She is gorgeous and brilliant and she is not only an actress but a model. Andrea Bordeaux was born and raised in Texas, Andrea’s mother was enlisted for 6 years and so she grew up right outside Ft. Hood. The second youngest of three sisters describes herself as a ‘proud army brat’. The actress who recently celebrated her 24th birthday moved to New York City after graduating from high school in 2005. She went ahead and studied theatre at Pace University before transferring to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.
Andrea's first acting job was a principal role in a feature film called “Pressure”. She booked it over a year before it finally shot. "We shot in Harlem during the summer and it was so hot outside! Our holding area was in an apartment with no AC. In between scenes, the cast and crew sat around talking and listening to music. It was a great time. My first paid modeling job was for a company called ‘Shake-N-Go’, they specialize in weaves and hair extensions. A lot of models I know started out doing hair shoots." Andrea mentions that her dream role would be a series regular role on a successful, critically acclaimed show. " I love the programming on HBO, AMC, and ABC so those networks would be my top picks."
I’m always impressed by women pursuing their passions and following their dreams; Andrea is one such woman, read on and get to know who she is and how she manages her two professions.
When did you decide to take up acting and modeling and which came first?
Acting came first. I knew I wanted to become an actor when I was about 10 or 11 years old. My mom wanted to see “A Time To Kill” and brought me and my sisters. My two older sisters were old enough to see it, but I guess it was a tad “adult” for a 10 year old. Well, this is the film that made me want to be an actor. I had never seen anything like it and I just remember feeling so connected to the characters and the story. I remember crying in the theater and, to this day, it’s still one of my favorite films. I pretty much decided I would move to New York City when I was about 14. When I graduated from high school, I moved here by myself.
As an actor, it’s good to know 'your type', in one sentence what is your type log line?
I made up a log line for myself once, but it’s just so silly so I’m not going to say what it is! Your type is whoever you are. I’m sweet, but I can also be bitchy. So if I had to make up a new log line, it would be something like, “The girl next door that just may bite your head off.”
Have you faced any scams in your industry and what lessons did you learn from it?
What are some of the struggles you have faced on the road to become a great actress and model?
I think I’ve faced the same struggles that most others face. Learning to deal with rejection is probably the hardest struggle. When it comes to modeling, I don’t really care anymore. I book so many jobs that the ones that I don’t book don’t bother me. But when it comes to acting, it’s a lot harder to cope. The best thing is to remember how arbitrary casting can be. Most times, it has nothing to do with you and it’s not something you can control. The only thing that you can control is how you prepare and how you deal with the rejection.
Did it take long to establish yourself as an actress?
I’m not sure I would call myself “established”. I’m most definitely a working model/actor, but I’m not anywhere near I’d like to be. I’d consider myself an established model, but I would need to do a lot more high level acting work before I’d consider myself established.
Can you share with us some defining moments in your career?
I’m always proud when I book a job or get great feedback from a casting director. But I would say some of my best moments were: signing with my manager, commercial and TV/film agents, and when I booked Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. My absolute best moment so far was when my episode of Law and Order: SVU aired on TV. I cried.
You are in two demanding industries and you have managed, what's your secret?
What do you enjoy most about being an actress or model?
I most enjoy the fact that I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. I know so many people who work jobs that they hate simply to make money or because they have no other options. I would never want to be that person. Life is too short to be unhappy. I was having brunch with a friend (she’s a makeup artist) the other day who simply said, “I don’t like to work”.
She was referring to jobs not related to her passion, which is makeup artistry. And I agree with her completely. I waited tables for about 5 years and also worked as a hostess. I hated every single second of it. When I’m on set for a photo shoot, film, or tv show, I don’t consider that work. I don’t remember who said it, but there’s a famous quote, “Find something you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” That’s what I enjoy most about acting and modeling.
When you are not working, what do you do to relax?
I enjoy going out to eat with my husband or friends. I’m also addicted to on-line shopping, especially when it comes to buying makeup! I’m a makeup fiend and truly love the entire beautification process. I also love to read books. I’m obsessed with the Harry Potter series, but my all time favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo. I also LOVE going to the movies.
What advice can you give aspiring actors or models?
Take most advice with a grain of salt and find what works best for you. There are NO rules in this business. Also, take your time. Too many actors/models are in a rush to see results and they come off as desperate. Desperation drives people away. This a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to really learn the business and understand your place in it. Not every actor is a leading man or leading lady. Know your product and market it accordingly. Oh, and never, ever, ever, ever compare yourself to other actors. DON’T. DO. IT. There is no point and it will only make you feel terrible about yourself.
What is the best thing to have happened in your life so far?
The best thing to have happened in my life so far has nothing to do with acting. It was my wedding day. I married the love of my life and my biggest source of support. Without him, I would not have made it nearly as far as I have and, with his help, I know I’m going to go so much further.
Andrea provides updates on her career via her blog www.andreabordeaux.blogspot.com. You can also check her work from her website www.andreabordeaux.com
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She's a beautiful woman and I have seen her ad campaigns in O magazine and in other mainstream publications. I wish her continued success.
Off the charts gorgeous...