At 33 years old, Teresa Riott assures that she would always be filming. She was not wrong, then, when she, with her degree finished and a good job, turned her life around and started from scratch, following her usual vocation, acting. Now her work shines. She as Nerea in Valeria (three seasons on Netflix and her fans waiting for more) and in the role of La Rubia in El immortal (Movistar Plus) which premieres its second installment. She is a major figure in Los Miami, a (real) drug trafficking gang that operated in Madrid in the 90s. Riott approaches the character with an ostentatious physique, daring looks and great common sense and loyalty towards her boss (Álex García ).
A few weeks before starting a new shoot, the actress talks to Magazine from Ibiza, “one of my favorite places” and she would escape “to Formentera, to take a bath naked” if she didn't have to fly to Madrid in a few hours. She exudes spontaneity and determination, although on Instagram she jokes like “an actress in disaster mode.”
She plays La Rubia, who is currently serving a sentence. Have you met her?
No, being a real person and alive, I prefer not to talk about her. It has been an inspiration and from there I created the character.
A role totally removed from its reality. How did he connect with her?
Very far away, yes; I neither lived through those 90s nor have I any relationship with drug trafficking or violence. But there is a part of his character that has permeated me. She is a brave, empowered woman who follows her own rules, that has left its mark on me. She has been a construction, a priori there is nothing that we share. Yes, the Barcelona neighborhood where I was born, Barceloneta, by the sea, has inspired me in some way. It is an endearing, humble neighborhood, but at the same time there have been situations of violence and drug trafficking there. I have been able to draw inspiration for this work in The Immortal from some people, images, not as extreme and violent as the series, but I was able to breathe the fear at times in that environment.
Have you learned anything from La Rubia?
Yes, that inner strength that doesn't stop you, that's what La Rubia has taught me. His loyalty, to the boss and to his principles, is a great ally, no matter what happens. He has a voice and power in his sphere. In that sense it is ahead of his time.
Do you choose your roles based on the message?
The characters in The Immortal are the example of what not to do. Valeria's is a positive message. But I think all the stories have to be told to see the different points of view. In reality there are no good or bad, there are circumstances. La Rubia can be a villain or a heroine, it depends on how you look at it.
When did you decide to be an actress?
I always wanted it. As a child I did dance, theater, at my school there was a lot of creativity. But I studied Advertising, because of that conservative idea of having a plan B. Already graduated and working, I clearly felt the call. I said to myself: Is that it? This is life? I needed to start over. Then I went to Madrid, to the Juan Carlos Corazza studio where actors I admire, like Bardem, were trained. I started from scratch; I went back to school when I was 21 and living away from home.
She has sometimes said that she is insecure, but at that moment she had no doubts.
Of course, it is not incompatible. I'm going... with all the fear, but I'm going! With the typical imposter syndrome (when will they realize that I'm not a good actress?) that travels with me, but that doesn't stop me.
How do you silence that inner voice?
Well, I do therapy, I hang out a lot with my usual friends, who are not actors. And I do a lot of sports, to keep my body active and my mind quiet. All of that helps me.
And he has no qualms about admitting it.
Of course! Who doesn't sometimes feel like they're not worth something? It is not positive to say: “Don't be afraid.” You must have it and move forward anyway. I am quite transparent. I go with security and also with fear. We are a puzzle, each person, unique and wonderful.
How would you define your vital moment?
Oh! It's curious. It is the first time that I feel financially and professionally stable. But I haven't achieved emotional stability, I'm looking for it. That pressure to have a partner, to have children..., to settle down...
In love?
Ha ha, I'll keep that to myself. But I still don't have sentimental stability. I am in a moment aware of what there is, what there is not, what I want. Mature, but not like what we have been told is being an adult. In my circle there are those who have a partner, children, a part of them is out there and another part feels youthful in this moment that it seems that those of us who are 30 are 20, sharing a flat, with an unstable job, without wanting to stop being young. I'm kind of in the middle... I want to settle down and at the same time be young, travel... I'm in a turbulent time.
Are you already considering motherhood?
Of course, it's inevitable, you see some friends with children being happy, others without a flat or a job and being happy too. It's a time for questions. I didn't do them before, because I was surviving. Now part of me is stable and the other part is asking questions.
What is missing from your life?
I don't lack anything, I am in this moment, tomorrow will be another and I don't ask for anything that I can't have now.
Life is…
Wow! Life is about continuing to discover every moment as if it were the first.
A motto or idea that inspires you.
I tell myself that emotions and feelings are momentary, yesterday they were some, tomorrow they will be others. Everything is constantly changing. Don't hold on to what you feel, tomorrow will be different, so: “Breathe.”
What would you like to improve?
Phew! (laughs) That's the key to life. Throughout. Be more flexible and patient, not let myself be carried away by my emotions, be less sensitive, let everything affect me less, improve my verbal communication. I'm very picky. When you get better at some things, others will appear. This is the game, I have assumed it.
What would you say is your greatest virtue?
It is a double-edged sword. I believe that my sensitivity helps me in life and in my profession. I don't want to lose it, but it would be ideal to close that door from time to time.
What does it do when it's not rolling?
I do my sports routine, with yoga and Chi Kung fitness, I read, I go to the movies, the theater, I train in my studio, I go to see my loved ones in Barcelona, to events. If I can, I travel or I seclude myself at home and save my energy. In short, nourish myself and then use it when acting.
What does he have fun with?
Wow! Well, I don't know, how sad, I don't think I have fun with anything (laughs) Look yes, walking with my dog, Benito, a 14-year-old hound that I adopted four years ago. It's a love.
Any beauty rituals?
Now I'm taking great care of myself. I use guasha to the fullest, I put on cream and do facial self-massage, an intimate moment that I love. With white or pink quartz stone I do the facial massage that awakens circulation and oxygenates my skin, I notice it.
She has declared herself vegan and animalistic. Are you committed to other causes?
With everything that has to do with the planet, recycling, environmentalism, I try to do everything that is beneficial in that sense. I am active there. With the planet and the animals.
It seems that the 'mee too' is awakening in Spanish cinema. Have you suffered any harassment?
Oh, this question... It's about time that there are brave people who fight for their rights and those of all and put a mirror in front of us to reflect on what we are allowing. I have not suffered it, but it is not an easy world, there are diffuse situations in which you doubt if there is abuse of power or you are misunderstanding it. In this sexist world, I doubt that a woman, in any field, can say that she has never suffered an experience like this.
What irritates you about others?
People who are loud, rude, who cough without covering their mouth, who don't know how to live in society. There is a lack of respect, ecological awareness and towards animals. And reflection on what role each of us plays in society.
Is it true that you compose your characters with music?
Yes, of course, each character has their music, the scenes their song... From the moment I leave the house until I arrive at the shoot, I connect with the character and the plot through the music. If I have to work on violence, I play music that provokes that emotion. If it is a super sensitive scene in which Nerea says that she loves the girl of her dreams, I choose a song that resonates with the text. I immerse myself in music to carry that internal rhythm.
Who would you like to shoot with?
With honest filmmakers committed to their characters and their work. With teams that are artists; I want to make art that fills my heart, not my pocket.
