A Q&A and profile of actress Fanny Rosen

Swedish actress Fanny Rosen, doing big things in Hollywood

Is there a cool poise in all Swedish actresses or does that attitude just come from being brought up in Sweden? Maybe we’ll never know and maybe we really don’t care that much how it came to be. All we know is that the calm coolness that Fanny Rosen had brought with her is very alluring and extremely attractive and it lends itself well to a persona that is both distantly inviting and regally aloof at the same time.

 

Fanny exhibits many of the same qualities as one of the most famous Swedish actresses who ever graced a sound stage in Hollywood: Greta Garbo. That is no mean feat because Garbo was beautiful, no doubt, but she was arguably one of the most talented thespians of her generation and possibly several others, also. Fanny has that same appeal and that same high quality of skill, discipline and talent. Perhaps Fanny is the Garbo of her generation.

 

When you look at photographs of Fanny you may catch yourself lingering a bit longer than you do on other professional actors’ stills. Fanny’s face compels you to stare and to look into her eyes hoping to see a hint of the mystery that is drawing you in deeper and deeper. When you finally break away for a breath of air, your eyes immediately move to the next shot for another taste and the hope that this time has brought you even closer to the truth you know you will never find.

 

Yes, Fanny is a mystery - and a conundrum with just a dash of an enigma all wrapped up into one incredible actress. Garbo, don’t forget, was a puzzlement, too, but that didn’t stop her from always being at the top of her game and taking her work more seriously than almost anyone else on the sound stage, just like Fanny. Garbo, like Fanny, excelled at immersing herself into another persona. She could become anyone she chose to be at any given moment and she would be so convincingly genuine that her peers, the actors on the set with her, would be in awe of this magnificent artist. And that’s the way we see Fanny Rosen. She is the Swedish actress with the beautiful face and perfect posture who gives her all when she is at work. And when she is working she is in the moment and in character and who could ask more from a professional actress than that?

An interview with Fanny Rosen:

 

Hi Fanny, first of all, how far do you feel you have come from a few years ago when you first arrived in LA? What have you learned the most?

Fanny: I've grown a lot over the past few years, I'd say both personally and professionally as an actor. I would say patience and perseverance has been the key for me. I used to be very impatient and hard on myself but have learned to let go of things that don't serve me artistically and to remain focused on my craft.

How have you remained grounded and not stressed out in an industry such as Hollywood?

Fanny: I've been very lucky to be a part of such a lovely acting community as Stella Adler Academy. I also became a member of their professional theatre company which was not only a great deal of fun but also helped me grow immensely working alongside such brilliant actors and directors. They are like family to me. I think it's very important to have a sense of community and support in a place like Hollywood since it can be pretty ruthless at times. 

How do you find California compared to other parts of the world?

Fanny: People seem happier here for some reason. I imagine it being sunny all the time has something to do with it. LA specifically is also a place for dreamers. People move here from all over the world because they don't fit into the norm of what one is "supposed" to be or "supposed" to do. Here you are accepted for who you are. We're all just a bunch of weirdos running around. That's what makes this place so magical.

Have you found it difficult to transition into the LA lifestyle? Or do you feel you have easily adjusted?

Fanny: I think I loved LA from the first day I set foot here. So no, not difficult at all. LA is such an extraordinary place because it has something for everyone. I imagine it can be a bit intimidating at first but I was fortunate because I had so many friends already living here. 

Tell us about some of the films you have done and which one was your highlight?

Fanny: Every project I've done has been great in it's own way. One of the first features I ever did was the horror film Bunnyman: Suffer the children. I had never done horror before and didn't expect it to be so much fun! The shoots where long and tedious and almost unbearable at times because of the desert heat but doing horror is fun because you get to go "all in" and the stakes are always life and death. 

I was so happy when I was cast as the lead in the project Playing with Fire directed by Eduardo Whaite because I had been a huge fan of his work for such a long time. The experience exceeded my expectations. He is a phenomenal artist and an even greater person. I so look forward to collaborating with him again. 

Which character was your favorite to play so far?

Fanny: That's a tough one. I love playing strong female characters and have always been fascinated by the Greeks so I would have to go with Electra from the tragedy with the same name by Sophocles. 

When it comes to film, I'm currently rehearsing for a project called My Dear Professor where I'm playing a murderous villain with a need for revenge and this one just might top the rest.  

What keeps you most humble and grounded the most?

Fanny: I consider myself very honored to be able to do what I do. Acting always felt like a calling to me but the journey here has been long and seemed at times hopeless. Every time I get to go on set or make my entrance on that stage I'm grateful.  

What can we expect to see from you in the near future? 

Fanny: I have a few films lined up in the near future and a couple of shorts that I'm shooting in the fall. In the meantime you can probably catch me on one of the stages at the Adler.

Thanks for your time Fanny!