·4 min read

10 THINGS – Olga Fonda

Aside from acting, you also model professionally. How did you get into modeling and do you feel it helped prepare you as an actress?

I was discovered by Paul Fisher (a modeling agent who represented Naomi Campbell, Carol Alt, etc). Paul had a boutique agency in Los Angeles and I was very excited about the opportunities and benefits that the fashion business had to offer. One of those benefits, was moving to Los Angeles. The beautiful city with palm trees, ocean, warm weather, which of course introduced me to the glamorous world of the film industry. How could I say no to that?! I honestly never thought I could be a model. I was planning on being a criminal lawyer or international banker! So, when I was given the opportunity, I was thrilled and took it. It definitely helped build my confidence when working in front of the camera. It taught me discipline and as a bonus, I got to learn more about fashion and beauty.

What inspired you to want to make the transition into the world of film and television?

I always like to challenge myself. Therefore, the transition from modeling world to TV & film became a natural progression for me. The film/TV world has always been really kind to me and I’ve been lucky enough to be given amazing opportunities to grow professionally. However, I don’t take these opportunities for granted. I continue to educate myself and work on my craft. There is always room to grow and that is very exciting!

You’ve gotten to work with some great actors in the past, has there been one that you’ve had the most fun working with thus far?

I have been very lucky to have worked with so many amazing actors. They have all been professional, humble, kind, and very supportive. Right now, I really enjoy working with Jeff Hephner. He is a lot of fun to work with and has a great sense of humor. We have a fun, strong friendship and I think that chemistry translates on to the screen.

As a model, you have also had a lot of experience in the fashion world. Who are some of your favorite designers?

I love fashion! Of course, the big designers like Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton (a given). But I also love Vince. I love their cashmere sweaters and silk tops. For shoes, I love Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik.

We know that you are originally from Russia, so how do you feel your style has changed since moving to America and are you still inspired by the fashion from your native country?

I left Russia at an early age, so I really didn’t develop much of my style then. Haha! Somehow, I think I inherited a good taste for quality products. The older I get, the more I see my style changing. I have started to bring more colors into my wardrobe. I put more thought into my daily outfits.

Your new show “Agent X” premieres on TNT November 8th, tell us about the premise of the show.

The show is based on a top secret agent, John Case (Jeff Hephner), who is deployed only at the careful discretion of the Vice President (Sharon Stone).

On the show, you play a character after your same name, was this just a fun coincidence?

I always joke and say that Blake Herron (creator of the show) secretly had me in mind for this role… Unfortunately, I don’t think he knew me then. Lol!

What can you tell us about your character, Olga, and the role she plays in the show?

Olga is a fun character! Olga is an international spy and lives every day like it’s her last. She enjoys the finer things in life and is also a troublemaker. She enjoys playing with peoples emotions and explosives. She is the type of character you would love be friends with, but terrified to have her as an enemy.