Daniella Pineda – American Odyssey

  By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show “American Odyssey?”

A) I think for a lot of reasons! It was something that I had never seen NBC attempt before. That was really interesting because they were going to try to shoot for the stars and go for something different. On that alone, it was really exciting. Also, I was just coming off “The Originals” so it was exciting for me to just showcase myself in a more adult way because with ‘The Originals” was very catered to teenagers. And my character is pretty serious. On all fronts it appeared challenging and I was really excited about that.

Q) How was your character, Ruby Simms, originally described to you?

A) She was a reporter. That’s it. There is nothing else more to that. I was so shocked when I found out way after getting the part that this character was maybe not such a good guy and in fact a villain. So, I was surprised because I was like, “How did you guys possibly come up with that?! How did you read leave that out from me in the audition?!” The audition was really friendly and fun so that to me was really surprising.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together or did you spend some time to bond?

A) It was really easy. I felt like I was on a different show with some of the characters. Anna Friel was in Morocco and Peter Facinelli was in New York, but his storyline is completely separate from ours. So, for me the show was just Jake Robinson and Nate Mooney because they are who I saw on a daily basis. And I got very close with them very quickly. Nate is hilarious and I was a huge fan of his already from “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and Jake is really sweet and lovable. It was pretty easy!

Q) What did you add to Ruby that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) What is odd is that although the reveal of Ruby really was a shock to me, her personal story is very similar to mine. So, I didn’t have to reach to find something different for the character.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the show?

A) Shooting the show was really, really tough. I don’t know if this is memorable in a good way, but I’ll never forget it. We were shooting in New York in Winter and they put me in Spring clothes when it was like ten degrees outside. So, I was in pain, like physical pain, shooting the show. There was one day we shot at the Myrtle Broadway JMZ Stop. There were so many people walking that I could barely stay on the sidewalk. I had the flu, full blown, and no one cares if you are sick. The crew, especially, don’t want to hear you complain. No one cares if you are sick. They just want to make sure you get the job done. Peter Horton, our creator and director, had me run over the subway overpass repeatedly that I thought I was going to keel over and die. After that, I feel like I do anything.

Q) What advice did you receive from Peter Horton that you took to heart?

A) Peter is really cool. I think one thing that he assured me was that the more authentic I stayed to myself the longer it would work, especially when everything is so youth-centric, who is hot and twelve years old. Peter assured me that I didn’t have to worry about being reconsidered. It’s so competitive in this business that, if anything, Peter just told me to be myself. It sounds really simple, but in so many words he conveyed to me that he was a cool guy and that I would be okay.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that has made it a fast fan favorite?

A) There is a lot going on so I think there is something for everyone. Odelle almost got beheaded by local warlords. I’d say it’s pretty thrilling and contemporary. I think a lot of people are attracted to that.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive when episodes air?

A) Yeah, I do! It’s fun. I have fun on social media and I don’t take it too seriously. Because the show is so serious, it is fun to be goofy on social media about the show or with other cast members. I definitely enjoy that.

Q) Why is that such an important way for you to connect with fans?

A) For me, I think that people only view you by how you are showcased. So, I’m still fairly early in my career. People don’t know that I am very opinionated, funny and politically incorrect. Despite being on a heavy drama, I think people can see a different side to me on social media, which I think is more true to who I am than when I am super serious.

Q) What would you like to be sure fans know about the show?

A) I would say let the show further your curiosity to real life corruption and I’d say further explore the ways in which corporations are corrupt. Let this be a jumping off point to finding out what is really going on in the world.

By: Jamie Steinberg