Rival Magazine Issue 2 April 2020 by rivalmagazinela

HALLEA JONES of Netflix’s “LOCKE & KEY”

MADISON THOMPSON of Netlfix’s “OZARK”

JASIKA NICOLE of ABC’s “THE GOOD DOCTOR”

JT NEAL of ABC’s “BLESS THIS MESS”

Rudy Pankow of Netflix’s “OUTER BANKS”

Letter from the Editor Life is full of fleeting moments; little flashes of memories that dance across your senses and remind you of the good â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ol days and the ones to come. When we started working on this issue back in February none of us could have predicted the world we would be living in right now. A world full of uncertainties, despair, and loss while we count down the days until we can embrace each other once again. We know this has effected everyone in some way or another; the tremendous job losses, the essential workers on the front lines breaking their backs day in and day out, the ones who have lost loved ones, and those who are suffering with their own thoughts trapped in their head. Now is the time to practice kindness and empathy more than ever; we can come out of this a better and changed world if we try. Sincerely, Heather Koepp P.S- We know finances are tight right now and to show some love to our readers we are offering the digital version of Rival ISSUE ONE and ISSUE TWO available for free! https://issuu.com/home/published/issue1_final__1_ If you want to support our publication, you can pick up a print copy for purchase at www.rivalmagazinela.com CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-Chief: Heather Koepp Graphic Designer/ Layout Designer: RaquelParrish

Hallea Jones

Jasika Nicole

JT Neal

Interview: Jaqueline Naranjo Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Sky JT Naval Make Up Artist : Renee Lois Hair Stylist: Denise Perez Location: Urban jungle studio

Interview: Adi Bolden Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Alannah Jones Make Up Artist/Hair Stylist : Juel Bergholm Location:Zevarralofts

Interview: Adi Bolden Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Sky JT Naval Grooming : Juel Bergholm Location: Chromacabana

Madison Thompson

Rudy Pankow

Interview: Jaqueline Naranjo Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Courtney Welch Make Up Artist : Hali McGowan Hair Stylist: Denise Perez Location: Ragdollpinkpalace

Interview: Jaqueline Naranjo Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Courtney Welch Location: Old Masonic Lodge

TABLE OF CONTENTS Hallea Jones

Jasika nicole

madison thompson

rudy pankow

jt neal

raffle

102 3

Dress: Lilit Markosyan Designs @lilitmarkosyan_designs Necklace: NMD @n.m.designs

Interviewed by: Jaqueline Naranjo Photography by: Heather Koepp Styled by: Sky Naval Hair by: Denise Perez Makeup by: Renee Loiz Location: Urban jungle studio

Hallea Jones; you know her as the sassy, mean girl Eden from Netflixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Locke and Key. We met up with the actress for an exclusive photo shoot and interview to learn the inside scoop from filming and what Hallea has in store for her fans next!

Dress: Luxury by Feyi Cuffs: Ada Zanditon

Dress: Baruni @baruni_fashion Bracelet: NMD @n.m.designs

Dress: Michael Leyva @michaelleyva_

Dress: Luxury by Feyi Cuffs: Ada Zanditon

I would love to be able to travel anywhere without the hassle of packing a suitcase and waiting in lines and traffic! 12

Dress: Baruni @baruni_fashion Bracelet: NMD @n.m.designs

Dress: Luxury by Feyi Cuffs: Ada Zanditon

Dress: Lilit Markosyan Designs @lilitmarkosyan_designs Necklace: NMD @n.m.designs

Dress: Baruni @baruni_fashion Bracelet: NMD @n.m.designs

Top: Elena Badmaeva Skirt: Elena Badmaeva Robe: Spirit Hoods @spirithoods

Dress: Lilit Markosyan Designs @lilitmarkosyan_designs Necklace: NMD @n.m.designs Pumps: Free Lance @freelace_paris

Robe: Spirit Hoods @spirithoods

Dress: Baruni @baruni_fashion Bracelet: NMD @n.m.designs

Top: Elena Badmaeva Skirt: Elena Badmaeva Robe: Spirit Hoods @spirithoods

Dress: Michael Leyva @michaelleyva_

by: Jaqueline Naranjo J: Hey Hallea, how was your experience filming Locke & Key? It’s your first major role, so I bet it must be a surreal experience. H: Totally surreal! It was an incredible experience filled with a lot of love and support. The whole cast and crew of Locke and Key is such a family and continuously created a really welcoming environment; which as a newbie to it all, was really lovely. J: Did you read the comic books to prepare for the role? H: I did read them to understand the project, and also because they’re just so good--but it wasn’t 100% necessary for me to understand Eden since she’s written for the show. J: Can you tell me about your character Eden? H: She definitely goes through a dramatic change through the show. Eden is “Mathesons Finest” as Brinker (Kolton Stewart) mentions early into the show, but she’s definitely not the nicest. Eden goes through such a transformation throughout the show, which I thought the writers did so beautifully - especially setting her up for a wild new journey in the coming season (fingers crossed we have another season!)

J: The show features a lot of supernatural elements. How was it working with CGI? H: I didn’t work with CGI too much, but it was incredible to see the final product on the big screen. The whole production did a really good job of making the world of Locke & Key so realistic and beautiful. I really hope I get to work with more CGI in the future. J: Which key in the show is your favorite? Follow up: If you can make up a key, what would it do? H: The Anywhere Key, for sure. I would love to be able to travel anywhere without the hassle of packing a suitcase and waiting in lines and traffic! If I could make my own key, it would be a key that would suck out all the negative energy from a space, and make everyone feel good. Sounds super cheesy, but as someone who likes to surround myself with positivity, it would come in handy for people who woke up on the wrong side of the bed (me included!!) J: If you can switch for a day with any character from the show, who would it be and why?

J: While Netflix hasn’t officially announced a second season, what would you like to see happen in season 2? H: I’m hesitant to even imagine what I would like to see because the writing team is so good, they will definitely come up with something way better than what I could dream up. I do hope we get to see Eden get in close with the family though (for obvious reasons!!). I would really love to work with Darby, Connor, and Emilia more. They’re such incredible actors, and sweet humans - that would be something I would hope for the BTS of season two!! J: Any fun tidbits from the show you can share? Which scene was your favorite to shoot? H: Episode 5, cafeteria scene, OF COURSE! That was an incredible day on set. I love a good challenge, and that definitely put me through the ringer! J: Apart from acting, you are also into music. Can fans expect music from you in the future?

H: Yes! Definitely. I’m still getting a grip on it all because I’ve only been diving back into the music for a bit over a year, H: Bode. Kind of want to hang but I have a lot of things in the work I’m excited to share! out at home alone all day and Keep up with my socials @ eat as much sugary cereal as a 10-year-old could consume!! halleajones for updates and new releases!!

Top: Elena Badmaeva Skirt: Elena Badmaeva Robe: Spirit Hoods @spirithoods

Dress: Lilit Markosyan Designs @lilitmarkosyan_designs Necklace: NMD @n.m.designs Pumps: Free Lance @freelace_paris

Dress: Michael Leyva @michaelleyva_

Dress: Baruni @baruni_fashion Bracelet: NMD @n.m.designs

Interview: Adi Bolden Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Alannah Jones Make Up Artist/Hair Stylist : Juel Bergholm Location: Zevarralofts

Jasika Nicole is as talented on the screen as she is off. The stunning actress known for her role as Dr. Carly Lever in ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Good Doctor is a skilled sewist, crafter and community advocate. We had the honor of creating an exclusive photo series and talking with the star just for Rival fans!

Dress: Potion 23

Shirt: Shein Skirt: Dint

Dress: Potion 23

Shirt: Shein Skirt: Dint

Dress: Urbanique

Dress: Potion 23

Top: H&M Skirt: Danha

Dress: Urbanique

Shirt: Shein Skirt: Dint

Dress: Romwe

Top: H&M Skirt: Danha

Jacket: Dint Top: Zara Pants: Missguided

A: You portray Carly, a pathologist, on ABC’s The Good Doctor. Hollywood still has a lot of work to do, but I’ve noticed more women, in particular women of color, going from being cast as exclusively nurses and orderlies to expanding to roles like surgeons and pathologists. Can you speak to this phenomenon in regards to representation for women in STEM careers?

J: I really can’t explain the phenomenon myself because I’m not a TV writer, and I’m unclear on why it took so long to see this kind of representation in the first place, aside from the obvious culprits like racism and misogyny. Black women, (and men for that matter) have always been active members of the medical community in a variety of positions, and their absence in TV and film has always felt patently false to lots of audience members, but Hollywood seems to be only now just catching up.

A: Your romance on the show was so sweet! It was refreshing to see Carly’s emotional intelligence and patience while dating Shaun. We rarely see media representation of people on the autism spectrum dating and finding love. Did this aspect of the story influence you in taking the role?

J: The majority of actors working in film and TV, unfortunately, don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing which roles to take. We are usually just excited to get offered a role that we might be a good fit for, and then we hope and pray that it ends up being a character and storyline that we enjoy portraying. Carly started off as a recurring character and there was no other information offered about her on the breakdown other than she was the head of Pathology and she was “cute.” So, I had no idea what her ultimate

role would be on the show. Thankfully it was a storyline that I, too, found refreshing and beautiful to take part in. I don’t think the writers initially had a solid idea of who this character was and what she would mean to the show when I first joined the cast, but eventually we discovered her together.

A: Carly on The Good Doctor just went through a major breakup. What were some of your best breakup rituals en route to healing? (Tub of ice cream? Meditation? cough keying their car cough)

J: I’ve never been an outwardly aggressive person, all my anger and hurt feelings are usually, for better or worse, internalized, so I’ve never done something so liberating as property damage. I also haven’t been through a lot of painful breakups…only one comes to mind, and when she broke up with me, I cried in my room and drew lots of emo illustrations. I met the person who was eventually to become my wife about two weeks after, though, so even that break up is overshadowed by all the good things that followed.

A: I was a HUGE #gladiator, so I’ve got to ask about Scandal. You portrayed Kim for several episodes, but the one that jumps out is “7:52”—a phenomenal installment that really dived deep into Huck’s dark past. Did you do any research on military spouses or those living with PTSD in preparation for the role? J: I loved being a part of this show and getting to play such a role in one of the most riveting storylines. This was actually the first big acting job I was offered that I didn’t have to audition for. Shonda Rhimes was apparently a Fringe fan and she cast me from my work on that show, which was a huge deal for me at the time. Honestly, it still is, for your work to speak for

by: Adi Bolden itself to a creator as prolific as Shonda is and will always be a huge honor. The only time I do research for shows is when I am portraying experiences that I haven’t been personally exposed to or if the writing doesn’t clarify the underlying dynamics of what the characters are going through.

A: Your Instagram often displays clothes and shoes that you design and construct yourself. Any desire to create an online shop?

J: I am absolutely uninterested in having an online shop. My Instagram bio also says “I don’t sell my makes” in hopes that people will stop DM’ing me and asking to buy my stuff. All the things I make are for me, and occasionally my wife and my dad. Sometimes I make things for my friends and family as gifts, but ultimately I started making all my own clothes so that I could curb my own dependence on the fast fashion industry, which, as you know, is causing extreme trauma to the environment and to the communities that provide the industry’s labor. I have always been less interested in turning my making into a capitalist venture and more interested in sharing the joy of making with people who have either forgotten their own spark of creativity or haven’t been able to make time to find it in themselves. Making is a therapeutic experience for me, a true act of self-care, and the thought of trying to profit from it makes me feel immediately depressed. That’s not to say that there is any shame in being an artist who sells their wares. When I was in my 20’s and just starting out on my own, I sold artwork online,

sold knitted scarves and hats— selling things I have made has paid my bills many times throughout my life, and I love supporting indie designers, crafters and makers. If shit were to hit the fan and I was unable to make money in my chosen career, I would again figure out a way to survive off my art, but for as long as I can keep it a sacred and safe space for myself, I will. The exception to this is that a few years ago I opened an Etsy store where I sold different items I had made, mostly macramé hanging planters with small pots or glass jars inside them and donated the funds to charity. I started this shop immediately after Trump was elected President so that I, and anyone who wanted to purchase the items, would feel like we were supporting some of the marginalized communities that were sure to suffer most under his presidency. I haven’t replenished the shop in a while but as we brace ourselves through this pandemic, I have a feeling it will be open again soon as we figure out how to support the people being most affected by the work closures.

6. You volunteer with Project Q a non-profit organization that offers services, workshops, and a sense of community to LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness. Can you talk more about the organization and how Rival Mag readers can get involved?

J: Project Q began as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless LGBTQ youth of color by providing them with gender-affirming

haircuts. Madin, the founder of the organization, bought a beautiful old camper van and hit the streets of Los Angeles first, but soon they raised enough money to spend weeks traveling across the country offering haircuts to homeless youth all over the South. They wanted people in more rural areas who might not get support and a sense of community to feel empowered, seen, and valued. Eventually, Madin and their partner Sabine were able to create a permanent physical space for Project Q in L.A.’s China Town, so now not only can homeless LGBTQ youth come to Project Q to get a haircut, but they also have access to workshops led by queer POC focused on life skills, art, and physical and mental wellbeing, in addition to being provided hygiene products, school supplies, food, snacks, and other resources. One of the greatest ways to support Project Q is to book an appointment with one of their hairstylists. Providing hair services to the community at large helps support the workshops and free haircuts that they give the homeless youth, but you can also offer donations or volunteer to run a workshop.

7. Your birthday’s coming up in April (Aries season! Woo!) Any big plans?

J: It’s a big birthday—I’m turning 40! I was pretty excited to celebrate with my partner in New York City this year, which is where we met 13 years ago, but with Coronavirus shutting everything down for the foreseeable future, I have no idea if those plans will remain intact. For now, I’m just trying to take it one day at a time and focus on doing the things that bring some light into my life, like making. In a remarkable display of great timing, I was just gifted a potter’s wheel from my friend who wanted to get rid of hers, so I have been re-familiarizing myself with the craft. I’m hoping to get good enough at it again to make some pieces that I can sell in my Etsy shop and donate the proceeds to people in need.

Dress: Romwe

Top: H&M Skirt: Danha

Interview: Jaqueline Naranjo Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Courtney Welch Make Up Artist : Hali McGowan Hair Stylist: Denise Perez Location: Ragdollpinkpalace

If you haven’t started watching Ozark on ‘Netflix’ what have you been doing with your life?! The hit show premiered its 3rd season in March and introduced us to some new characters, including actress Madison Thompson starring as Erin Pierce, the daughter of Helen Pierce. We had the pleasure of chatting with the Madison and learning about how it feels to be on a hit show!

Dress: Chiara Boni @chiarabonilapetiterobe

Dress: Elliat @elliat Shoes: Charles David @charlesdavidshoes Earrings: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry Bracelet: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry

Dress: Chiara Boni @chiarabonilapetiterobe

Dress: Chiara Boni @chiarabonilapetiterobe Earrings: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry Necklace: Elizabeth Stone Jewelry @elizabethstonejewelry

Dress: Elliat @elliat Shoes: Charles David @charlesdavidshoes Earrings: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry Bracelet: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry

Dress: Chiara Boni @chiarabonilapetiterobe Shoes: Free Lance @freelance_paris

Dress: UnitedWood @united_wood Necklace: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry

Dress: UnitedWood @united_wood

Dress: UnitedWood @united_wood Necklace: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry Necklaces and Rings: Elizabeth Stone Jewelry @elizabethstonejewelry

Dress: UnitedWood @united_wood Necklace: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry

J: Hi Madison, tell me a little bit about yourself. M: Hi :) I’m Madison Thompson. I am a 19-yearold who believes chocolate is the answer to all of life’s problems. When I am not dabbling as a yogi or nerding out over calculus problems, I do some acting as well. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, for most of my life, and boy am I lucky I did. Atlanta holds many special memories for me, such as growing up with my sister and many school experiences. It is also where I was lucky enough to work on a ton of projects including ABC’s Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, AMC’s Creepshow and Ozark, among others.

J: How was it growing up in Atlanta, GA?

M: I can say that growing up in Atlanta completely changed the trajectory of my life! I began pursuing on-camera acting when I was in middle school for the pure reason of fun. I loved theater and thought that acting classes would serve as a great substitute for the soccer practice I was dreading. After years in acting class without any intention of pursuing it professionally, the entertainment industry in Atlanta blew up. The number of projects in production skyrocketed, and I was lucky enough to be a part of the exploding industry.

J: What made you interested in acting?

M: Having grown up partially in NYC, I have no memories of life without theater. I grew up watching Broadway shows and performing weekly performances of Annie in my bedroom, where I would, of course, play all 15+ orphans at once. No matter where I was or who I was with, I was always looking for a chance to perform a song, a scene or even a joke. Acting represents a way for me to tell stories to a bigger audience while also incorporating my passion for the arts, which is why I was so attracted to it early on.

J: Congrats on the recurring role in Netflix’s Ozark. Can you tell me about your character Erin? M: On this new season of Ozark, my character, Erin, is dragged to the Ozarks by her mother, Helen Peirce (played by the brilliant Janet McTeer). During this time, she experi-

by: Jaqueline Naranjo ences some mother-daughter bonding that ends where neither of the pair expects. Right from the get-go, my experience working on Ozark was the same as the experience of Erin in this new town—not knowing what to expect. I was cast onto the show very quickly and was provided very little details as to the future of my character for the season. What I did know was that my character is the daughter of the tactical and terrifying lawyer of the drug cartel, Helen Peirce. The one thing I was certain of was that Erin was going to be headstrong, because look at her mother! Unfortunately, that is really all I can divulge about my character. You will soon learn much more when you watch the new season that dropped March 27 on Netflix. Of course, I would never want to give too much away, because it is Ozark. All the fun is in the secrets!

J: Were you a fan of the show before you signed on? How was the experience like?

M: I was absolutely a fan of the show before I signed on. How could you not be? My biggest excitement about joining the show definitely had to be getting to work with such an incredible cast. Being obsessed with all things Broadway, I was already entranced by the talents and power of Laura Linney and Janet McTeer. When both of these ladies aren’t working on “Ozark,” they also spend a lot of time on the Great White Way. My first week on “Ozark,” I worked with Janet McTeer, who plays my mom on the show. After that week of work, I threw my annual Tony Award’s viewing party with all my friends. It was the most surreal moment when I was able to cheer on my TV mom at my Tony party, as she was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play on Broadway.

The women on Ozark are powerhouses. Being a young female in the business, I learned so much from working and being around Janet, Laura, Julia, etc. They taught me how to make a female character dynamic and vulnerable, yet strong. I could not have asked for a more empowering experience as a young woman in this industry. I am so lucky to have these strong role models to emulate.

J: How was it working with amazing actors like Jason Bateman and Julia Garner? M: You can work for hours with an acting coach, take hundreds of acting classes, tape millions of auditions, but nothing will prepare you for the absolutely most terrifying moment when on your first day, Director Jason Bateman tells you to “make him laugh” with your last line of the scene. I repeat, make comedic genius Jason Bateman laugh. At 19 years old, on your first day on set. This show clearly pushed me harder than any project I have ever worked on. This is because of the incredible talent and minds that challenged me every day. Not only are these actors, Jason Bateman, Julia Garner, Laura Linney, Janet McTeer, Tom Pelphrey, Skylar Gaetner and Sofia Hublitz (the list goes on and on), the most talented people I have ever met; they are also the most humble and hardworking. Ozark showed me the work ethic that goes into creating one of the best shows on television—work ethic that goes into every beat on the screen, every direction behind the camera, every sound cue and every rewrite from the writer’s room. I learned so much about scene studying, acting and camera techniques and angles from the other actors. My biggest

takeaway, however, was learning how to be a giving scene partner, a lesson that my TV mom, Janet McTeer, taught me all too well. My experience with the actors on Ozark was invaluable and something I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my career. Oh yeah, and don’t worry, I made Jason laugh.

J: I saw on Instagram that you are currently attending USC. What are you studying and how is it managing school with acting?

M: Yes! When I am not working professionally, I am also a Presidential Scholar at the University of Southern California. I am currently in the BCA program, which means I am pursuing a business degree in cinematic arts. This joint degree program allows me to explore the financial and producing side of the entertainment industry, which has always been a strong interest of mine. I also recently declared a musical theater minor in the Thornton School of Music. Juggling school and professional work is a full-time job in itself. I think my success in balancing work and school is rooted in my experiences at my high school, The Lovett School. My high school was always very supportive of the arts. Faculty were always willing to work with my shooting schedules for projects such as NCIS: New Orleans and Creepshow. Lovett helped me create a foundation of balance. Specifically, I learned that I must be organized and proactive and complete my school assignments far in advance. Direct communication with professors is also key. How I am able to live the best of both worlds in college still baffles me. I think it comes down to the foundation in high school and USC being so accommodating. I am so proud and fortunate to be a part of a university that so avidly supports me as a student both inside and outside of the classroom. A social life? Still working on that one … I will get back to you on that.

J: When you aren’t working, what do you like to do in your free time?

M: In the rare moments when I am not consumed by work of

all sorts, I try to focus my free time on something relaxing that fuels the soul. Working in the entertainment industry can be hard at times because of the self-centered nature of the business. That is why I like to spend my free time volunteering for The Foundation for Hospital Art. For over 30 years, The Foundation for Hospital Art has been the preeminent force in softening hospital and shelter environments with colorful paintings, wall murals and ceiling tiles. Right now, I am finishing final paint touch-ups on 24 canvases for 4 murals that will then be shipped to healthcare facilities around the world. I love supporting this organization because of the message they spread about the positive effect art has on healing live—something that I have experienced firsthand. To learn more about their mission and how you can get involved: www.hospitalart.org

J: Lastly, any other projects you are excited to share with our readers? M: In addition to the release of Ozark season 3, I have some really amazing, but totally different projects coming your way! I love being able to push myself as an actress and work on characters and content at opposite ends of the spectrum. One upcoming project is ABC’s American Housewife. The project is so different Ozark and the ‘Wendy Bryde’ we know and love! In addition to American Housewife, I also have some other projects in development that I hope to be able to share more about soon. The best way to find out about them is to follow my social media accounts:

Instagram: @madisonthompson Twitter: @madisonthompson Facebook: Madison Thompson IMDb: imdb.com/name/ nm5475873

Dress: UnitedWood @united_wood Necklace: Natalie Mills Jewelry @nataliemillsjewelry Necklaces and Rings: Elizabeth Stone Jewelry @elizabethstonejewelry

Dress: Chiara Boni @chiarabonilapetiterobe

What involves treasure, murder mysteries, and actor Rudy Pankow? Netflix’s hottest new show, Outer Banks of course! The energetic actor who plays the lovable and wild ‘JJ’, kept us on his toes as we explored downtown Los Angeles for our exclusive Rival photo shoot. Read on to learn more about this season’s hottest new actor.

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Dulce Bestia IG @dulce.bestia Shoes: Taft

Interview: Jaqueline Naranjo Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Courtney Welch Location: Old Masonic Lodge

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Shoes: Tafari IG @tafariworld

Shirt: Charles and Ron IG @charlesandron Jacket: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Jeans: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Dulce Bestia IG @dulce.bestia Shoes: Taft

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Dulce Bestia IG @dulce.bestia

Shirt: Raga Man IG @theragaman Pants: Rudyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Shoes: Taft

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Shoes: Tafari IG @tafariworld

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Dulce Bestia IG @dulce.bestia

Shirt: Charles and Ron IG @charlesandron Jacket: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Jeans: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc

by: Jaqueline Naranjo J: Netflix’s Outer Banks is finally out as of April 15th and it’s your first lead role in a major show, congrats! Are you excited for people to finally watch it? R: Absolutely. This past year has been a whirlwind for the industry but also the world. And I think right now is a great time to feel a little escapism from it all.

J: What can our readers expect from the show? R: Hopefully your couches have seatbelts because it’s a crazy ride. The stakes rise super fast as well as the overall pace of the show which makes an ultimate binge.

J: How was the audition process like? R: Long yet super fun. I think I read a total of 8 times. But at the end of the day, you can only trust the work you put into the character, to get you through those times.

J: In the show you’re playing JJ, John B’s oldest friend and a fellow Pogue. Can you tell us more about your character? R: He’s a caffeinated pitbull puppy. The guy is constantly looking for a good time, even if it is not the most legal of activities. And he knows how to put on a poker face like no other.

J: Are you like JJ in real life? R: I would say there are some overlapping qualities. I think the main one is we both are fairly self-sufficient. We both know what works for us and how to enjoy ourselves.

J: The show films in some cool locations. Which was your favorite scene to shoot? R: This question is super difficult. There were many scenes were such a blast to shoot. Thanks to a great

crew and cast. But I guess if I had to choose one, I’d say the boat chase in episode one.

J: Follow up: Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you can share? R: Again... so many. The blooper reel is epic. I think something that started as just a nerve reducer in between takes turned into kinda a commonality called the pogue 10. It soon became the pogues signature thing and we had everyone doing it by the end of the season.

J: If you could star in a show/ or movie with any actor, who would it be and why? R: The list goes on forever. There’s so much to learn from so many different types of actors. But I think Heath Ledger would’ve been an amazing experience, living in a scene opposite of him, it would’ve taught me so much.

J: Tell me more about yourself. What inspired you to start acting? R: I think a major factor, was that I didn’t know myself completely. And through acting, I was able to find myself through other people and take aspects of characters that I didn’t know about myself.

J: Any other projects coming up for you that you can share? R: There are some things in the works but at the moment, I can’t share much more than that.

J: During this quarantine, you must be binging on a lot of shows and movies on Netflix. What are you currently loving? R: Started Avatar: The Last Airbender once again. And then been powering through some great shows like, I Am Not Okay with This, Parks and Recreation, Love Death + Robots. Kinda been just jumping all around.

Shirt: Charles and Ron IG @charlesandron Jacket: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Jeans: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc

Shirt: Charles and Ron IG @charlesandron Jacket: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Jeans: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc

Suit: Oren Kash IG @orenkash Shirt: Robert Graham IG @robertgrahamnyc Shoes: Tafari IG @tafariworld

Sweater: A. Tiziano Blazer: William Lei Shorts: 4 Funky Flavours Shoes: Ralph Lauren

Interview: Adi Bolden Photographer: Heather Koepp Wardobe: Sky Naval Grooming : Juel Bergholm Location: Chromacabana

ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comedic show Bless This Mess is a fun watch that has millions of fans tuning in each week. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one of those fans, then you recognize series regular JT Neal as the goodlooking farm boy Jacob. Rival Magazine sat down with the actor for an exclusive interview and colorful photo shoot

Printed Jacket: Raga man Trench Coat: Burberry Pants: Versace Shoes: Bally

Top/Bottom Set: PLUS QUE MA VIE Fedora: Madewell Shoes: Todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tee Shirt: Vintage Jacket: William Lei Pants: Emporio Armani Boots: Frye

Shirt: Theory Button Down: Raga Man Pants: A. Tiziano Sunglases: Quay Boots: TCG

Sweater: A. Tiziano Blazer: William Lei Shorts: 4 Funky Flavours Shoes: Ralph Lauren

Shirt: Raga Man Pants: Prada Shoes: Chruchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Printed Jacket: Raga man Pants: Versace Shoes: Bally

Tee Shirt: Vintage Jacket: William Lei Pants: Emporio Armani Boots: Frye

by: Adi Bolden A: Bless this Mess has been such a lighthearted watch during the (COVID-19) lockdown. Why do you think this show is so important during these trying times? J: I think it’s exactly what you said! It’s a lighthearted show, with great laughs that hopefully can provide a much-needed reprieve during this period of hardship. I can’t turn on the TV without seeing more bad news or hearing about more devastation. That’s why I love Tuesday nights. I can tune into Bless This Mess and just relax for 30 minutes. A: Which parts of your southern upbringing did you channel into your character, Jacob? J: So much. Bucksnort reminds me a lot of the town I grew up in. It’s small with a tight-knit community of people that work together to help out whoever is in need. Communities like that are really special, and I feel like they get overlooked in film and television so I feel very honored to be able to tell this story as Jacob.

A: Heard you LOVE 80s rock music. Who are your favorite artists/bands? If you had to make the Rival Mag readers a quick playlist what songs would we discover? J: I love so many different types of music. My dad was playing Styx and Van Halen for me when I was in preschool, so I have a very special place in my heart for 80s rock. But there are a lot of wonderful newer bands too that I’m obsessed with. St. Paul and the Broken Bones, The Marcus King Band, Lawrence, and Lake Street Dive to name a few. I love soul and blues music and these bands are keeping those genres alive! A: vDream role? J: Elvis. Sun Records era Elvis. I have always loved rockabilly music, and I used to listen to Elvis all the time with my grandma. I think she would go crazy if I was playing Elvis Presley! One day!

A: You work with some film and tv heavyweights on this show from the iconic Pam Grier to the hilarious Dax Shepherd. What have you learned from working with such skilled and accomplished actors?

A: You work with the nonprofit organization “Share a Meal” that provides food for people experiencing homelessness. How did you get involved with this organization and how can others get involved?

J: I am always so inspired by their professionalism and generosity. Ed Begley Jr shows up to work 30 minutes early every day, David Koechner knows every crew member by name, Pam will do a scene a thousand times if she’s asked to and won’t complain once. This cast is amazing. I am surrounded by such wonderful role models, and hopefully, I can be that for someone else someday.

J: A good friend of mine was serving with them for a while. One night she invited me to join her and I fell in love with it. It’s such a special organization. There’s no agenda or politics or anything, just a wonderful group of volunteers trying to help others. Before the virus, they were serving various parts of LA five nights a week. COVID sort of slowed that down, but they are working with the city to figure out the best way to serve on a smaller level. Anyone can volunteer. Information is available on their Facebook page or their website shareameal.net.

A: Any word on Bless this Mess Season 3? J: Not yet! I think this virus has really shaken things up, but hopefully we’ll know something very soon! I feel really good about what we’ve

created and hopefully, everyone else does too!

Social Media: Instagram: @JT_Neal Twitter: @JT_Neal_IV

Top/Bottom Set: PLUS QUE MA VIE Fedora: Madewell

Sweater: A. Tiziano Blazer: William Lei Shorts: 4 Funky Flavours Shoes: Ralph Lauren

100

Printed Jacket: Raga man Trench Coat: Burberry Pants: Versace Shoes: Bally

101

our polaroid images from al in ig or r ou ve lo l at Riva we have picture and we here as you can imagine d d oi an lar ke po ta a e is w ia d lg oi ta lar Nos t sign every Po e-of-a-kind Polaroids tis on ar d, ch he ea ap gr ve to ha au e f W raffling of feature artists! Therefore we are n! choice. io ct lle co e th ite at artists charity of th ds ar w to accumulated qu g in go /polaroid-raffle with ALL proceeds magazinela.com al

www.riv site at https:// eb w r ou to go e To find out mor

102

103

CRAFTED IN HOLLYWOOD

104