Autumn Best
Photos by: @ninomunoz / Netflix
1. Where do you spend most of your time these days? Most of my time has been on set lately! I’m working on a new project that hasn’t been announced yet. I always feel happiest when I’m super busy so between shooting, auditions, and press I’m having the time of my life.
2. What is a non-working day in the life of Autumn Best? I’ve been in NYC for a while now and there’s always something going on. I love trying new vegan restaurants and going to the park with my dog. My friends and I are usually at the AMC more than once a week.
3.How do you balance the demands of your professional life with your personal well-being? Are there any self-care routines you swear by? My latest obsession has been red light skin therapy. My friends love to make fun of me but I’m 99% sure it’s scientific! When I’m working this much it’s always important to eat three meals a day, it sounds simple but I can get so caught up in everything that I forget to feed myself. I always feel better when I make the conscious effort to sit down and eat. My friends are really good at reminding me to take care of myself.
4. The film industry has evolved greatly over the years. How do you navigate the shifting landscape of Hollywood, especially with the rise of streaming platforms? I’m grateful that streaming has, in some ways, made movie watching more accessible for people. I’m also grateful to Netflix for taking care of us and throwing us a beautiful premiere. I have such a deep love for theaters and I hope that streamers can find a way to get their films on the big screen more often. It’s really exciting to see what Letterboxd has done to get Gen Z in the seats.
5. You've often spoken about your disability and how it has shaped your life. Can you share how it has influenced your approach to acting and the roles you choose? I haven’t made it to the point in my career just yet where I have the privilege to hand-pick my roles (pun intended). But as that changes, the story is what is always what’s most interesting to me. I firmly believe that I can play any character I love with a supportive creative team beside me.
6. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps, especially in such a competitive and often challenging industry? Don’t turn down an audition just because you feel like you’re “not right” for the part. What’s meant for you will fight for you. The decision makers have more creativity than you think.
7. What’s something about your personal life that your fans might be surprised to learn about you? I have watched Bojack Horseman all the way through more times than I can count. I met someone who worked on the show recently and I had to play it real cool, I’m a mega fan.
8. In addition to acting, are there any other creative outlets or projects you're passionate about? I love live music. I have dreamed of putting out a record since I was a little kid staying up past my bedtime to watch American Idol with my parents.
9. What does tomorrow mean to you? No clue. I have spent my entire life being obsessed with the future because I’m a big planner. I guess it’s the virgo in me? But I’m learning that nothing ever really goes according to plan, sometimes for the better! I’m working really hard to focus on my daily life and appreciate what I have going on right now. Today has been pretty great.