Rising actress Cheyenne Hernandez is already dominating the box office, after appearing in her debut film and the newest action movie “The Tax Collector” starring Shia LaBeouf and George Lopez.
We were able to have a chat with Cheyenne on her presence in the entertainment industry and her dream role. Check it out below!
“The Tax Collector” is your debut feature film. What was your reaction towards getting the role?
I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. The whole time while filming, I just kept expecting someone to walk up and say, “Thank you for giving it a shot, but you’re fired.” I don’t think I actually let myself get excited until the movie wrapped, and I realized, “Oh.. this is actually really happening!”
How was it playing the villain in a movie? Was the role of “Gata” hard to get into?
I absolutely adored playing the villain. I can’t wait to do it again one day. The role of Gata was special, as I felt like in a way, she was the darkest part of me. She gave life to my nightmares and made me realize just how twisted a human can get if they don’t continuously choose the light. I had to fight my impulses to do good and just embrace her. The challenge came when I had to first tear down all of my walls in order to build Gatas.
You performed your own stunts in this movie. Was that a challenge considering your military background?
It was definitely a challenge, not because of the stunts themselves, but because of the stakes if I messed up a take. I knew that we only had enough equipment to do my stunts twice at the max, so I was under a lot of pressure to nail it. I cannot begin to explain the feeling when David said we got the shot on the first try. I will remember that moment forever.
What actors/actresses inspire your acting performances?
Honestly, I’m blessed enough to have gotten to work alongside someone that inspires me—Shia LaBeouf. I learned something new every single day I worked with him, and by the time filming wrapped, I was both a better actor and a better person. He puts everything into his roles and he pushed me to do the same. I’ve always appreciated art, but he helped me see it in a completely new light.
Is there a specific type of movie that you would be interested in starring in?
If they ever do a female Indiana Jones type role, I want to be all over it. I’ve been longing to be in an adventure type action movie my whole life and I’m really hoping I’ll get to soon. I want to be in all kinds of action films, and I want to keep training in MMA so that I can continue doing my own stunts. I have so much to give these roles. I know I’m only 25, but I’ve lived so many different lives, and I want to use them to create all kinds of unique characters.
“The Tax Collector” has already broken sales records after being the most rented film on Apple TV in its debut weekend. As one of the starring roles, what is your reaction to this high praise?
I am completely over-the-moon with excitement. I am so proud of the cast and crew. We worked so hard together, and every single person showed up every day with passion and excitement to get the job done, and look what we made together. There’s a bit of each one of our souls in that movie, and I think it shows!
Describe “The Tax Collector” in just three words.
Powerful. Intense. Raw.
What are your acting goals? Do you see yourself going into a singing or screenwriting career in the future?
I just want to keep going. I’m hoping to meet people just as passionate as I am and make amazing art together. I can’t wait to meet my next character, and I cant wait to bring them to life. I’m currently writing a screenplay that I hope to see on the big screen one day.
How were your interactions with the cast? Can you share any behind-the-scenes memories and/or funny stories?
I love my cast to pieces. They put up with me and my antics, as if we’ve known each other forever. I had a very hard time trying to find the “sexy” in myself for the role and so all of them did their best to help steer me in the right direction. One day, Shia decided it was time to pull out the big guns and take me salsa dancing so that I could feel more present in my body. I was so uncomfortable at first. I’m not a crowd person or a party person, so I was definitely outside of my comfort zone. I danced with each of the cast members, and they just kept pushing these positive affirmations into me. I tried to play it off, but I was so touched that I wanted to cry. To go from never really fitting in anywhere to all of a sudden having these amazing people telling you how awesome you are—it was just really special.
Well, we are very excited to see your upcoming work on our screens. If we want to follow your journey, where do we find you online?
Sure! You can keep up with my crazy adventures on my Instagram @cheyennerae_hernandez
or Twitter @CheyenneRaeDez
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