Riley Voelkel In Bloom

Exclusive: The actress speaks about Hightown and her Hollywood aspirations.

At eighteen years old, no one knows what they’re doing, except for a few, which is an undeniable truth about life. But for Hightown’s Riley Voelkel, she just knew what she wanted to do the moment an opportunity presented itself. Voelkel bravely decided to leave her hometown and put the security of being an engineering major behind her to take on the world of fame at the heart of Hollywood.

She found herself in Los Angeles working as a commercial model; later on, she decided to take acting classes, and from that moment on, Riley knew that she found her calling. “I remember feeling so much fulfillment during my first class, and that day, I decided I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. My first role was a tiny part in The Social Network. It was my first time on a film set, and I remember being in awe of the entire process and loving every minute of it.”

Riley On Working With Aaron Sorkin and Why Being In a Tarantino Film Would Be a Dream Come True.

Her debut acting role led her to work with renowned screenwriter Aaron Sorkin not once but twice. Sorkin enlisted her to be cast in a recurring role on “The Newsroom,” an American political drama series that chronicled the behind-the-scenes events at the fictional Atlantis Cable News Channel. Voelkel took on the role of Jenna “Sorority Girl” Johnson alongside Will McAvoy, Olivia Munn, and Dev Patel.

This firsthand experience, according to Voelkel, was one of the most unforgettable moments of her life. Drawing inspiration from these experiences and the people around her, she could discern what roles she wanted to be in, “I love Tarantino’s use of dark humor, intense banter, and masterful dialogue. I have always wanted to be in one of his films; his characters are beautifully written and complex, and their inherent flaws make them all the more appealing.” Subsequently, she continues to glean valuable insights needed to prosper in her career, and Voelkel was able to integrate what she learned from the greats in her development process.

The Two Roles That Shaped Her Commitment to Storytelling: Renee and Freya Mikaelson

Since then, you can see Voelkel displaying her acting chops in prominent roles such as The Originals and Hightown. Her series regular role as Freya Mikaelson in the Vampire Diaries spin-off was a fan-favorite, and what made it incredibly meaningful for Voelkel was the familial environment fostered by everyone on set. “Freya Mikaelson was the first series regular role I played throughout multiple seasons, and it was an experience I will hold close to my heart forever.”

When she landed the leading role in Hightown, she encountered one of her most challenging roles. Yet, she immersed herself in the complexities of her character Renee—an ex-addict and struggling mother—Riley delved deep into research, from watching documentaries to taking up pole dancing. It was a transformative experience that pushed her beyond her comfort zone and reaffirmed her commitment to authenticity in storytelling. “Allowing myself to be vulnerable and messy in ways I hadn’t shared before on camera was one of the most challenging parts. One of our biggest intentions with Hightown was to give honest portrayals of these flawed character’s struggles. I knew how important that could be for the viewers and their connection to the character, and I had to leave it all out on the field.”

As a result, she gave out an enthralling performance, captivating viewers with her complicated on-screen relationship with co-star James Badge Dale’s Ray. Rebecca Cutter’s intricate writing initially drew Voelkel into taking this role: “The elaborate world and three-dimensional characters she created were an actor’s dream! I had been craving a gritty role that would allow me to break some creative walls and push me out of my comfort zone, and there it was written on the page. I wanted the role as soon as I read the pilot and am so profoundly grateful that Rebecca trusted me with this complex character.

On Taking Risks and New Projects.

With sheer determination and adaptability, there is no question that we’ll be seeing more of Voelkel on the big screen as she progresses through her acting career. However, she also discovers herself along the way, and as she prepares for each role with fellow creatives, she learns to be bold and take risks, especially with her style. My day-to-day is mostly about comfort, but I’ve learned that you could always do something fun and bold through accessories or different textures. Essentially, it’s telling a story about yourself through your clothes.

As Riley Voelkel looks ahead, she remains open to new horizons and eager to explore diverse genres and roles. Her uninhibited creativity now leads her to consider working behind the scenes, with aspirations of writing and directing her first short film. This willingness to embrace new challenges is a testament to her versatility and can inspire readers to embrace change in their own lives.