Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Pozzuoli.
Hi Stella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved playing with my Nonna’s makeup, slipping into my mom’s heels, and performing in any way I could. I was always putting on little shows and trying to make people laugh, so when I saw my first musical in elementary school, I begged my mom to sign me up for the next one at our local children’s theatre. From then on, I was hooked.
I did theatre and choir all through high school, which eventually led me to pursue my BFA in Theatre Performance at Baylor University. Those four years completely shaped me as an artist — it’s where I discovered my love for film and on-camera acting. There’s something so raw and personal about the camera being just inches from your face; you can’t hide anything, and I’ve always loved that honesty.
When I moved back home to California after college, I started reaching out to anyone I knew in the industry. Through that, I reconnected with Mark Vogel, who introduced me to Diane Foster — and that connection truly changed my life. I started as a production assistant on a few of her projects, and eventually she gave me the chance to audition for Saturday the Movie Musical. Landing my first supporting role in a feature film was surreal — it was the most rewarding, eye-opening experience, and I’ll always be so grateful to both Mark and Diane for believing in me.
Honestly, I just want to keep telling stories, creating, and playing dress-up for the rest of my life. It’s who I’ve always been.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being typecast has also been challenging. Sometimes people only see you one way, and it takes patience and persistence to show them the full range of what you can do. But I’ve learned that every role, even the ones that feel limiting, teaches you something valuable.
And when it comes to being overly critical of myself — that’s an ongoing lesson. I remember once during a play, I kept asking the director what I could be doing better, if there was anything I needed to fix. Finally, he looked at me and said, “I cast you because you’re already doing what I want. If I’m not giving you notes, that’s a good thing.” That really stuck with me and taught me to trust myself and my instincts a little more.
A teacher at Baylor used to say, “Actors have the skin of a rhino and the heart of a child,” and I think about that often. The goal is to stay resilient without losing your emotional openness. The best work comes from that balance — being vulnerable, curious, and playful, even through the hard parts.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a performer at heart, with a background in theatre and film, specializing in authenticity and vulnerability on stage and on camera. I’d describe my type and brand as unapologetic, intentional, and inquisitive — I bring my full self to every role, make every moment count, and approach characters with curiosity and wonder. At my core, what makes me me is being passionately curious about people, stories, and emotions, always asking questions and exploring new perspectives.
I also love to make people laugh — in college, I was part of an improv troupe and even tried stand-up for a semester, which taught me timing, risk-taking, and how to connect with an audience in the moment. What sets me apart is my combination of empathy, versatility, and fearlessness. I bring focus, heart, and playfulness to everything I do, collaborate deeply with others, and strive to find the truth in every moment. I love creating work that’s honest, memorable, and, yes, sometimes makes people laugh, while always challenging myself to grow as an artist.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I hope to be working on projects that really challenge me and tell stories that feel meaningful and authentic. I want to keep growing as an actor and exploring roles that push me creatively while connecting with audiences in a real way. I also hope to continue meeting and collaborating with like-minded artists who inspire me.
I’m currently working on a project that’s very close to my heart, and I hope to have it finished and shared soon — it’s been an incredible opportunity to dive deep into a story that resonates with me personally.
And while it might sound ambitious, I always aim high — I even put the Oscars in my planner every year — not out of ego, but to motivate myself and remind me to dream big no matter what. Over the next 5–10 years, I hope to be part of projects that are innovative, emotionally honest, and resonate with audiences, while continuing to challenge myself and grow as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stellapozzuoli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoochhh/?hl=en
Image Credits
– Gregory Wallace
– Parker Salenfriend
