Juanita De Silva
Strive to change the world
Q: What drew you to acting and the entertainment industry?
A: What truly inspired me to pursue an acting career was enjoying the impact that performances can have on individuals and communities as a whole.
Later, I realised that having a breakthrough in a character or researching some aspect of their history helps me grow as a genuine human being.
In other respects, the entire cast of Titanic made me wonder what it would be like to be on set and what goes into production. But watching Little House on the Prairie and Knight Rider may have been some of the best days of my life.
Q: Can you share a few anecdotes about your time in Sri Lanka, the journey to the US and how they influenced your career?
A: My roots and the core of who I am are very much Sri Lankan although I’ve resided in the US for 25 years.
I wanted to be a lawyer, mainly because my initial motivation was my father who worked in the High Court of Sri Lanka. He was passionate about justice and made a difference to the lives of others.
But in a scenario that can only happen by chance despite being very unlikely, I met an actor at a 7-Eleven store who asked me whether he could introduce me to his Hollywood manager. He found my looks very interesting and gave me well thought out comments on my appearance.
Years later, my three boys had their Hollywood agents and began working as actors in commercials. Over time, despite the challenging surprises during auditions and on sets, I decided to join the team as an actress.
Q: Who have been your biggest influences or mentors in the entertainment industry?
A: I’m inspired by the transformational power of well told stories rendered by skilled actors and filmmakers. And I am particularly inspired by outside the box thinkers who aren’t afraid to change the world without hesitation.
My late husband deserves the most credit for anything I do. He was my biggest cheerleader and trusted advisor for most of my life.
Q: What has been the most challenging role you’ve played?
A: I didn’t pursue an acting career like many other actors in Hollywood. And I had the additional burden of carving out a niche in the production department of the entertainment industry. Therefore, I never played a challenging role as such.
Yet, my first speaking role as a union actress in a medical drama on CBS and first national beer commercial are two of the first times I recall feeling intense emotions – because I was blessed and chosen to be on screen with Hollywood A-listers.
As a new actress with little experience, I felt a lot of pressure; and this led to tension during our scenes as the production team preferred improvisation and spontaneity. It was a challenge, which I overcame with great awareness and by learning the importance of mastering the art of versatility.
Q: How did it feel to win the People’s Favorite Contest online?
A: Being a winner is both an honour and a responsibility on any occasion, regardless of the category you’re competing in. Any win marks the beginning of a job and set of responsibilities that come with holding such a title.
I can’t deny that people like me. It reminds me to get the job done right to the end and be consequential – to mean something, have importance, move people forward and change the world.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience in the entertainment industry so far?
A: The entertainment business is very competitive especially in Hollywood, requiring resilience through repeated failures.
That being said, the most rewarding experience I’ve had was a movie project that promoted tourism in an isolated state in Mexico. On that project, I was the production manager and celebrity coordinator. I more than pulled my weight because so much was at stake.
However, working with skilled professionals in the industry provided me with meaningful opportunities to give back to society by way of gaining gratifying experiences during unexpected circumstances in my life.
Q: Being a mother of three boys, how do you manage your time between family and a demanding career?
A: Maintaining my physical health and practising mindfulness techniques and self-care practices during the most demanding projects are essential. This helps me build stamina, and directly impacts my performance and energy levels as a mother.
Working in the entertainment industry is different to many professions because of the varied hours and locations. I have limitations with my time and consistently sacrifice my own needs.
As a single mother of three – two preteens and a teenager – I prioritise my boys over anything else.
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Juanita De Silva is an award-winning American actress-cum-model who was born and raised in Sri Lanka. She has appeared in TV series and commercials, working across all mediums.
De Silva is an empowerment coach focussed on enabling mothers to reconnect, be independent and live their best lives without hiding behind challenges, through the transformative power of education, fitness, love and faith.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Father – John Peter
Mother – Dorothy Enid Fernando
Late husband – Iresh De Silva
Sons – Aiden, Jaiden and Jaisen
SCHOOLING
Holy Family Convent
HIGHER EDUCATION
Fullerton College
Cypress College
Biola University
PRESENT OCCUPATIONS
In the entertainment industry and hospitality sector
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
US
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Irvine (California)