Check Out Léa Catania’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Léa Catania.

Hi léa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
so I moved to Vegas in 2014 to perform in the show ” Le reve the Dream” created by Franco Dragone at the Wynn hotel, then I became American and moved to Los Angeles to pursue stunt and acting. I worked on the TV show “Baskets” as an actress and got cast in Avatar 2 and 3 as a stunt performer. I worked on the project for 5 years. I got the chance to meet talented actors and see their work such as Oona Chaplin or Kate Winslet and learn a lot from them. After that, I got cast as an actress in a French TV show called “BRI” on Canal +, and that created a dynamic to live between France and America. And recently a got a supporting role in an independent movie called ” BE a Good Girl” and we are actually selected at the Lady’s film festival in LA and the premier is saturday 27, where I got nominated for best supporting actress.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
not at all, but I think it’s the life of people working in this industry coming from a family who has nothing to do with acting. I had to create my own opportunities and be ready when that opportunity came through my door. I had to get some alimentary jobs on the side to be able to pursue my goals. Sometimes it was not easy, and you always have a moment when you think you want to give up, but you remember that when you are on set or performing, that’s your happy place; it’s like a playground for adults, I call it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So technically, a lot of Cirque performers, when they want a change in their career, they come to LA to become a stunt performer. so I knew that was my way to break into the industry, and my specialty in stunt was water ( I used to be part of the National team of synchronized swimming ) and that how I got cast in Avatar, “the way of water” from that I learned other disciplines to become what we call a generalist. At the same time, I kept studying acting and auditioning. I am proud of all my projects. I know people might think it’s Avatar or Cirque, but actually every job I did made me meet new and incredible people that gave me the opportunity to create a circle of creative.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Usually, people think I am naturally confident, but actually, I am shy and not sure of myself; it’s just that I created this mask to protect myself. I am dyslexic and have dysgraphia, and doing the clown was a way to be sure I got accepted, even if I was different. That gave me the chance to believe anything is possible; you just have to go for it. I failed so many times, but I realized that after that I had the strength to climb again.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lea.catania

Image Credits
Benjamin Auffrey