Reacher star Serinda Swan‘s journey as a budding thespian began with her love for storytelling. Growing up, Swan was surrounded by incredible creatives, inspiring her to pursue the theatrical arts without inhibitions. Her mother was an actress who starred alongside Isabella Rossellini, and her father is a well-known theater director whose work revolves around Shakespearean plays.

At a young age, she knew she wanted to be part of the industry. Something about utilizing emotions and creating fascinating narratives sparked Serinda’s interest in pursuing a life as a full-time actor in her mid-twenties. Since she wasn’t the type to hide her feelings, she saw the power in using her abilities to breathe life into any role she played. As Swan worked her way up the ladder, she became increasingly aware of the importance of having her own voice while still working hard as an actress, whether on TV shows and films like Prime’s Reacher, Devotion alongside Glenn Powell, or Disney’s Tron: Legacy.

Over time, Serinda’s artistic evolution began to impact other aspects of her life. For her, emotion is more than just the vehicle that drives an exciting plot line—it represents her career, real life, and, most importantly, the chance to impact the lives of others. At the same time, she co-founded Blueprint, an online children’s education initiative supporting youth mental health.

In the interview below, Serinda reflects on her ongoing journey as an actress and her work as a globally-minded philanthropist committed to fighting against sex trafficking and destigmatizing the narrative around mental health.

1. What inspired you to become an actress? 

I feel like I always wanted to be an actor. It wasn’t something I found outside of myself, but I was inspired. But more so, it is something I found within myself and cultivated, if that makes sense. Since I was little, I have wanted to be a storyteller and discovered how stories can impact and make people fascinating. And the fact that there is a career that I not only get to tell stories but live inside them is the dream.

2. What is the most challenging part about breaking into acting and Hollywood? 

That’s such a tough question and one I always ask. It’s to keep up persistence and self-belief. You’ll get a million rejections along the way, but as long as you know your purpose – feel the passion- for this art form (and genuinely love it!), you’ll make it happen. But, seriously, I wish I had a formula for you; it would make the journey so much easier. Sadly, there’s no rhyme or reason other than truly believing in yourself and not letting anything define you or your path.

3. What is your favorite part about being an actress? 

I would have to say the ability to explore other characters’ emotions and lives. It’s pretty cool to wake up and be a superhero or Elizabeth Taylor (or even a half-human creature that eats people but just wants to be loved, haha).

4. What draws you to a script or character? 

Usually, if it’s a character or emotion, I haven’t been able to play before. But I love action, so I tend to be drawn there (I have so many useless fight techniques that I’ve had to learn for the camera –  absolutely no good in the real world, but maybe one day I may have to fight with just a popsicle stick and a tin can and be in luck)… but I would also love to do a period piece. 

5. How do you stay grounded in this notoriously intense industry? 

My second career in Education Technology takes up all my extra time. It’s called Blueprint (www.blueprint.kids)  and it specializes in emotional intelligence for kids. Emotional Intelligence or EQ, is the greatest predictor of positive mental health, and I feel it is imperative to start supporting our children with life skills in school, not just skill sets. I am learning so much as I go that it keeps me grounded and evolving.

6.  What was your breakout role, and how did you know it would change your career? 

I don’t know if I’ve had my breakout role yet. I still feel like I have so much to go.

7. What is the best piece of advice you have received from someone about the industry? 

I think it was less advice and more setting an example. One of my first roles was in Tron 2.0 with Jeff Bridges. The way he held himself on set, the way he knew everyone’s names and acknowledged them and made you feel seen and valued… It has changed the way I work and interact on set.

8. You work with several charities; can you please tell us who they are and why you decided to work with them? 

I have worked in philanthropy for over 13 years. My journey first started with the UN, where I advocated for anti-sex trafficking. I cycled across Cambodia and founded an annual skydiving charity event, raising almost 1M (my parents and managers didn’t love that one). But it all came from education. I was educated on a cause and issue and knew I needed help. This is why I started my first nonprofit called Deedly, which teaches youth about world issues and civic action. Some of our partners are charities, such as Water, WWF, Pencils of Promise, etc.

In 2020, when Swan co-founded Blueprint, she sought to answer the growing mental health crisis sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The building blocks behind  Blueprint’s format take some integral aspects from Deedly, the education technology company Swan founded in 2016. While Deedly’s goals focused on giving students a role in civic action, global philanthropy, and charities worldwide, Blueprint’s goal is to bring emotional intelligence technology to the classroom.

Blueprint has received nationwide acclaim from Forbes for its methods of delivering emotional intelligence services straight to the students and allowing them to define their mental health in a positive, career and life-altering way.

9. Lastly, What kind of advice would you give to young actors who want to make it in Hollywood?
Stop taking advice. You’ve got this. Be creative, be you…  the industry has everyone else.

Whether she’s taking up the mantle of new roles or working on her advocacies, Serinda’s impact on the future is undeniable. According to Swan, no exact formula equates success in either Hollywood or philanthropy. For her, the path to penultimate success in life is defined by individual experiences and skill sets. This is why she’s an inspiring reminder of what can be done when one has the will and sheer determination to change the world by making a difference. 

TEAM CREDITS:
Photography: Valerie Burke @burkephotography | Stylist: Sofia Popkova @stylebysofiapopkova
Make Up: Marlena Von Kazmier @marlenavonkazmier_mua | Hair: Olya Romanenko @o.r.hair
| Styling Assist: Anastasia Buriak @aintsweetlikesuga & Oksana Masalyko @oxanamas | Written by: Laurie Melchionne | Edited by: Cyan Leigh Dacasin | Editor-in-Chief: Natalie T. Steger | Cover Design: Myrrh Fae Fernan | Creative Director: Claire Grisolano | Graphics: Alexander Silkin

Cover credits: Blazer & Dress: Rigash @rigash_ – @tata__la | Earrings: Vassia Kostara @vassiakostarabrand – @tata__la