As an actress and inspiring role model, Rachele Brooke Smith has quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood. She has starred in a variety of films, television, and national ad campaigns, while continuing to expand her creative pursuits and spread her message of healthy living and positivity.
The next year is shaping up to be a huge one for Rachele in film. Rachele has a long list of films set for release in 2016 including: ‘The Nice Guys’ with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe; ‘Bomb City’ which depicts one of the most notorious hate crimes in U.S. history; in the independent gymnastics film ‘Chalk It Up’; and a lead role in ‘Cold Moon’ from the writer of ‘Beetlejuice’ and the ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’.
In addition to her upcoming films, Rachele’s past filmography includes ‘Iron Man 2’, ‘Burlesque,’ ‘A Place In The Heart’, ‘Help! My Gumshoe’s An Idiot!’, as well as leading roles in ‘Center Stage: Turn It Up’, ‘Bring It On: Fight To The Finish’, and ‘Pop Star’.
On the small screen, Rachele recently appeared on Fox’s hit show ‘Scream Queens’ and later on this year, will be seen in Lifetime’s TV movie, ‘Center Stage: Dance Camp’. Additional TV credits include: Fox’s ‘Glee’, FX’s ‘Anger Management’, CBS ‘How I Met Your Mother’, HBO’s ‘Entourage’, and CBS’ ‘Two and a Half Men’.
Rachele has a degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. When not acting, Rachele is passionate about her charity, UNBREAKABLE, active in humanitarian aid and volunteers her time to organizations benefiting the homeless, women, and children in need. Rachele’s goal is to spread her philosophy of using the arts and athletics as therapy for life and has been traveling around the country doing motivational speaking engagements, teaching master classes in dance to kids and teens, and producing her motivational web show UNBREAKABLE.
UNBREAKABLE is Rachele’s mission to share messages on ways to stay healthy, live happy and to encourage others to believe in their personal power to make their dreams a reality. Weekly videos are produced featuring her behind the scenes as she goes after her dream of becoming an award winning actress, doing dance and fitness tutorials. She aspires to be a positive role model for all those who have eyes on her.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Fun. Passionate. Unbreakable.
How did you start in the entertainment business? & Who inspired you into acting?
I started out as a gymnast before getting into entertainment, but it never was the actual gymnastics that was my true love. Instead it was the performing aspect of it all. After breaking my hand in a bad accident, I remember thinking about how unhappy I was with the stress of the gymnast lifestyle and that I didn’t want to live that way anymore. Around that same time I went with my family to see the movie Center Stage by Nicholas Hytner. This particular film was so powerful for me, I literally couldn’t move. Even after everyone else had left the theater I was still sitting there with an overwhelming feeling. I just knew in that very powerful moment that I will never forget this. The acting, dancing, and performing were exactly what I wanted to do. That is what I felt I was born to do.
The next years leading up until graduation I enrolled into a variety of acting and dance classes before and after school learning my craft. After graduation I was accepted into an intense one year program. After the program completion there was a casting call for Center Stage: Turn It Up (the sequel to the very film that changed me as a little girl). My initial reaction was thinking there was no way this could have been happening. It seemed so surreal, almost not even possible. I will never forget the moment, sitting at home in my room after deciding not to go, when I had this overwhelming feeling of I had to go. It was so powerful that it honestly felt like it pushed me out the door and to the audition. I had that feeling through the next month or so, and what seemed like a rollercoaster ride of emotions of my childhood dream being so close but yet so far away. I ended up having to go in 6 different times for that role then finally got the call that I booked the Lead in the sequel to the movie that changed my life as a little girl. I auditioned and landed the lead role for the film. It was a dream come true, and that film ultimately was what inspired me to get into acting. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, so surreal, so challenging, and so beautiful all at the same time. From this experience and many others that have a similar theme I created my Brand Unbreakable.
Tell us about your role in your upcoming film “The Nice Guys”?
I play a character named Julie that just wants to have a good time and be the life of the party.
How is working along with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe?
I loved working with Ryan Gosling. It was so nice to be able to work with someone who is so talented, successful, and who is under a lot of stress and yet still be so wonderful to everyone regardless of who they were. I really appreciate that quality in anyone but especially in the film industry.
Tell us about your role in “Bomb City”?
Bomb city is such an amazing true story and one that I know will have an incredibly positive impact on the world. I am incredibly passionate about changing the way people view and treat each other (especially those who are different from them) and I know this film will do exactly that so I am super excited about it. I am also very excited to play a punk rock bad ass character.
And now tell us about “UNBREAKABLE”?
Unbreakable was inspire greatly form my “center stage” story and is centered around what I have learned along my journey of both going after and achieving really big dreams. The Unbreakable mindset is powered by the Unbreakable Trinity, to connect and get stronger everyday in the three main essences that make up you, not just one, but all three; Kardia, Soma, & Myalo. (3 greek words that represent mental, physical, spiritual/emotional strength) It’s using the power of film and story telling to help viewers realize and shift the stories they are telling themselves into beliefs and perspectives that are empowering. Its about believing in your ability to get back up again when you fall down and knowing that whatever happens, that you have the ability and the strength, to not only figure things out, but that you will be stronger and better because of it. Its viewing your body and your life as an amazing gift and adventure, its living consciously everyday knowing that the small choices you make everyday, from the food you put into your body to the way you treat random strangers, all the way to how you talk to and treat yourself matters and its these small little acts that are shaping your overall health, success, and happiness. Unbreakable Productions (my company) provides fun, uplifting, and inspirational content (and products coming soon) on a regular basis to help viewers discover their strength within, utilize the power of inner-inertia, and remain Unbreakable through life’s challenges.
I believe we all can “bend” from circumstances in our life, and we can also choose to never “break.” That is what it truly means to be unbreakable, it is knowing no matter what happens in life you will be stronger and better because of it. It is about believing in your ability to get back up again when you fall down. This mindset, or movement, is really powerful to me and I want to be able to share it with everyone I can. I have a new E-Book that will be coming out really soon about becoming unbreakable with everything in your life. It was created in a workbook style so people can really take the time to visualize their dreams, which one of the first steps to making them become a reality. I encourage everyone to check it out when it gets released, I really believe it can changes the lives of others like living the unbreakable mindset has done for me.
How and when did you start into fitness?
I got into fitness right after I stopped doing gymnastics and got a little freaked out by the weight I started to gain.
What is your workout routine these days?
I am a big believer in always changing it up. I make sure and go back and forth between all different types of workouts, not only to keep my muscles guessing, but also to enrich my mind and my life. I make sure to always stay open to trying new and possibly unique styles of training, infant last week I just tried my first fitness pole dancing class… and it was amazing. Every time you try something new you will not only learn a new skill, meet new people, build new brain cells, but also keep your life fun, adventurous, and exciting. I do love doing HIIT types of work outs ( I am really loving F45 and Orange Theory right now) one day then the next doing some sort of a hot yoga class…(hot yoga sculpt, power, or bar) That seems to work and feel the best for my body. I am also always dancing and boxing.. I have such a deep love for both and am always so happy when I get to play characters that ether fight or dance. I have also been working daily on my fitness program, Freeyo Fitness- that is powered by the unbreakable mindset. Freeyo Fitness is the Myalo (body) portion on the unbreakable trinity. The workouts are super fun and effective and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I honestly am slightly obsessed with roasted vegetables (The dish at True Food to be specific.) I also absolutely love avocados and salmon!
What is your favorite cheat food?
Dark Chocolate and Almond Butter. Bulletproof Ice Cream and BulletProof VinellaMax bars. I love finding and creating healthy versions of “cheat foods.” For example, Jicama with cinnamon and stevia sprinkled on top (with almond butter sometimes) is delicious. Chocolate mouse made from avocados and cacao powder is also amazing. Then there are chocolate kale chips. So pretty much anything with dark chocolate, but even thought my brain thinks I am “cheating” with something sweet, everything is still quite healthy!
What is your best body part?
My mind- it has almost limitless potential to get stronger and smarter everyday and then I can use that new knowledge and strength to make this world a better place.
Any fitness tips you want to share with us?
Here are a few tips you can find from my Unbreakable E-Book to be released soon!
–Know the reason you are working out! Set an intention for every workout, and if you really want to propel yourself forward, set an intention for everything you do! If you have a big enough reason for why you are doing things, you will always be motivated! Find a why that empowers you!
–Eat lots of organic veggies all throughout the day! Steamed veggies are a personal favorite of mine. They are “free” foods eats as much as you want. They are packed full of nutrition and high water count, exactly what your body needs.
–There is an endless supply of physical activities to choose! Biking, yoga, martial arts, dance, rollerblading, tennis (and the list goes on) are just a few of the many things you can engage in regularly. Don’t allow yourself to get bored. If you are bored, then you are not doing it right!
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
Playing a lead in a hit TV series that impacts, enlightens, and inspires the world playing a character that I love working with incredibly talented, passionate, enlightened cast and crew. Have several block buster hit and award winning films that I have played lead characters in and produced (would love it if one of those films was along side Sandra Bullock). Traveling the world when I am not filming teaching and speaking at unbreakable conferences and workshops. CEO of Mulit-Million dollar brands Unbreakable and Freeyo that impact and inspire people everyday to be better than they where yesterday. Live in both LA and NYC and always be surrounded by supportive, uplifting, loving team, family, and friends. Have helped millions achieve their goals and dreams and live happier, healthier, fulfilling lives. And getting to do all of this with the love of my life in a super supportive, loving , fun relationship.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
My Mom – Her love for others and want to always help anyone in need is the most beautiful thing to me. And Angelina Jolie – Because I just feel that her beauty literally shines from the inside out, both on and off the camera. I admire her strength, confidence, and ability to be so present, powerful, and still. That type of beauty is striking to me and I am on a constant quest to continue to develop that.
Something people don’t know about you?
I never wear matching socks, like ever. It is just my thing.
Do you support any charities?
“Unbreakable Dreams” The Charity Element of company – I feel so passionate about really getting this aspect of my company going. We ask people send in their stories of how they are living the Unbreakable mindset and what their dream/goal is – we pick one a month to help make it a reality in a fun creative way. We will also be doing videos to feature these stories to continue to inspire people to fight for their dreams. I also love working with Empower Her, Agape International Center, A place Called Home, Feed The Hungry
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
No matter what I have going on in my agenda for the day, I always make sure to take a few moments to myself every morning and evening practicing mediation. It’s a great way to power up or power down, and allows me to focus in on my vision board filled with both short-term and long-term goals. Everything that falls in between morning and night can be unique each and every day! I am often traveling in between acting gigs but I try to never lose site of the importance of making each day memorable and fun. I am always finding fun ways to incorporate fitness into my schedule, and often you will see me post videos of this craziness on YouTube! I love being able to share my life like that with others, so demonstrate why we shouldn’t be taking life so seriously all the time.
Check my “Unbreakables” Action-Hero @ Life Playlist here!
What’s the advice you live by?
To question everything and to view life from a creative lense. That everything in life comes down to the story you are telling yourself, who deep down you believe you are. Even if you have spent your entire life believing one thing, you have the power to change that. This actually goes with the book I am writing called,” How to be Action Hero at Life.” The book was inspired by love for films and the power of story telling and also my love for our ability as human to create and shape the life that we want to live. It is based on the idea you are the writer, director, producer, and actor of your movie own, and everyday you have the power to write yourself into whatever character you desire. Its all about the story you are telling yourself and who you believe you truly are. What character are you going to write yourself into today and what kind of movie are you acting in? You have to live your life every single day, why not choose to write yourself into the bad ass action hero character (that I believe we all have within us) and why not act in an incredibly inspirational action adventure film?
What do you think of Social Media?
I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I love all the good it can do for connecting people and sharing inspiration but have I also have a very deep dislike for it taking away real connection with the people you are actually around. Then there are the ways it is ruining relationships, and of course the cyber bullying. I am actually very passionate about these issues and am working on creating a movement to help battle them. This movement will be going strong though Freeyo Fashion (coming soon) and our mission is to FREE people from limiting thoughts and belief systems through super comfy, fun, and inspiring t-shirts that not only make you feel good about yourself but also make you and others who see them think about why they are doing what they do.
Where we can follow you?
IG @Rbrookesmith
Twitter @rachelebsmith
rachelebsmith.com
Facebook/rachelebrookesmith
Youtube/Ubdreams
Favorite Quote: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change.” – Wayne Dyer
Favorite Song: “Halo Me” -Faulkner, Love Myself , Hold Me Up, Casanova, Lush Life, Shut up and Dance
Favorite Travel Destination: Pairs, Vancouver, New York, Cape Town, —do I really have to pick just one?
Favorite Celebrity Crush: Channing Tatum, Ryan Reynolds, Robert Downy Jr, Brat Pitt, Ryan Gosling—again, hard to choose just one! They are all amazing and respectable in their own way.
Favorite Restaurant: I have three that I just LOVE, which are True Food, Bullet Proof, and Sweet Greens.
Favorite Actor/Actress: I have many favorite actors and actresses that I look up to, admire, and study their interviews on a daily basis. These include the amazing Will Smith, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr, Kate Beckinsale, Angelina Jolie, Bradley Cooper, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lawrence. However, I am kind of obsessed with Sandra Bullock! I just love her and have probably watched all of her films and interviews many times over. Sometimes I feel like that obsessed fan, that has this crazy connection with her (even though I have never met her) and I think if any actress has the ability to make people feel this way their is something very special about their work. I love that she takes risks, she doesn’t do what you would expect, and her work is always so honest, genuine, creative, surprising, and fun! She handles all of her fame and success with such class and creativity and brings so much life to every character she plays. I’m just putting it out there, but one day I will play a role alongside her! That is one of my big goals that I play in my head, and I am obviously a huge believer in the power that we all have, through the thoughts that we think, to create our destinies and to make our goals and dreams a reality!
Favorite Book: The Alchemist, The Artist Way, Motivation Manifesto, The Charge, Right Brain Turn Left Brain: The creative way to shut up your inner critic, A Man’s Search For Meaning
Favorite Movie: I honestly don’t think I could name just one! I am so movie obsessed, you can ask any of my family or friends. I still skip down the aisle with excitement anytime I get to go to the Movie Theaters. It definitely is still one of my very favorite things to do. I make it a point to go to the theaters on a regular basis, it is my love and my escape. I am so fascinated by all aspects of movie making and the power they can have on a person’s life. Movies have changed my life and continue to do so on a regular basis. Every time I sit in the theatre after watching a film with huge impact, I close my eyes and commit to myself that I am one step closer to being on that big screen again and inspiring all viewers just as I feel in that moment! But if I really had to name a few favorites they would have to be Joy, Martian, Concussion, Blindside, Shawshank Redemption, Silver Linings Playbook, Contact, 22 Jump Street, Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Princess Bride, Black Swan, Dodgeball, The Proposal, Horrible Bosses, The Help, Truman Show, A Beautiful Mind.
Favorite Drink: Hot green tea with steam coconut milk, BulletProof Coffee, Trim Tonic
