An interview with Daphne Tenne, one of Israel's most talented actresses

We recently caught up with the delightful actress Daphne Tenne to talk about her upcoming projects as well as some of her influences.

We recently caught up with one of Israel’s most talented actresses, Daphne Tenne. We spoke to her about her successful and busy career as an actress, who inspired her growing up and her favorite role to date. We can expect to see her soon in the feature film Love Is, which will start shooting soon in San Francisco. This incredible actress never stops! Here is what Daphne had to share with the readers:

 

Please introduce yourself to the readers and how and when did you first get into performing?

 

After starting out as a computer-programmer for the IDF, soon after I decided to shift my career into acting. I started training in Israel and got involved with several plays and productions. Since I am trilingual I got more opportunities to be in productions that were not necessarily in Hebrew. I also was getting on camera work, these also were in various languages. 

What inspired you to get into this industry?

I'm not sure what inspired me to give it a shot, I was definitely looking for something with a more artistic outlet than C++ (that's a programming language) and I figured I'd give it a chance, and once I tried it I was hooked. You get to be other people with other lives and other thoughts, while at the same time inspiring others, or at least giving your audience a break from real life. 

What kind of training have you had, if any?

I've done on camera and acting training in Israel and also some Chubbuck technique. I also got a full scholarship for the Stella Adler Academy, and also been to the Groundings. Next up, would be some commercial training. I guess the training never really stops. There’s always more to learn!

What has been your favorite role to play so far?

I normally get cast in comedy roles which I think I enjoy the most. One of my favorites was portraying a Puerto Rican woman named Sra. Soto in a play directed by Academy Award winner Milton Justice. I was very fortunate to have been in this play and also to get some amazing help with the Puerto Rican accent since mine would probably be considered more Argentinian with some Venezuelan, but not Puerto Rican. Her life story was actually quite devastating as she was trying to earn enough money in the US to send to her family back in Puerto Rico.

After several years she began having anxiety attacks from her own tight living conditions and her continuous longing to reunite with her family. There was a wonderful moment in the play where she went to see a doctor since she thought she was having a heart disorder, but the doctor, who couldn't speak Spanish tried very hard to get her to see a psychiatrist. It was an entire scene of misunderstanding with a lot of hysteria so the audience couldn't stop laughing. It was very bittersweet since it was pretty tragic how this woman couldn't actually receive the help she needed and was once again, failed by the system. I usually really enjoy humor that makes you wonder whether to laugh or cry, so it was nice to be able to participate in something that gave the same experience to others.

What has been one of your biggest achievements in your career so far?

I recently got back from a the NOVA Film Festival in Virginia where a short film I starred in (Love Is) had just been selected and premiered. That was very exciting actually and since it's been doing so well, they are now turning it into a feature length movie and we have already started shooting. I will be going to San Francisco to continue filming it. 

What projects do you have coming up?

Other than the shoots for the feature film Love Is, I am also shooting for a New Media series with some very talented actors including Chris Gerse from Days of Our Lives and many more. It's also a comedy and I can't wait for it to come out. I am also doing a play right now where I will be portraying a deaf woman, I always seem to have a play going on while also, shooting on camera work.

Who would you most like to work with?

I would love to be able to work with strong comedic female characters like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Sarah Silverman.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to be able to participate in some more projects that have many languages involved. I really enjoy mixing up and celebrating different cultures - especially if I can do it with some comedy. I'd love to continue working with the Jewish and Israeli community here also. Luckily, I am already working as an actress for the Jewish Hebrew Stage here in LA.

What is your advice to aspiring performers?

I heard this quote from a dear teacher of mine and it stuck with me: "Be nice to those you meet on your way up because you'll be meeting them on your way down." I mean, of course you're bound to hurt some people along the way whatever path you may choose in any career, no one's perfect - but it's a good thing to remember.