FRANCESCA REALE [STRANGER THINGS 3]

American actress FRANCESCA REALE played the recurring character of Heather Halloway in Stranger Things 3. Her character played an integral part in the plot of the season 3.

She also played the character of Emily in the Netflix series HATERS BACK OFF as Colleen Ballinger’s (a.k.a. Miranda Sings) sister.

In this exclusive interview, read on as the Reale talks about her acting career, her inspirations, Stranger Things 3, her dream to be in an Audrey Hepburn Biopic, and more.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MALIKE SIDIBE

Tell us about your story. What’s your story?

My story is very much still being written and I am personally still figuring it out. Once I know what it is I will happily pass it along.

How did acting start for you? What inspired you to pursue acting?

I’ve always loved performing and think there was a part of me that has always wanted to act. Unfortunately when I was younger I didn’t want to act for the right reasons. It wasn’t until I was much older that I really started my acting training and pursuing it as an actual career. I love old movies and they have always been a huge source of inspiration for me. The idea of people being able to create characters and convey emotions that not only are able to connect with a mass audience but be able to be preserved for a life time always felt like something very special I wanted to be a part of.

STYLING: NEAL ST ONGE, MAKEUP: AMY STROZZI for TMG-LA, HAIR: BEKAH LESSER for TMG-LA

How did your education from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Stern help your career in acting so far?

Tisch gave me my first set of acting classes. It’s where I really learned how to act. It’s also where I got my agent at one of they showcases. Stern helped give me the knowledge to be able to, at least, vaguely understand the business side of this industry which for a lot of young, up and coming actors can be the trickiest part to navigate. NYU has given me a lot and Im very grateful.

What inspires you?

Anything. An incredible exhibit at an art museum, a good book, music, an incredible meal. Anything that can feel somewhat extraordinary and rare in the moment I find very inspirational.

LEFT: Leopard print dress: ISABEL MARANT FALL ‘19 RIGHT: Full look: FENDI FALL ‘19, Jewelry: JENNY BIRD

Let’s talk about Stranger Things 3. What is the best part about playing Heather?

Getting to play two different people under one character - unpossessed and possessed Heather. Also getting to attempt my own fight scenes and underwater stunts.

Have you ever thought about the desire to see more from her?

I think Heather did exactly what she needed to do to move the season forward. Her job is done. All I hope is everyone enjoyed her while she was around.

LEFT: Sweater: ISABEL MARANT FALL ‘19, Skirt: MISTER TRIPLE X RIGHT: Leopard print dress: ISABEL MARANT

If you can have it your way and if for some reason, Heather will ever return in the series,

how would you like her story to unfold?

That’s a tough question because she would essentially be returning as an orphan? Unless her parents returned to. So I guess it would be interesting to follow her story putting together the missing pieces of what happened and what she did when being possessed and returning home.

Do you have a dream role/project?

If there is ever an Audrey Hepburn Biopic I would give an arm and a leg to play her.

LEFT: Sweater: ISABEL MARANT FALL ‘19 RIGHT: Full look: FENDI FALL ‘19, Jewelry: JENNY BIRD

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (could be a title, a genre or any form of book)

Little Women. I’ve always loved and admired Jo’s devotion to her writing and making her dreams come true. It’s an inspiration for me with my own career and dreams. (Im also very excited for the movie..)

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See Francesca as Heather in Stranger Things 3 now streaming on NETFLIX.