Lindsey Morgan Interview

Created by Jason Rothenberg and based on a book by Kass Morgan, “The 100” is set 97 years after a nuclear Armageddon wiped out the population on Earth and left the planet uninhabitable. The remaining 400 survivors were in space at the time the nukes went off, living among a dozen space stations that were brought together to create an Ark where humanity went on to live for three generations. Lindsey plays “Raven Reyes,” a strong-willed young mechanical engineer, who is not afraid to break the rules when necessary.

If that wasn’t enough, Lindsey will soon star as the lead Ariana Vita, opposite Jean Luc Bilodeau (“Baby Daddy”) in the upcoming television movie, CASA VITA, which follows a young man living on an Iowan farm, who is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional baseball player and becomes elated when he is invited to a major league tryout camp in Los Angeles. It’s not long before he meets an equally impassioned young woman with a desire to pursue her dream of having her own restaurant. However, it’s not always a bad thing when dreams take a bit of a detour. Latina, intelligent and gorgeous, Ariana Vita is the older sister of a wannabe pro ball player training with Early at a major league tryout camp. Hard-working with a passion for food, eager to institute changes at the family restaurant, she butts heads with her stubborn, unwilling-to-change father. Undeterred, she opts, without telling her parents, to open her own restaurant. In the interim, she becomes intrigued with handsome young Early who asks to work at the family restaurant, despite having no prior experience.  Nonetheless, there is clearly chemistry between the two and Early proves to be a quick study in the kitchen. CASA VITA is written by Michael Stiles and Nathan Atkins and directed by Ernie Barbarash. The film will be produced by Larry Livens, and will air on Pixl.

Born in Georgia and raised in Houston, Texas, this Latin beauty began her acting career during her first year at The University of Texas, booking guest roles on critically acclaimed television series such as “My Generation” and “Friday Night Lights.” Building on that momentum, Lindsey made her big screen debut as the mean cheerleader “Alexis Spencer” alongside Josh Hutcherson, Dane Cook, and Shanley Caswell in Sony Pictures’ horror-comedy DETENTION, directed by Joseph Kahn. She later landed the lead role of “Maria” in the MTV original movie DisCONNECTED. The film follows four young people living in different cities, who know each other through a live streaming site; all of them are dealing with digital drama that complicates their loves, friendships and lives. One night, it all spins out of control.

We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?

My entrance into acting was pretty standard but also very tragic. I was in college pursuing a theatre degree when I really wanted to do film, so I worked up the nerve, dropped out of school and moved myself to LA. From there I just started talking to everyone I could about the industry, and a lot of googling! I found myself a class and then a manager and then an agent, however, they were not the best representation and after a year of floundering and being taking advantage of a bit, I finally found a new class, where the teacher really championed my career. He introduced me to the right representation and then I actually started to work. So my advice is to yes, do your research and talk to everyone but make sure whomever you are talking to is worth listening to.

What part of your job do you find the most challenging? 

I would say the off-time can be a little frustrating, as well as the lack of routine. Everyday is different! Also, when you are not on set working, you are left to your own devices and have to self motivate yourself to continue to do work for yourself and on your craft on your own terms without any telling you to or a team to work with. I am very social so I sometimes wish I had an office I could go to everyday and see my friends!

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

William Shakespeare. I think he is a genius. I would just love to talk to him endlessly about his work and his knowledge and his gift of language. It is so intricate and also so simple. He is so utterly intriguing and fascinating to me.

Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why? 

Tim Taylor, my manager extraordinaire. Single handedly saving me from every straight creep in west hollywood!

Name one your strengths? 

I have a really awful memory sometimes, especially when it comes to rejection. Or maybe I just block it out. But I think this is a strength because it never allows me to dwell on negativity. Whenever something does not go my way I of course get upset and can feel frustrated but never for too long. I am over practically everything in about 24 hours max. This has helped me to continue in this career enthusiastically.

How do you spend your spare time?

I love fitness, so I am always trying some new work out or hiking or biking or just being active! I also love to travel so I am always trying to plan trips to new destinations with my friends. Music festivals are also a big thing for me, I am quite addicted.

Tell us about your character on “The 100”?

I play Raven Reyes, a zero-g mechanical engineer on the Ark Space Station. I call her the MacGyver of the show because she is so smart, she can basically build anything that needs a spark. She is a total bad-ass, guy’s girl with a sarcastic wit and a true inner strength to her.

We see you don’t stop, tell us about “CASA VITA”?

CASA VITA is a film centered around the Vita Family and their authentic Mexican restaurant, CASA VITA. I play the oldest daughter, Ariana, a sous chef in her fathers kitchen with aspirations of breaking out on her own as a fusion chef despite her fathers lack of encouragement. Her brother Beto is an aspiring baseball player that makes friends with another boy with a dream, Early Lingstrom from Iowa. Early begins to work in CASA VITA and him and Ariana find themselves unexpectedly bonding and pursuing their dreams.

How would you describe your style? 

I do love and appreciate fashion, since I really love all art. But I am so terribly casual and comfy, I am usually running around in jeans and a tee or work out gear. I guess you would call it California casual or just lazy!

Name 3 things you can not live without? 

My iPod, Nike flyknit kicks, and mascara.

What are guilty pleasures food wise?

I loveeee ice cream but I always try to opt for the healthier version of frozen yogurt! I also love a good steak and pie!

Best advice ever given?

Smile at the world and the world smiles back – my mom.

If you had a time machine what year would you go back to and why?

Maybe back in college, 2008, I was very serious about my career and succeeding, I never got a chance to enjoy myself before I dropped out and moved to LA.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

Hopefully, with a little gold statue or two. 😉 I would love to be continuing working on a prime time TV show and doing films. Also, I want to be more involved in charitable work in my community, so I am really focusing on that aspect of my life.

What do you think of Social Media?

I think it is a great way to connect to people and share your life with them but I also limit myself and the time I spend on it because it can be such a life suck. I much rather be interacting with life then viewing it through a screen!

Favorite Music: 

I have really eclectic taste. I love hip-hop, indie, EDM, folk and pop!

Quote: 

“You are the one you have been waiting for.” – Rumi

Travel Destination:

Japan!! I went there the first time last year and fell in love. I could live in Tokyo.

Bar/Nightclub:

I do not go out too often. But I always have fun at La Descaraga, it is a salsa bar!

Social Media handles:

Twitter – @linzzmorgan

Instagram – @linzzmorgan

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Photo credit: Russell Baer