Victoria Rooney
She played in Cory Kinchla, Nona as Nona.
SKSM: Tell us about yourself, who is Victoria Rooney and what do you do or have you done?
Victoria Rooney: Victoria Rooney is an Award-Winning Professional Actress, Model, Singer, and Dancer. This young bi-coastal performer has been labeled a “Powerhouse” by numerous publications. Victoria is best known for starring in the 5-time award-winning film, Trepidation, and received a Best Acting Award for her performance. She is also known for having worked on the Emmy-nominated HBO limited series, The Undoing, alongside Oscar winner Nicole Kidman and for her performance with Tony Award winner Matt Doyle in the SeriesFest winning pilot, Truth Slash Fiction.
She starred in a Stephen King Dollar Baby Film adaptation of Nona as Nona. At just 13 years old, Victoria took the Theatre World by storm when she landed her first lead role in an Off-Broadway Show. In 2018, Victoria continued to gain popularity when she originated the lead role in a new Off-Broadway musical. A true triple threat, Victoria is advanced in numerous dance styles and has sung professionally throughout the nation. As a model, Victoria has graced the New York Fashion Week Runway and Red Carpet for prestigious global designers.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Victoria Rooney: For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be an actress. I love to entertain and make people smile. Whenever I could watch TV shows and films as a kid, I would find myself reciting the lines. Growing up in New York, I had the opportunity to experience Broadway shows early on and I was mesmerized by the performers. I fell in love with the storytelling of acting and once I started, I knew immediately that I had
found my passion.
SKSM: What details define you the most as an actress?
Victoria Rooney: When I bring to life a story and character, I really dig into every aspect. I take time to develop my characters and learn as much as I can about the project. I do a lot of research, as I always want to tell the story authentically and make sure I do it justice.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Nona Dollar Baby film?
Victoria Rooney: The director of Nona, Cory Kinchla, came to see a play production I was in. He told me that after he saw my performance in the play, he knew I was his Nona. Shortly after, Cory and AJ Bartolotti (my Co-Star) told me about the program and sent me the script to review. I immediately read the adaptation and could not put it down! I called Cory that night and accepted the role!
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Victoria Rooney: I think in this story, there are so many elements that can be attractive for people. There is definitely something for everyone whether it is the romance, adventure, horror, etc. At the root of our story, is a man who is longing to be loved. Although he goes about finding it in an extreme way, I think many can relate to the longing for love.
SKSM: You worked with Cory Kinchla on this film, how was that?
Victoria Rooney: Working with Cory Kinchla on this film was such a joy! He is the type of director that was always checking on his actors, as he made sure we consistently felt safe and were comfortable. He always communicated what he was looking for and his vision. Cory took time to get to know us and our characters. He is so talented, and it was an amazing experience!
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Victoria Rooney: Honestly, we had so much fun making this film and every day on set was special! For me, one of the most special moments on set was the special effects makeup look I had for the opening scene. In the opening scene, I appear as a zombie-like figure. I love makeup and enjoyed going through every step of that transformation. That makeup look took a few hours and was special because it was the most SFX and prosthetics I had ever worn for a role. The makeup artist, Nitara Ortiz, was so talented and being a part of that process, from planning the look to filming it, was a moment I will remember forever. When it came time to finalize the movie poster, they decided to use a photo of me in the SFX makeup look. Therefore, whenever I see the poster, I am always reminded of how special the look was and what an amazing experience it was to transform my character in that way.
SKSM: What are you thinking of the end result of the film?
Victoria Rooney: This film was truly a collaboration from every person who worked on it. Therefore, when I saw the end result, I was so proud of the story and vision we had brought to life. Everyone, from crew to cast, was so passionate about the film and their roles. You can see and feel that passion reflected in the end result.
SKSM: Are there any points that you now think in retrospect that I could or could have done differently?
Victoria Rooney: Being a lifelong learner, I am never complacent. Therefore, I feel that there is always more room to grow and learn. When I look back on this film, I see the amount of love and work that went into it from everyone involved and am so proud of what we created.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work? If so, what’s your favorite?
Victoria Rooney: I am a Stephen King Fan, and it is so hard to choose just one favorite! If I had to pick, I would probably say Carrie because I am a theater kid as well, and I loved that it was turned into a musical.
SKSM: If you were offered a role in a film based on a work by Stephen King, which would you choose?
Victoria Rooney: I was a big fan of Stephen King’s short story, “Nona”, and I always hoped to play Nona one day. That is why it was definitely a pinch me moment, when I was offered the role of Nona! In the future, I would enjoy the opportunity to further develop the character in a new way. Since I have already played Nona in a film, I would be interested in portraying the character in another medium, like a play, etc.
SKSM: You previously indicated that you regularly appear on the red carpet when it comes to (horror) film festivals. Can you explain exactly what you do?
Victoria Rooney: I am so grateful for the opportunities and red carpets I have attended. I always attended the red carpets for projects I was involved in, and then a few years ago, I started getting invited to other red carpet events as an attendee and “Actress to Watch”. These are opportunities that I never take lightly and always are thankful for. Recently, I was invited to host several film festival red carpets as the Red Carpet Host. In my role as Red Carpet Host, I learn about and interview numerous creatives in this industry. I love being able to connect with these creatives and bring awareness to their films!
SKSM: You act, you sing, you dance, you are on stage, do you have any other talents that we don’t know about yet?
Victoria Rooney: I always strive to keep learning and trying new things. I am a big believer in the quote, “Nothing is impossible”. Something people may not know is that in addition to acting, singing, and dancing, I am also a model. Recently, I walked the New York Fashion Week Runway for a Global Designer. Being a New Yorker who loves fashion, this was a dream come true!
SKSM: What is the best thing that has happened to you in acting?
Victoria Rooney: Any moment that I can do what I love and tell a story is a win for me! One of the best parts of acting is being able to meet and connect with so many amazing individuals. Accomplishment wise, I am lucky to have had some truly memorable moments. I think one that stands out to me is winning a “Best Acting Award” for my performance in a film called Trepidation. The film dealt with very real and hard issues, and it was an honor to tell that story.
SKSM: Is there a role you would like to play if it comes your way, and what would it be?
Victoria Rooney: I would love to play a character in a teen/young adult show. I feel this specific genre of television helps teens/young adults feel seen and lets them know that they are not alone in the struggles they may be facing. Being able to help and impact this audience by telling stories they can identify and connect with is a goal of mine, as I want to use my passion to help my peers.
SKSM: What is in the top 5 on your bucket list? (Everything is possible and nothing is too strange)
Victoria Rooney:
- I love to volunteer, and I would like to start a charity so I can help as many people as
possible. - I volunteer a lot for St. Jude and a personal bucket list goal of mine would be to make
over 1 million St. Jude Cards for Patients. I made over 1,000 cards last year and I am
setting my goal even higher this year. I also hope to inspire others to make cards and
bring more awareness to the program. - To perform on Broadway – I got my start when I was cast in an Off-Broadway show
and performing for live audiences every night was an amazing experience. I would
love to continue my theatre career and hope to one day be in a Broadway show. - It would be an honor to follow in the footsteps of the inspiring actresses who have
won and/or been nominated for an Emmy and Academy Award, as in the future, I
hope to do the same. - As a theme park lover, I would love to visit every Disney Park in the world.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Victoria Rooney: I am happy to say that I have a few projects in the works! I am definitely excited for what is to come, and I can’t wait to announce everything soon!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Victoria Rooney: Something people may be surprised to learn about me is that outside of my professional career as an Actress, Model, Singer, and Dancer, I have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while in school and pursuing a professional career simultaneously.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Victoria Rooney: Of course, thank you so much for this amazing interview and for the opportunity to share our film adaptation. I want to thank each and every fan for supporting me, our film, and this program! It means so much and I hope you all enjoy watching our film!
SKSM: Would you like to add anything else?
Victoria Rooney: To stay connected with Victoria Rooney, you can find me on: Instagram or TikTok. For Business Inquiries, you can contact Victoria Rooney at: www.victoriarooney.com
