From Center Stage To BA: CollegeCandy Interviews Zoe Saldana

September 21, 2011 1:00 pm Posted in Celebrity, Entertainment Caitlin Corsetti g+ page

I remember watching Center Stage the summer before sixth grade with all of my dance friends and seeing Zoe Saldana as the feisty Eva Rodriguez. Girl was fierce. I wanted to be her and will forever give her credit for my sassy-pants attitude. While she appeared in a ton of movies after Center Stage like Crossroads, Drumline, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, her career didn’t blow up until 2009. Two massive blockbusters, Star Trek and Avatar, launched Zoe into super-stardom. She’s now every Comic Con go-ers dream, whether they’re fantasizing about the sexy space goddess Uhura or the phenomenally hot (and blue) Neytiri. Zoe has it going on. Her newest film, Colombiana, is in theaters now. You can see her kick ass as the gorgeous Cataleya, who becomes an assassin after her parents are murdered. She’s definitely a force to be reckoned with.

By Caitlin Corsetti

Recently we had the opportunity to discuss some hot topics with Zoe, and here’s what she said:

1. Who inspires you most?

My family, my mother and sisters have all inspired me. They have all been supportive and by my side through everything. I learn from them and they are my best friends.

2. If you could give yourself 5 years ago some advice, what would it be?

I would probably say even if things don’t always go your way, still believe in yourself and keep trying to move forward.

3. What did you think you would be doing now when you were 18?

I was a trained dancer for years but knew that I had this desire to continue performing and loved the creative outlet of acting. I always wanted to do something that I could express myself, challenge myself, and do something creative.

4. What advice do you have for aspiring actresses?

I think I would say that if you really want it badly then believe in yourself, be strong, keep learning and don’t be afraid to take chances.

5. What’s the worst advice you’ve ever gotten?

That I should just stay in my comfort zone.

6. What’s your biggest turn off?

I think ignorance is a huge turn off.

7. One night stands? Yay or Nay?

Nay- I am relationship type of person.

8. What was the Avatar audition like?

It was a definitely a process, but so amazing. I met with James Cameron, Jon Landau after they had seen the tape and called me in for a meeting. I had a lot of discussions with James, did some movement work, choreography, etc. and was so beyond excited, thrilled when I received the call I was cast. To be able to work with James Cameron and Jon Landau was a dream come true because they are so talented and so very smart.

10. Are there any roles you would never take?

If a role is compelling, well written with a talented team including director, dp, etc. and I can really grow from the role, I would consider it.

11. You play a lot of strong, beautiful female characters, is that something you’re consciously aware of or more of a reflection of who you are as a woman?

I love to be able to play strong characters that are strong minded, compelling and have a heart. I have always admired actresses like Sigourney Weaver when I saw Alien, as well as Linda Hamilton from Terminator because they were powerful and didn’t need to be the damsels in distress. They are the type of roles that cross gender barriers and are strong, kick ass and heroic if it was either a male or female playing it. I feel lucky the roles I have played have been strong women as I am drawn to that type of role.

12. You were in one of the biggest movies of all time, yet you’re never in the tabloids? How have you managed to avoid that?

I like to keep my personal life personal and when I am not shooting I am a homebody.

13. How has your daily life changed since Avatar?

I think that Avatar may have created more awareness as the film garnered a lot of great publicity- I feel truly fortunate to be associated with Jim and Jon’s masterpiece.

Check out some of our favorite Zoe Saldana pics below!

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