Meet Vivi Devereaux: Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivi Devereaux and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivi, how do you think about risk?
My word. This is a big one.

My thoughts on risk…are tumultuous at the best of times. But I think it’s what pushes us all forward not just as society but as a species overall. Those of us who are on the bleeding edge. Who constantly ask what is possible and then what lies beyond that limit.

For me personally, I realized that I wanted to be an artist and to define it further. An actor. This was the furthest thing I wanted to do. The risks of doing something that has such a low probability of success in an innately unstable field? That has a huge element of risk.

What makes it even more of a challenge is that I moved continents to do this. Solo. No family. No friends. Just the biggest internal drive of “I have something to offer. I wish to be seen. I wish to be heard”.

We all have that desire in us. Some of us choose to listen to that voice inside that pushes us forward. That risks being alone, jailed, ostracized, ridiculed.

In this way, in telling stories that push the limits of what we think is possible, that has the knock on effect of inspiring others in their respective fields to do the same.

The bravery of taking on that risk, has the potential for huge reward. For all of us. It’s how we as humans, take the next step forward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an actor, I have always felt the responsibility to tell the truth. Whatever that truth may be. And to honor the story that I’m telling, as you never know how it will touch someone. But closer to home, you never know how it will touch YOU.

I’m a pretty quiet individual usually. I had to grow up quickly and this meant a lot of responsibility very early on. This means that there were times I couldn’t feel free to express what I was really thinking or experiencing. The responsibilities were too immense.

Being an actor, fully immersed, allows me to finally feel free emotionally. To express the very things that have had to be shut down and repressed when I was growing up. When a role calls me to do or feel a certain way, it can be utterly terrifying. But so very liberating when I give myself the permission to go there. And feeling what I feel…good, bad, ugly and forgiving it? Is one of the most beautiful and connected feelings ever.

I’m excited about each role that comes next. For it’s another chance to feel fully present in my body. And in life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d say brunch has to start in Silver Lake with All Day Cafe, then at some point I’d take a trip to Santa Clarita for the Newhall hike one day. Head over to On The Thirty on Ventura for a an evening bite. The next day head over to City Kitchen in Noho for brunch then blast over to Malibu for a beach day before doubling back to Nabu Wines in Westlake Village for a flight then a quick change and end up in Eveleigh in WeHo for dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shoutout goes to my mentor Mr. Alfred Molina. Not only has he been generous with his time and advice. But he has been an ear without judgement to some of my biggest challenges both artistically and personally. I’m forever grateful. Special mention goes to a high school teacher Mrs Grantham who once posted a message on the white board after class “Do not hide your greatness. You must show it so that others can see it, and become great too”.

We must never make ourselves small to fit in. That’s a lesson I have never forgotten.

Website: ViviDevereaux.com

Instagram: @Vividevereaux

Twitter: @ViviDevereaux

Facebook: Vivi.Devereaux

Image Credits
Chris Violette