Interview by Jana Letonja

Multifaceted actress, writer and director Odeya Rush most recently starred in John Barr’s action-packed thriller ‘Dangeroud Waters’, which released in theaters this October and will be available on Hulu in February 2024. 

Dress NOOKIE
Heels BETSEY JOHSON
Bracelets & earrings ALEXIS BITTAR

Odeya, you are starring in thriller ‘Dangerous Waters’, which follows your character Rose’s embarkment on a sailing adventure that quickly turns into a fight for survival. What can you tell us about this film and your character?

This film is an adventure thriller led by a smart, strong young woman named Rose. It’s a movie about leading with love and trusting yourself even in the hardest times. 

What was the most challenging part of filming this thriller for you?

I found filming on the boat to be the most challenging. The first day out on the sea I was throwing up in between takes. Let’s just say Dramamine became my best friend on this movie, they really should’ve been a sponsor. 

In your career so far, you’ve worked alongside many big names in the industry. Working with whom inspired you the most?

I’m really inspired by Greta Gerwig. I’m also a writer and hope to direct features, and working with Greta taught me that directors can be gentle, sensitive, intricate, kind, feminine, all the things I was afraid I’m too much of when I dreamt of directing growing up. Greta’s work ethic and devotion to every piece of her film is also incredibly inspiring for me.  

Dress FROLOV
Earrings, ring & necklace ALEXIS BITTAR
Heels MALONE SOULIERS
Fishnet tights CALZEDONIA

Plunge tank JOAH BROWN
Bra ZHILYOVA
Jeans MAISON MARGIELA
Heels SCAROSSO

How did your acting career begin? What got you passionate about it?

Before I wanted to act in movies, I was always putting on shows for my parents in our living room. I would direct these shows and cast, or better said force, my little brothers to act in them. Eventually, they got older and would only act in shows where they could eat during the scenes or be ninjas. I think the last play we put on was called ‘Jake the Secret Ninja’. It wasn’t my best work, but at least my dad didn’t fall asleep.

You are also passionate about writing and directing. Tell us more about this passion of yours.

I love storytelling. I’ve always enjoyed making movies on iMovie as a teenager. I loved writing, directing, editing. I’ve also always loved watching movies growing up, especially indies and foreign films. I know I talked about Greta already, but I remember when I saw ‘Frances Ha’, I knew that’s the kind of storytelling I wanted to do. 

Before getting into acting, you also did some modeling. How do you look back onto this time in your life?

I think that time makes me laugh. I mean, I was 11 years old, spending my summers doing modeling jobs in New York City. It was honestly super fun. I was close with all the other child models and I remember they always fed us really well, which is the way to my heart.

Pants & shirt ALICE.K
Bra ZHILYOVA
Earrings & rings ALEXIS BITTAR I
Heels GIVENCHY

Dress ALICE.K
Heels SCAROSSO
Bodysuit DKNY
Earrings GEMMA AZZURRO

What does fashion represent to you? How important is it in your life?

Fashion plays a big role in my life. I love putting outfits together and finding new young designers to incorporate into my wardrobe. I’m actually an aspiring sneakerhead, I’m not sure if I can give myself that title or if someone else is supposed to call me that first, but I have a growing collection of sneakers that I’m very proud of. I actually just added some bapestas to it, which I’m really excited about. 

You come from a big family and have 6 brothers. How was it growing up with so many brothers? 

It was very loud. I love being part of a big family, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What’s really fun too is now that everyone’s older, my brothers are genuinely my friends. It’s nice to have so many options of people to go to depending on what problem I’m currently trying to solve. 

How do you love spending your days off? What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I spend a lot of my time on chess.com. Add me, if you can handle the heat. My username is olivestove. I also love cooking. My favorite thing to do with my friends is host them for dinner parties. We just did one for Hannukah and it was a banger. 

Coat SARAH REGENSBURGER
Bra ZHILYOVA
Twist Ring NORITAMY
Gold Ring IVY JEWELRY
Earrings DOLCE&GABBANA I
Tights FALKE
Heels DOLCE&GABBANA

What can you tell us about your upcoming projects and goals for the future of your career?

The upcoming project that I can talk about is the feature film that I’m writing and planning on directing. It’ll be the most important project of my career, which is why I’m putting so much time into it. My goal is to make 7-year-old me proud. 

Talent ODEYA RUSH @odeyarush
Photographer SAM DAMESHEK @samdameshek
Stylist ALEXIS KOSSEL @alexiskossel
Makeup PIRCILLA PAE @pircillapae
Hair RENA CALHOUN @rena.calhoun
Editor TIMI LETONJA @timiletonja
Editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA @janaletonja