Up Close with Chiara Gheller

Born in Charleroi, Belgium, Chiara Gheller was the third of five children in a large and vibrant family. Her upbringing was difficult, but those early challenges instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and a stubborn determination to reach her goals. As the middle child, she often found herself in a gray area—too old for some things, too young for others, leading her to form a close bond with her younger brothers, just two and four years her junior. Their playful rough housing helped sharpen her toughness, whether it was learning to climb trees or stand her ground.

Her family was especially large on her Italian side, thanks in part to her grandfather, who was born in Foza, nestled in the northern mountains of Italy. He was among the first waves of European immigrants post WW2—a path fraught with hardship and adversity. She admired him deeply for both his history and his character.

Throughout her life, she often felt like the “ugly duckling” or the “black sheep”, someone who never quite fit the mold or followed the expected path. From a young age, she had to fight for her independence and pursue the things she believed in, even if it meant going against her family’s expectations. That battle didn’t end in adulthood. When she was accepted into an acting school in Los Angeles, her announcement was met not with encouragement, but with doubt and fear. Her family offered no support, perhaps out of concern or disbelief in her path—and by extension, in her.

Ironically, it was an old friend, someone she hadn’t spoken to in years, who re-entered her life just when she needed help the most. Thanks to that friend’s support, she was able to begin her journey in the United States. Eventually, as her family saw her growing success and unwavering dedication, one member, her older brother, stepped in to help her complete her dream. With his support, she returned to the U.S., finished her training, and graduated.

She credits those two pivotal people, her friend and her brother, with making it possible for her to be where she is today and to pursue the path she was always meant to follow.

Welcome to Movie Marker! With so much competition in entertainment, what sets you apart from other actors?

It depends on which side of the globe we’re talking about; from this side of the Atlantic, so from the United States of America, I guess my ability to speak multiple languages such as French, Italian, English, and Spanish helps. I wouldn’t say it’s more common in Europe, but in general, people would be able to speak at least two languages there – which makes me a little less special. I want to say passion, but I’d hope that whoever is on this journey will be led by their own burning passion, as well. I’m not really the bragging type; I feel like most actors work on their craft, are passionate, and goals driven. What sets me apart? My intentions. I’m not doing this for fame; it’d be a bonus and a huge help for projects I’d like to leave behind when my time comes. The impact I’d like to have on people who, through my love for the profession, would be changed. I’m an actor, but I’m human before anything else; I want to feel and to make others feel because feelings are what keeps us connected. Feelings are what reminds us that we’re all together, we’re human.

As a Belgium-born actress what other accents and dialects can you do?

I can naturally do the French accent and people have been telling me I sometimes sounded like Eastern Europe – Ukraine, so I guess I can do that, too! I’ve also been trained in different dialects like Elevated Southern British, Cockney, Southern Irish, American Southern, and New York. I’d say my British accent is way better than my General American one. But I love learning, so what I can’t do yet, I can learn!

How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?

I’ve been doing theatre since I was 7 years old, and on screen for about 3 years now, and I can tell you that in my opinion, performing on screen is way easier than on stage. But nothing trained me more, made me a better actress than performing on stage. I’d say I typically prefer doing Drama because it requires me to reach deep down in my feelings and traumas, to really get in touch with myself and use all of me to give the best performance I can. It’s like my comfort zone and it’s very therapeutic for me at the same time. Also, for the longest time, I thought I was terrible at Comedy; I convinced myself I wasn’t good at Comedy because I’ve never been the one who shared the most popular sense of humor, so I thought I just wasn’t funny. But thanks to one of my previous instructors, Jana Lee Hamblin, I discovered the right archetype which fitted best my sense of humor; funny enough, I’m good at being cynical! In general, I love being part of projects that could be produced by A24, out of the box, meaningful, philosophical, and thoughtful projects.

Tell us about the movie “Bigfoot in the City”.

The official log line is: Brutal attacks are shaking the cities. Testimonies and investigations reveal a terrifying truth… Bigfoot, a legend, comes to life, and is now a threat lurking among us. I play the role of Sophie Van Craesen. We filmed at the famous Brea Tar Pits and multiple locations in Beverly Hills.

Sounds fun! Can you share any insider fun facts from the set?

The bathroom that we were supposed to use to change was unexpectedly closed and we were filming in a public area, so a friend of mine, Maria Sole Quintili, who was also part of this project covered me while I was changing to make sure I wasn’t flashing anybody – and I did the same for her afterwards. Luckily, we were filming in the summer, so we weren’t freezing our bottoms out while changing. What also happened is that for some reason a dog was attracted to me and wouldn’t leave me alone for the most part. I love dogs, I have one myself, but the number of takes that were ruined because he would jump on me and bark and we couldn’t even be mad at him because he was just so cute!

You’re also in the project “The Mafia Queen VS the Evil Neighbors” what’s that one about?

It is a vertical drama series about a reformed mafia boss with a violent past who wants peace, but when a vile neighbor family threatens her beloved dog and sanity, her suburban dream spirals into a brutal turf war where the old “boss” in her refuses to stay buried.

That sounds interesting. How did you get involved?

I saw the audition and submitted my profile for the role. I received an eco-cast request for two roles in that show, sent a self-tape for both, and booked the role of Girl A. It was my first speaking role in a Vertical which is the new format that became almost the only constant work since last year, so I was very happy!

Verticals are increasingly becoming popular. Do you have any fun facts to share?

Actually yes! I stumbled on the sidewalk and almost got one of the leads to fall with me, but we didn’t fall. We were playing teenagers and about to be bad guys; he was supposed to tug me along with him while running to sneak into the neighbor’s garden and then to gently push me against the wall. But what happened was that the wall was a bit further than the sidewalk and there was a step in between which we hadn’t seen, so the moment he goes to push me against the wall, my foot caught in the step making me stumble and gripping his jacket for stability except he wasn’t expecting it, of course, and started stumbling with me. The crew gasped until we found our balance. It happened quickly but it stressed everyone for a hot second.

How can we see it?

It’ll be released in September, so stay tuned for that!

Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?

There’s been several, but one that comes to mind right now is when I once auditioned with America Ferrera’s monologue from Barbie; I had rehearsed it so many times making sure that I wasn’t letting myself being influenced by her performance in the movie – I knew my performance needed to be different because hers was so famous – so I made certain I was playing it my way. Then, on the day of the audition, in front of several directors, I started the monologue, and I completely let myself go; surprising myself when I was done. I have a bad habit of trying to be perfect, which is not a thing in acting, and that day I completely let go and let my feelings through the lines lead me. It was only less than 5 min, but it felt so good and freeing; nothing of what happened was planned, but it felt so natural. Among the directors some knew me because we had worked together in the past and they congratulated me, not only for the performance, but also for the growth to which they assisted live. Those 5 min changed my way of performing for the best.

What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your acting career?

My family pointed out to me all the cons and most are true, like the instability of the profession which more than not leads to financial issues nay poverty, the strong mind you need to have with all the rejection you’re going to get, all the work you don’t want to do but you will just so you can have a foot in the industry, etc. Those were the main points and they’re true, but my pros are worth it; it’s my passion, what fuels my soul and therefore my life, it’s what makes me happy which makes the endeavor worth it. The freedom I get from being unapologetically myself, taking risks to feel fulfilled, trying so I won’t have any regrets, taking my chance to achieve true happiness. It’s hard, I won’t lie, but I succeeded in making my passion my work. I’m glad to go to work, but it doesn’t even feel like work because it’s such a pleasure. We’re spending most of our lives working, better make certain you enjoy what you’re doing – we only have one life, better make it count.

Do you have a particular motto that you live by?

Just keep in mind that impossible only exists by the one who decides to create it. The path is hard when you stand up for yourself, but it’s so worth it as one of my favorite quotes says it so beautifully: “Better to reign in Hell, than to serve in Heaven”.

That is true! How can people follow your journey?

I am on Instagram @chiara.like.chaos.