What is the best thing that I love about my work?

For me, the absolute best part of my work in acting and filmmaking is the whole experience – from stepping onto the set, meeting new faces among actors, crew, and directors, to the excitement of seeing our creation on TV, in theaters, or online. Creating commercials or being in movies is something I really fought for to call my profession. It is like a personal victory. It’s not just a job; it’s a journey filled with joy at every turn. The feeling of accomplishment when the final results are out is what makes every bit of this adventure truly special to me.

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness, for me, is having the freedom to make choices without fear, and finding harmony with my emotions, wishes, and fulfillment. It’s about living life exactly the way I intend to, savoring the joy that comes from following my heart and creating a life that feels uniquely mine. True happiness, in my world, is that sweet spot where I’m not just existing but thriving in alignment with my true self.

What is my greatest fear?

My biggest fear? Picture this: not being able to dive into acting, write my own movie, and being stuck in a mundane 9-to-5 grind. It’s a genuine worry for me, no kidding! That’s why I cherish every single project and day on set because, honestly, you never know if it’s the last one or the start of something big! This feat keeps me on my toes to this day, making me grateful for each opportunity in the unpredictable world of acting and filmmaking.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I’ll admit, I sometimes get on my nerves with this perfectionism thing. It’s like I can’t help but aim for everything to be just right. And, yeah, I’ve caught myself expecting a bit too much loyalty from people and situations. It’s a work in progress, but being aware of it keeps me on my toes, trying to find that balance. We’re all a little tangled up in our quirks, right?

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Oh, in the acting world, I’ve got my own little fan club going. Eddie Redmayne, Freddie Highmore, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Angelina Jolie are like my personal idols – their talent just blows me away. And then there’s Cindy Crawford, the queen of modeling – she’s been my inspiration since forever. It’s like having my own dream team of influences in this crazy journey of mine.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I’d say my greatest extravagance is diving headfirst into the whole acting and filmmaking scene. It’s like I can’t resist going all out for unique projects, attending those exclusive events, and just soaking up every bit of the creative world. It’s not just a job – it’s a lavish love affair with storytelling and making memories in this wild industry.

On what occasion would I lie?

Well, let’s be real – sometimes, in this crazy world of acting and filmmaking, I might tell a little white lie to keep the peace. You know, those moments where a gentle fib can spare feelings or keep the creative vibes flowing smoothly. It’s like a little secret sauce for maintaining harmony in the chaos of showbiz! 

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Oh, the one thing that really gets under my skin in this line of work? It’s gotta be the crazy unpredictability of the entertainment world. You know, the constant ups and downs, the never-ending rollercoaster ride of projects – it’s like trying to find calm in a storm sometimes. But hey, it keeps things interesting, right?

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

Honestly, my absolute happy place is any set I’m on – that feeling is just pure magic. But, oh boy, backstage watching my kids do their thing, whether it’s acting or modeling, that’s a whole different level of joy. It’s like my heart does a happy dance, seeing them embrace the world I love so much.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

If I could tweak something about myself, I’d probably dial down the perfectionism a notch – it’s a bit of a rollercoaster sometimes. And, hey, finding that sweet spot between work craziness and personal chill would be a dream. Just trying to navigate this wild journey with a bit more ease, you know?

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Oh, let me tell you about the highlights! Working with A-listers like Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Alec Baldwin, and more has been surreal. And hey, representing Russia in beauty pageants and rocking “Miss Russia Universe” as 1st Runner up – talk about proud moments! Plus, my kiddos hitting it big, being Marvel stars, and working with cool brands like Stride Rite, Camping World, Disney, Little Tikes, Bass Pro Shops, Timberland, Legoland, Fly Bar, and the list goes on! It’s like a crazy, amazing rollercoaster of a career.

Where would I most like to live?

I’m pretty happy where I am right now, but you know what fuels my soul? Nonstop travel! It’s like this constant itch to explore new places, meet new faces – there’s just something magical about the idea of making the whole world my playground. “Home sweet home” is cool, but my heart belongs to the journey.

What is my most treasured possession?

You know, it’s not about the material stuff, but if I had to pick, my most treasured possession would probably be this old script – filled with notes, doodles, and memories from the crazy journey of my acting career. It’s like a little time capsule of all the highs and lows, and flipping through those pages feels like reliving my own story.

What is my most marked characteristic?

I’d say my most marked characteristic is probably this relentless passion for what I do. It’s like my work isn’t just a job; it’s a full-blown love affair. I think it’s what keeps things interesting and makes the whole journey uniquely mine.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Oh, my go-to inspiration spot in the city? Picture this – year-long summer vibes, beaches that could rival paradise, and soaking up the sun. It’s like having a slice of perpetual vacation right at home. That’s my secret sauce for staying creatively charged and just loving life a little extra.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

My go-to spots for eating and drinking? It’s gotta be those cozy beach cafes with Latino tunes or the joints serving up Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian goodness. There’s just something about the mix of flavors and vibes that makes every meal feel like a mini vacation – pure magic!

What books influenced my life and how?

Do you want the bookshelf tour of my soul?☺️ Historical reads have been like time travel for me, broadening my view of different eras. And then there’s “Cold Mountain” by Charles Frazier – that one felt like a journey of the heart, leaving me hooked on storytelling and the beauty of the human experience. It’s like each book is a little life lesson tucked between the pages.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

On my last day, it’s all about Lifehouse’s “Storm.” Or “Kiss the Rain” by Billie Myers. Or „Fly On“ by Coldplay. There’s something about the melody and lyrics that just hits different, you know? It’s like the perfect soundtrack to wrap up this journey called life 😅.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Alright, let’s talk fiction heroes. Ada Monroe from “Cold Mountain” and Nurse Evelyn Johnson from “Pearl Harbor” are my best choice. Ada’s resilience and Evelyn’s unwavering strength just hit differently, you know? These characters are not just on pages or on screen; they’re in my heart, showing me bits of courage and grace that I carry with me. 

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My real-life heroes and heroines are undoubtedly my family members, including my mom, dad, sister, kids, grandparents and greatgrandparents. The relatives who fought and survived WWII hold a special place in my  heart, likely inspiring me with their courage during challenging times. It’s a testament to the strength and bonds within my family that shape my admiration for them as true heroes in my life.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

If there’s one movie I’d say everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime, it’s gotta be “Cold Mountain.” Trust me, it’s not just a movie; it’s like a journey of the soul. The kind that stays with you, you know? However, there are so many others, as well… 

What role play stories in my life and work?

Stories are the heartbeat of my life and work. In acting and filmmaking, they’re not just scripts; they’re like the chapters of my own adventure. Whether it’s the roles I play on screen or the tales I live off-screen, each story is a brushstroke painting the canvas of my journey. It’s like finding pieces of myself in the characters I portray and the narratives I create.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

To me, ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ is like a personal mantra. It’s a reminder that I hold the pen, and each day is a chance to write a page of my own story. There’s this beautiful freedom in being both the author and the main character – creating twists, turns, and moments that make it uniquely mine.


What project am I looking forward to work on?

I’m basically on the edge of my seat, ready for any curveball or delightful surprise that pops up this year! Oh, and there’s this Marvel audition from last year that has my heart racing a bit. It’s like waiting for that big break that could just turn everything around. Here’s to hoping the universe has some epic plans up its sleeve for my acting adventure!

Where can you see me or my work?

You can catch a piece of me and my creative journey all over the place! For the audio side, my books are rocking on YouTube, Audible, and basically any audio platform that matters. Now, my movies are still cooking in the post-production oven, but you can catch my commercials having a party on YouTube. And, of course, there’s a sprinkle of my life and projects all around the social media universe – just like a digital scrapbook of my wild ride in the acting world. Oh, and my kids are in on the fun too!

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

“Passion Never Retires” feels like my personal anthem. It’s this reminder that no matter how many candles are on my birthday cake, that fire for acting and filmmaking just keeps blazing. It’s like a promise to my own heart that I’ll keep chasing stories, stepping onto sets, and soaking up every moment, no matter what the calendar says. Passion truly is my forever accomplice in this wild adventure.

How can you contact me? Annahandshy@yahoo.com