RhysCoteOlivia

Having creativity as an actress means digging down deep and finding the character within that brings all the right feelings to the audience. For model and actress Rhys Olivia Cote, @rhys_olivia, she does just that! Modeling at 3 and acting by the time she was 7, this girl knows how to captivate an audience. Rhys captured the heart of Steve Harvey at age 6 on the show Little Big Shots. Fast forward a few years and she has already acted in major roles for both television and film. KIDFASH took a moment with Rhys and mom Tina to find out how the journey to stardom began and what tips she could share with others who aspire to make it.

Be True to You

From a very young age Rhys’s true talents would shine through. "She always loved to make people laugh by entertaining them," says mom, Tina. Rhys began as a model but her personality led her in a different direction. "She knew as soon as she was on her first tv show that she wanted to act." From modeling to acting it was a natural transition.

For that reason alone, Rhys stresses that success comes from being yourself and being original. "I try to not conform to what others are doing," says Rhys. "Being me sets me apart from others." That may be challenging when trying out for a role that seems different than your own personality, but staying true to yourself will allow your audition to be more natural and your true talent will shine through. "When the role is right for me it will happen," says Rhys.

Get Used to Rejection

It is never fun to hear no but unfortunately as an actress it will be something to get used to. "There are a lot of nos in this industry but the yeses makes it all worth it," says Rhys. Working hard and staying focused on fine tuning your skills can also help. Rhys sees the benefit in working with a coach and taking acting classes. "Her skills as an actress have grown from coaching," says Tina, "as well as lots of auditions and hard work and dedication."

Setting expectations for your own progress is key. "I think it’s really important to remember that we are all individuals,” says Rhys. “Don’t try to question why someone else got the role you wanted, because honestly there is so much that goes into choosing it. It’s not just talent, so keep on keeping on. The right role will come for you."

Rhys has representation in all the major cities to help her find new opportunities. "They find the roles and send them to us," says Tina. "She auditions and then it’s on to the next." Along the way she is making valuable connections and even lasting friendships. "She has a way of making friends easily and has made so many wonderful friends in this industry," says Tina. "That is her favorite part. At the end of the day it’s the people you meet and the relationships you have to show for it all."

There are No Small Roles

Understand that working together to make a final show or film that people love is all that matters. "Every actor or actress in a movie is important," says Rhys. "It’s something we should all remember." Rhys has had experience with some actors that may not be as friendly to their younger co-stars. "There are some that think they are beyond the kid actors and there are others that respect and remember how it is when you are young and starting your career," says Rhys. "I will definitely never be someone who isn’t kind to all."

One of Rhys’s most memorable roles was playing alongside superstar Denzel Washington in Equalizer 2. “His kindness and words will never be forgotten,” says Tina. “Rhys was in Los Angeles at the premiere and Denzel walked down the red carpet with Rhys in his arms. She said that this is the kind of person she wants to be. Someone who never forgets where they started and always is kind. What is given to us can be taken away. Kindness is everything.”

Balancing Work & Play

Working a rigorous schedule on set and maintaining school and fun is definitely a balancing act. "School is first, you have to make sure that is the priority," says Rhys. Studying remotely is becoming more mainstream for many reasons but has been common for a very long in the acting industry. "The [school] administration works with me to make sure I am still getting all my work when I am on set."

It is up to Rhys and her mom to make sure she finds time to enjoy her other interests as well. “Outside of acting I model, sing, play guitar, play field hockey, lacrosse, ski, and I love to be with my family and friends,” says Rhys.

Up next for Rhys is the film Sheepdog. "Right now I’m working on a really special movie," says Rhys. It is the story of a therapy-averse combat veteran who is court ordered into treatment. “The project is something that means a lot to me because most of my family is or has been in the military.”

Finding those who empower her has been so instrumental in this young actresses career and in turn she is ready to empower others. For those ready to take the next step she says, “Never give up on your dreams and surround yourself around people who lift you up.”