Interviewing actress and producer Arianna Lexus

1-. How was your childhood?

My childhood was beautiful; those times were so much simpler back then. Without all this technology, I was always outside, using my imagination and being artistic and creative. Every day was an adventure, and I was always dreaming of being a star on the big screen. I remember speaking in different accents and recording interviews on a little cassette tape player I had. I took dance lessons, did gymnastics, participated in theater, figure skated, played piano and guitar, and tried different sports, all while singing for talent shows. I was so blessed to have all those opportunities! I was raised by just my mother, who brought me up as a single parent. We definitely had our struggles along the way, but she always made sure I had everything I needed and as many opportunities as possible to follow my dreams.

2. - From what age did you decide to be an actress and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV?

 I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve known my whole life that I was going to be an actress. I’ve been singing and performing since I was in diapers! I’ve been involved in theater throughout my life, and about 10 years ago, I quit my job to completely focus on and pursue acting at a professional level. Once I took that plunge, I realized I had made the absolute best decision of my life.

As for when I knew I would eventually be on TV, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when I knew, but you just know in your heart and soul when you’re in your light that eventually everything is going to work out—and that’s exactly what happened. Now, this isn’t an overnight process by any means; it has been one of the hardest, most intense, and challenging journeys of my life. I have struggled so much and it has tested me on just about every level imaginable. But despite all of that, it has also been the most rewarding, beautiful, and chaotic period, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

I believe when you want something so badly, something you’re so passionate about, you’re willing to take the risk, work hard for it, bleed for it, cry for it, and sacrifice for it. That’s when it happens—that’s when you achieve greatness, and that’s what I did. In this industry, you have to make things happen because nobody is going to do it for you!

3. - Did your parents support you in the decision you made to be an actress?

My mother has always supported my career as an actress. She is the one who always told me I could be anything I wanted to be, that I was destined for something big, to make a difference in this dim world, and that she always knew I had a great purpose. She would say, “Reach for the stars, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.” She has truly been my inspiration throughout my life and career, my rock when I doubted myself, and she has taught me so much through her strength, resilience, and laughter about what life is all about.

4. - What was your first appearance on the screens?

My first appearance on screen was in a film based on a true story about a woman who was raped by three men in college and how they got away with it. It was a powerful story of revenge that raises awareness about sexual abuse and the reality of perpetrators walking free without justice being served. This happens far too often in real life, and it isn’t talked about nearly enough, so I was very grateful to help bring that story to life. Flash forward ten years later, and I’ve come to realize just how important it is to me to make movies with meaning and a mission behind them.

5. - What was the role you liked the most? 

By far, my favorite role was Emily in the upcoming psychological thriller Hyde Out, written, directed, and produced by Matthew Cichella. I also starred in and produced the film. It’s based on one woman’s (Emily’s) ultimate fight for survival on New Year's Eve, as she is held hostage in her home, battling both criminals and her abusive husband. The character arc is intense as we immerse you deeply into her emotional and psychological struggle.

This role was unlike anything I’ve ever done in my career. As a method actor, I took this role very seriously – both personally and professionally, pushing myself to the extreme. I entered a deep, dark, depressive state for almost three months, and to be honest, it was very hard for me to pull myself out of that mindset even after we wrapped. I also developed an eating disorder that lasted for six months during and after filming. People could never truly understand what it took to draw from my own traumatic experiences in order to capture the raw emotions and struggles Emily faced. I literally bled, was bruised, and could barely eat or sleep during the shoot because of the mental state I was in.

I am so deeply proud of what we’ve achieved with this film, as well as the message and mission behind it. We are raising awareness about domestic abuse, violence, and suicide prevention. I can only hope that this powerful story resonates deeply with viewers around the world and gives a voice to those who suffer in silence.

We are super excited to announce that the Red Carpet Premiere will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 6 PM to 1:30 AM at Hollywood Blvd in Woodridge, IL. Tickets are officially on sale now and selling fast! Don’t miss your opportunity to be one of the first people in the world to see our film and be part of an unforgettable, beautiful night to remember.

The red carpet pre-event will take place from 6–7 PM, where guests can take pictures and participate in a raffle, with 100% of the profits going to charity for victims of domestic abuse. After the screening of our film, we’ll have an after-party to celebrate and dance the night away with our DJ in the lobby until 1:30 AM!

6.- What do you think led you to fame? 

 I believe what led me to fame is the movie God’s Not Here, written, directed, and produced by Matthew Cichella, in which I both starred and produced. It was the very first faith-based anthology ever made, and it is currently streaming in over 90 countries! The film has won an extreme amount of awards for Best Actress, Best Director, Best Writer, Best Producers, Best Inspirational Film, and Best Message.

In the film, I had to play four totally different characters with different looks and accents, which gained me significant international attention. I also went on to produce and star in the sequel, God’s Not Here II: Trials & Tribulations, once again bringing four different characters to life. Across both films, we tell stories about love, loss, hope, and forgiveness while raising awareness on topics like overcoming abuse, drug addiction, sexual assault, losing loved ones, and finding hope when you feel lost, turning to faith for answers and healing.

These are such powerful stories that have resonated deeply with viewers globally, and I could not be more proud of their success and the positive impact they have had on so many. Since then, I have received over 48 awards, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity.

I want to personally thank Matthew Cichella from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and trusting me not only to bring these complex characters to life but also to be a part of the entire creative process from start to finish as a producer, allowing us to create some serious movie magic!

Both films are currently streaming and available to watch on multiple platforms, including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Roku, Plex, and many others.

7-. What types of characters you would like to interpret?

 I do stunt training and perform all my own stunts, so I would absolutely love a badass female John Wick-type role. I’d also be thrilled to take on a comedy role (yes, I’ve got some serious improv skills and comedic chops!). I think it would be amazing to do a Western or a Viking-style show since I also have weapons training with guns and swords. Anything in the fantasy or sci-fi genre would be incredible—how amazing would that be?! And, of course, I’m just putting it out there: Marvel, DC—being a superhero would be right up my alley, and I’m so here for it!

8-. What actresses and actors do you feel comfortable working with?

I feel comfortable working alongside anyone who has a positive attitude and is ready to work hard while having fun and getting creative! Good energy on a film set is a must, period! When you work together, you build a bond like a big family, and I absolutely love that!

9-. In what other genres of art would you like to participate? (Works of theater, music,among others) 

No question about it—I am a singer-songwriter, and I play guitar and piano. I’m currently in the process of working on my music career, and it's coming very soon!

10.- Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person?

One of the most life-altering events in my life happened in 2021. I caught COVID and lost the ability to walk, enduring the most intense pain I’ve ever experienced to the point of nearly passing out. I had to be placed on round-the-clock ketamine, almost in a medically induced coma. I almost died four times and was hospitalized for a total of four months. My body had an autoimmune reaction, attacking itself, my organs, and cutting off oxygen to some of my joints, causing avascular necrosis in both knees and my right foot. I was told I would need double knee replacements, might never walk again, and would definitely never do stunts anymore.

There were many times I felt like giving up, and some days when the pain was so bad, I thought about ending my life just to stop suffering. But then, I remembered I have a son. I couldn’t give up—I had to fight, not just for myself but for my family. That day, I made the choice to fight back.

I went to a live-in rehab facility to learn to walk again after COVID had finished wreaking havoc on my body. I was told I would be there for at least 22 days, but I was determined to do everything possible to make it happen sooner. Within seven days, I was not only walking but also doing obstacle courses, swimming, and boxing. By day eight, I was teaching other patients and caregivers yoga, and I took my first long walk outside. By day nine, I was released to go home. Everyone at the facility told me I was a miracle and an inspiration.

Shortly after returning home, I got off all 13 medications doctors told me I would be on for the rest of my life. Four weeks later, I started stunt training and was back on set, shooting the sequel to God’s Not Here and, a few months later, Hyde Out! Even though I have permanent damage to my knees and foot, I realized that you are not your disease, illness, or ailment—that is not what defines you.

This experience taught me how precious and short life truly is, and I no longer take a single moment for granted. I know there’s a reason I’m still here; I have a bigger purpose. I feel so blessed and know in my heart that my purpose is to help impact and change people’s lives through the powerful performances and stories in my films. As painful and traumatic as this was for me, it’s a part of my life and my testimony, and I’m happy to be here to tell this story and hopefully help others struggling in similar situations. Life isn’t over until it’s your time, and overcoming these battles and bearing these scars are part of what shape us into a stronger, better version of ourselves.

11.- What has been your greatest achievement? 

By far, my greatest achievement has been and will always be being a mother to my amazing son! I’m so unbelievably proud of the young man he has become. His kindness, selflessness, respect, talent, creativity, and contagious personality embody everything a mother could ever dream their child to be. He is the light of my life, making every day brighter and worth living. He has been my motivation since day one and a huge reason I pursued my dreams because I wanted to show him that anything is possible if you work hard enough, believe in yourself, and are surrounded by the people you love!

12.- What projects will you make next and which ones do you have in mind?

I can’t talk about my upcoming projects just yet, but I have a lot in the works behind the scenes! There are so many updates that I look forward to sharing with my supporters and fans around the world soon. I definitely have many projects in mind, including working on my music!

13.- Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

 I would absolutely love to make a movie in Spain; that would be a dream!

14.- you like spanish cinema?

 I love Spanish cinema, and one of my favorite Spanish directors is Guillermo del Toro. I am so intrigued by his unique cinematic style of blending different genres of film. He isn’t afraid to get creative and think outside the box!