to take the industry by storm. Her latest feature, Back in Action, showcases her incredible talent alongside Hollywood heavyweights Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, earning her even more recognition for her artistic versatility. (On January 25, 2025, Back in Action became the biggest Netflix film debut since 2022 with over 46.8 million views!)
Anna’s impressive resume reflects her dedication to her craft, fueled by a childhood passion for acting that ignited during her early school years. With a theatre background that fortified her skills and confidence, she has transitioned seamlessly into various roles across genres. As she prepares for numerous filming opportunities in Texas, Anna looks forward to exploring the vibrant culture and warmth of the state, further enriching her already colorful journey in the arts. Each endeavor presents new challenges and triumphs, reinforcing her determination to leave a lasting impact on the industry and inspire future generations of artists.
We had some time to chat with Anna, recently, about her amazing acting journey and growing popularity.
Anna, congratulations on your award-winning career in TV and film! At what age did you discover your passion for acting and storytelling, and what sparked that initial interest?
“Thank you for the opportunity to interview! It’s an honor to speak with you. I attended a private elementary school that allowed me early access to education in the arts, so that certainly helped inspire me. I specifically remember being in a play in first grade as the rat Templeton in Charlotte’s Web, and the laughter of the audience felt like no other feeling before; somehow, from that moment, I just knew it was my destiny. It wasn’t until middle school that my training became more focused. I will always be grateful for Kevin Jones of Kevin Jones Performing Arts School for being the first in the industry to really believe in my talents and push me outside of my comfort zone. He is literally the reason I attended that first open house that landed me my first agent and started me on my career path.”
You’ve had formal training in both acting and voice. Can you tell us about your experience in theatre and how it influenced your transition to film and TV?
“I adore nothing more than a live performance, even though now I attend as an audience member! I was in musical theatre throughout middle and high school and the experiences definitely gave me the confidence I needed to pursue this as a career. In my early teens, I realized that my passion was in TV and film, so I switched my focus. The main thing I credit my time on the stage with though, besides building confidence, is that it trained me to memorize my lines and be prepared to get scenes right on the first take, as there’s no do-overs with a live audience. I’ve had many directors tell me I’m one of the most prepared they’ve worked with, and I believe my time in theatre gets the credit for ingraining that habit in my work ethic.”
What drew you to the world of screenwriting and music, and how do you balance your creative pursuits in these areas with your acting career?
“I’ve enjoyed writing as far back as I can remember. I recently found an old iPod Touch I had as a kid and after charging it, watched myself acting out multiple act plays that I’d written with me acting out all the various characters. I literally changed my hair/wardrobe/voice and played all the parts. As far as the musical background, I always enjoyed singing, but I had a musical artist reach out to me in my middle teens to inquire about me helping write songs. It was a bit too structured for my creativity, but I enjoyed the process and can certainly see me doing that again some time in my career. A goal of mine is to record a music video with me as the vocalist and writer.”
You’ve worked on a variety of projects, but do you have a favorite role or film that stands out to you, and why?
“Hmmm…that’s a hard one! So many favorites, but I’d have to say my favorite so far is a project I just completed for Reelshort App. They are super-fast paced and you cover a lot of material over a short period of time. It’s almost like recording live theatre for TV, if that makes sense. The characters are extremely dramatic, also like theatre, but it somehow still stays true to TV/film projects at the same time. They have a soap opera type appeal, in that it’s ridiculously scripted to the point it’s comedic, but not delivered as comedy. The juxtaposition of the high drama while being humorous was a fun challenge.”
You’ve filmed in Texas and have visited Austin. What was it like working on set in the Lone Star State, and did you get a chance to explore the vibrant city of Austin during your visit?
“I loved my time in Texas and definitely hope to go back for a visit when I can do more exploring soon! The people were as beautiful and welcoming as the city herself. I filmed mostly about an hour outside of the city, so the drive through Austin into the country allowed me to see various parts of the area. The bustling traffic reminded me of my current hometown of Atlanta, which I actually like. It’s an oddly comforting feeling to have so many people around you when traveling.
“I have a couple of projects booked that will film around the Dallas and Fort Worth areas, so I look forward to seeing those areas, and visiting some friends that call it home.”
Your passion for animal rescue is well-known, and you’re an active volunteer and foster for several local organizations. What inspired you to get involved in animal rescue, and how do you balance this commitment with your demanding acting schedule?
“My family has always worked in animal rescue, so it’s a memory as old as I am. We lost two of our babies in 2024 – a senior dog that I literally grew up with to old age and then another one I’ve had since sixth grade unexpectedly to a stroke. That’s the hard part of working with animals, losing them is always inevitable. I used to foster kittens for the Humane Society that either had lost their mom or were too sick to stay in the shelter. There is nothing better than seeing my previous foster babies on social media thriving and enjoying the life they deserve. I haven’t had as much time this last bit with filming and travel to volunteer, but I stay connected when I can’t donate as much time, by donating items that are needed and just helping spread awareness of the causes, especially locally.”
As a student leader and member of Phi Theta Kappa, you’re an exceptional example of dedication and hard work. How do you manage to balance your academic responsibilities with your professional pursuits in the entertainment industry?
“It’s not always easy, for sure! I made the decision to become an online student back in tenth grade, to better allow the flexibility I need to be able to chase the dream of acting professionally. So far, it’s worked out great! Online college classes mean that I can watch the lectures on my time schedule and complete the assignments during the week when I have the time available. It’s not uncommon for me to be taking an exam at 2 a.m. or completing an assignment from a hotel room or airport while in transit. I’m kind of a perfectionist, so there’s no way I could keep my grades where I want them to be if I was missing live lectures as a brick and mortar student.”
You’ve achieved great success at a relatively young age. What advice would you give to aspiring young actors who are just starting out in the industry?
“Don’t listen to the naysayers! My first acting coach never even allowed me to audition for roles other than background, so they clearly didn’t see potential in me or have the ability to nurture/grow my confidence. Find that perfect fit coach and work with them to train, train, train. Great acting can come naturally, but professional training teaches you all the other nuances that are so needed to succeed in the industry at a high level. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and don’t count the No’s and let them drown out the Yes that you’ll eventually hear if you keep at it. Always work hard, as nothing, especially in this industry comes easy. Also, don’t ever pay for an opportunity. So many are trying to buy their way in nowadays and those jobs you purchase always look exactly like that to professionals in the industry.”
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re excited about, both in front of and behind the camera?
“Now you know, those are almost always secrets! (Laughs) I am working on a script for a series that I’ve been writing for a couple years. In my mind, I have it partially cast with a director in mind, but I need to put the pieces in place to start making it a reality. That’s more a long-term goal than a short one. I have had several series regular/contract role callbacks and last round auditions for network TV. That’s my short-term goal, for sure. My ultimate goal is to have a long running character on a series…think Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy or Rachel on Friends. I know some actors shy away from being typecast as a particular character, as it’s hard to break that shell once you’re a character that’s well known, but to dive deep and build a relationship with one character and see them develop over a long run would be an amazing experience and the ultimate challenge to me.”
Finally, looking back on your journey so far, what do you hope your legacy will be as an actress, writer, and advocate for animal welfare?
“As an actor and as a person, my greatest hope is that over my life I inspire someone to do something. Everything we do impacts the world, and if I can give anyone the inspiration to do something professionally or personally that brings them or others joy or pushes them out of their comfort zone in growth, then it’s all been a success. I read somewhere — sorry, I don’t remember who to credit — that true success is in building a happy life where what you do, what you say and how you live are all in harmony, and I strive to create that balance for myself. Ideally, I’d like to be known as an entertainer and a person who isn’t willing to compromise who I am to get to where I want to be.”
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Cover photo Michelle Cichelli
Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.
