Chillin’ with Nadia Gray
By Vicki Cruz
Chilled caught up with Nadia Gray to talk about her role alongside Will Smith in the upcoming and highly-anticipated Netflix action-thriller Bright.
The film is set in a world populated with both human and alien races. The story follows LAPD officer Daryl Ward (Will Smith) who is forced to work with an Orc (Joel Edgerton). Battling their differences and an onslaught of enemies, they must work together to protect a deadly, thought-to-be-forgotten relic that, in the wrong hands could destroy everything.
Gray stars as Larika, an elf and member of “The Inferni.” The film premieres on December 22, 2017 on Netflix and will also be released in select theaters. Gray was born in Clearwater, Florida where she began modelling at age 17. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 20 to pursue acting. In her spare time, Gray loves to be at home with her two dogs, watch movies, cook, and put her feet up with a cocktail.
Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.
My film Bright is coming out December 22nd, and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s a Netflix original directed by David Ayer. It’s an alternate universe, present day Los Angeles where elves, orcs, fairies and humans are all trying to exist together. I play Larika, who is an elf in this world. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
When I’m not working I like taking it easy. I keep it pretty simple, taking care of myself, my relationships and my dogs. It’s mostly good food, good movies, and of course, great cocktails.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
I always enjoy trying new things. I switch it up between my go to spots where I know exactly what I’m going to order to random dive bars, walking around town to some new pop up that everyone’s talking about. Going out to eat is basically my version of hitting the clubs, so wherever I end up, I enjoy making fun a night of it.
What types of dishes do you usually order?
I try to keep it vegetarian mostly, but I crave a burnt to a crisp, very well done burger every now and then. I get judged every time I order it, but for whatever reason it hits all the spots for me.
Do you cook?
Yes, I love to cook! I’m Lebanese so I cook a lot of Mediterranean. Honestly I like cooking anything and everything. I get obsessed with challenging myself to take a comfort heavy dish and lighten it up in a way that doesn’t lack big flavor.
What types of drinks do you order when out?
I’m a creature of habit, so put a Reposado tequila in front of me and I’ll be a happy girl.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
Of course! Especially if I’m about to go be social, I’ll enjoy my favorite cocktail before I leave the house. Does it actually make me any less awkward? Sadly, no it does not.
Do you own a home bar?
Yes! I’ve got this beautiful gold metal home bar with glass and a large mirrored bottom.
What is it stocked with?
Right now we’ve got it stocked with a little bit of everything. The basics of course, vodka, whiskey, tequila and a nice scotch for special occasions. And specifically right now while it’s still warm on the weekends, I keep a lot of Kettle One and Zing Zang bloody mix on hand.
What is your favorite drink/cocktail?
Casamigos Reposado, soda, and extra lime. I call it the “One Off,” even though there are usually several.
Have you ever been a bartender?
I have! In college I bartended at this place called Potbelly’s in Tallahassee, Florida. For an introvert that has anxiety about large crowds, in retrospect, bartending was a bad idea. It was all fun and games until the bar got slammed on a popular night and I’m standing there like a deer in headlights instead of slinging drinks like the master I thought I was in my mind. A for effort!
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