Interview
REBECCA
MADER
ONCE UPON A TIME
/ 26
By Elena Rodríguez
Once upon a time a little girl who suffered from
bullying at school, and ended up Lost, became
part of a tv phenomenon. She always kept hope
in achieving her dream of becoming an actress, (which she of course did!) even while working
at a neighborhood supermarket. Discover the
courage and determination behind her brilliant
blue eyes.
ow did you spend your early
days at Cambridge? How
was school?
I was born and raised in Cambrid-
ge, England. I left school at 18 as I
couldn't afford to go to University.
I was working in a supermarket
and still at school when I got into
modeling. My grandmother ente-
red me into a beauty contest in our local paper behind my
back. I ended up coming second but scored a modeling
agency out of it. I didn't have a good time at school to be
honest. I was bullied for most of it. I couldn't wait to finish
school and get on with my life. What made you come to the US? What memo-
ries do you have from your time in New York?
What agency did you sign with?
I modeled all over the world, London, Milan, Hong
Kong, Sydney, Hamburg and more. I always wanted to
go to New York and worked hard to build my portfolio
to get there. At the time my modeling bookers in Lon-
don kept telling me I wasn't ready or that my portfolio
wasn't strong enough. I listened to them for a while
and then I said enough! I'm going! So I got an agent in
NYC and off I went with £250 to my name. I've never
looked back.
I always felt that once I got to the states I would be
able to start pursuing my acting career. It's really hard
to get into the acting industry in the U.K. if you haven't
been to drama school or university. One of the things
I love about America is that they are more willing to
take a chance on someone if they have the drive and
determination. It's not all about education here, it's also
about talent and passion: The American Dream.
I had a wicked time living in NYC. I modeled there
for almost eight years whilst simultaneously pursuing
acting. My model agency, Ford, had a small acting de-
H
Did you ever dream about being a model or an
actress? If so, how did your family feel about it?
I always dreamed of becoming an actress. I never wanted
to be a model yet I had a feeling that somehow modeling
would get me into acting although I had no idea how it
would all pan out. My family were always very supportive
and continue to be so. My mum, dad and big sister are
really proud of me and that makes me so happy.
PHOTOGRAPHER // STACEY GOLD @lensinpursuit
qpmag.com