Cristina Rosato Interview

Our interview with gorgeous actress Cristina Rosato who stars in “LITTLE ITALY” alongside Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen. In the film she works directly alongside Hayden Christensen and Emma Roberts as their best friend, Gina. The modern Romeo and Juliet story is buzzing to be a potential revival of the classic rom-com genre.

Cristina is well-known in the Canadian film industry as she has amassed various roles on the big and small screens. Some of her notable roles include The CW’s “Reign” and “iZombie”, Showcase’s “Lost Girl”, SYFY’s “Bitten” and recently in CBS’s “Bull” where she guest starred as Sofia Dern. Cristina has had recurring roles on SYFY’s “Helix”, Global TV’s “Remedy” and a large recurring story arc on Sony/Crackle’s “The Art of More” opposite Dennis Quaid and Kate Bosworth. On the big screen she has appeared in Darren Aronofsky’s MOTHER!, BAD SANTA 2 opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Christina Hendricks, and a supporting role in the indie ANOTHER KIND OF WEDDING alongside Kathleen Turner and Wallace Shawn.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Passionate, dorky, foodie.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My dad!

How did you get started in the industry?

My cousin Bruno helped me get a meeting with my first agent in Montreal. That agent advised me to take an acting class with late Meisner coach Jacqueline McClintock, who became my dear friend and mentor.

What was your first acting role?

I played Cheryl in a student film called One Hot Rotting Zombie Love Song, where I fell in love with a zombie who wanted to stop eating brains. Hah!

What are the best and worst parts of being an actress?

Best part is always challenging and pushing myself in new experiences and roles. Worst part is the rejection.

Best advice ever given?

There are two that really resonate with me. The first is by Oprah, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” The second is “It’s a marathon and not a race”. I don’t remember who originally said that one, but it’s very true. Jacqueline had said it to us in class one night. It really resonates often.

Tell us about your film “LITTLE ITALY”

Little Italy is a modern day Romeo and Juliet, set in a world with two feuding family-run pizzerias. It is a feel good rom-com that will leave you wanting pizza!

Tell us about your character.

I play Gina, Emma and Hayden’s childhood best friend. Gina never left Little Italy, she is a good old salt-of-the-earth type of woman. She is a little crass and has a lot of heart.

Tell us about working alongside Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen.

Hayden is such a gentleman. He was really getting into his character, Leo, and since I am Italian, we chatted a lot about the people and that world. Emma was so much fun, she is such a natural and we couldn’t believe how much pizza we were actually eating on set. We all laughed non-stop.

What was your most memorable experience from the set that you can share?

Probably the scene where we were all at the bar before Leo challenges Nikki to a game of soccer, it was SO HOT, we were all sweating buckets. It was middle of summer in Toronto, so you can imagine the humidity! I think it was the hottest I’ve ever been on set.

What are some of your favourite projects you’ve work on?

This film is one of them! I also loved working on a web series called Ghost BFF because it was created by my good friend Vanessa Matsui and I got to work with some amazing women.

Which project(s) are on your bucket list?

I want to get back on stage, so Broadway!! Also, I’d love to do a remake of an old classic Loren film.

3 things you can’t leave your house without?

Besides the obvious (phone, wallet) I’d say lip balm, a hat and a snack.

What kind of music is on your frequent rotation?

Lots of hip hop, but also lots of grunge.

Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?

The Sunday NY Times Crossword and coffee, then brunch with friends and maybe an early evening movie.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

That I do crossword puzzles every morning

What is a typical day like in your life?

Wake up, water my garden, make coffee, do a crossword puzzle, then study/read a script. Workout, see friends. (Though all this changes if I’m working!)

What is your favorite healthy food?

Hmmm, lentils.

And your favorite cheat food?

Chips!!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Living somewhere with my man, dividing time between work and making olive oil, spending time with the family.

Do you support any charities?

Yes! I donate to a few charities. I give whenever I can.

Where we can follow you?

On instagram @rosato / Twitter: @rosats

Favorite quote: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey

“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti !” – Sofia Loren 🙂

Favorite drink: Some natural fermenty funky wine.

Favorite song: I’m back on that old school, so Spottieottiedopalicious by Outkast.

Favorite sports team: Montreal Canadians !!! And A.S. Roma

Favorite movie of all time: Call Me By Your Name.

Photo Credit: Aladdin Ishmael