Radiant & Real: The Tale Of Life And Passion With Star Actress Bella Glanville

Well, the typical answer to this would be rejection. We face rejections every day. But I see rejection as a redirection onto something better. I think the industry has the power to make or break you, but it’s important to compare yourself to who you were yesterday and how you can be a better version of yourself rather than comparing yourself to others.

Meet Bella Glanville is a celebrated model and a rising star in the world of Cinema who has charmed the audience with her awe-inspiring performances in the Netflix series ‘A Whole Lifetime’, ‘Ted Lasso’, and ‘The Geek Girl’.

Born into a talented lineage of opera singers, Bella has seamlessly transitioned into the modern entertainment scene. She has not only graced fashion shows with her exquisite charm but has also won numerous awards for her exceptional talent at the London Film Festival and New York Cinematography Awards.

In a candid interview with the Leaders Magazine, Bella shares her story, the highs, the challenges, and the dreams that keep her inspired and giving her best. It’s a journey that beautifully combines her heritage with contemporary allure, giving us a glimpse into the symphony of her life.

You’ve had a successful career as an actress and a model. Can you share a moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

Well, I always say that when you’re a performer, it’s in your soul. My degree was actually in Psychology, but the entire time, my mind was telling me to do something else. As both of my parents are opera singers, there has been a constant connection with music, theatre and the arts. I did musical theatre growing up, and during my modelling career, many people told me I had a good look for acting. So I decided to go for it once I finished school.

Being part of a Netflix series is a significant achievement. How did it all happen?

Thank you! Well, my amazing agent got me the audition last year. I’ve watched a lot of Love Island, so when I read the script, I knew exactly how I wanted to play Georgina. But with every audition, I tend to make myself forget I’ve done them so that I won’t be disappointed. No expectations means no disappointment, this is the rule I follow, which is why I was so surprised when my agent called me to tell me I had booked the role, so I squealed on the train.

Balancing a career in both acting and modelling can be challenging. How do you manage between these two worlds?

They link together quite nicely, particularly with things like music videos and commercials. When I first got into acting, I used a modelling photo as my headshot too. And the bigger you are in one industry, the easier it gets to have a platform for the other.

Every actor faces challenges in the industry. What were the challenges you had to face?

As an actress, you’ve portrayed various characters. Is there a particular role that challenged you the most, and how did you prepare for it?

I’ve had some challenging roles emotionally. I like to stretch myself though. One incredible role was my first-ever feature, in which I played a psychopath. I did months of research on female psychopaths and made a journal about the way that they move, speak, talk, etc. I wanted to go full method for this role but eventually decided that maybe becoming a psychopath isn’t a good idea.

As a public figure, have you ever encountered challenges related to body image or societal expectations, and how do you stay true to yourself amid such pressures?

I think the industry has got a lot better when it comes to this. I think the most important thing to remember is to love yourself. Self-love is colossal. So every time someone comments on the way I look, I imagine a Captain America-type shield in front of me so that their words bounce off the shield and fail to hit me. It would take a lot to knock my confidence because I choose to love and respect myself every day. How you treat yourself is how others will treat you.

I also gave a TED talk on body image in the industry and how perfection isn’t real. I spoke about my e-hat theory. If you take the letter ‘e’ from the end of the word ‘hate’ and put it at the beginning it becomes ‘e-hat’. So when someone is giving you hate, they are giving you a hat with a label on it. It is up to you whether to wear those hats or not.

Fear of the unknown is something many people grapple with. Have there been moments in your career where fear held you back?

Funnily enough, my second TED talk (in Texas) was about embracing the unknown. But I only gave that talk because my need for certainty used to cripple me. I used to be unable to take a train to a casting if there were delays, as I’d freak out about the uncertainty without knowing the plan. So I trained myself to remember that the best things come in surprises. FEAR is equal to False Expectations Appearing Real.

Looking back on your journey, what achievement are you most proud of?

There are a few. But one story I love was landing the Stella McCartney job in Paris Fashion Week. I was in my last year of school doing A-level mocks in my trackies and hoodie with greasy hair and no makeup. My agent called me about doing a casting for singing models in a Paris job, without mentioning the name. I didn’t have time to change, but I decided to go and give it my all. I turned up and was surrounded by glamorous models in heels and makeup. I chose to stay confident in who I was and have an upbeat personality. That night, I found out I booked the job. It was amazing and ended up all over the papers. I also loved working with Stella.

The entertainment industry can be fast-paced and demanding. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what self-care practices do you prioritise to stay grounded?

My friends always say that it’s crazy how much I work hard and play hard. I combine the two sometimes (my best friend is my writing partner). But I always make time for my family and friends, even if I’m exhausted. To stay grounded, whenever it feels like things are getting too much or too hard, I centre and ask myself, ‘How can I appreciate this moment right now?’ And this helps me to shift my focus from the past or future to the complete present, and what I can be grateful for in this moment. Where focus goes, energy flows.

Beyond your current achievements, what are your future aspirations both in your career and personal life?

Whenever we want to achieve a goal, it’s not because we want that goal pursued. It’s because we want to feel the happiness of achieving that goal. So, I always say that my outcome is just to be fulfilled. And the best part about this is that It keeps me going to achieve my outcome every day.

What advice would you give the young artists trying to break into the industry, especially during moments of self-doubt?

It sounds cliché, but if you don’t believe in yourself, others won’t either. If you ever have self-doubt, remember that there is a reason you are pursuing this. You have something special – use it!

My other advice, which I was told by Raynold Gideon, is to always create your heat. Think about Phoebe Waller-Bridge. There are often times when the industry gets quiet, but as long as you are always creating, you are making something happen and allowing yourself to stay on the ladder.