Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like talented actress Victoria Savage.
Victoria, a multi-ethnic actress of African American and Jewish descent, boasts a rich background in performing arts. She first honed her skills at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she immersed herself in theater.
Continuing her academic journey, Victoria graduated from Yale University before further refining her craft in New York at the renowned HB Studio. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Los Angeles, where she continued her film education at the prestigious Archibald Studio and Graham Shiels Studio.
Proud of her mixed heritage, Victoria views her career in the entertainment industry as an opportunity to contribute to broader media representation. She sees Hollywood as a catalyst for social change and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through her work.
Victoria’s talent shines both on stage and on screen, earning her recognition and acclaim. Critics laud her performances for their strength, subtlety, and emotional depth, noting her ability to captivate audiences with her powerful presence.
Dare we say, she is savage?
Beyond her acting career, Victoria finds joy in various pursuits. She revels in the beauty of the ocean, indulges in exquisite cuisine, and finds solace in binge-watching movies. Known for her spontaneous spirit, Victoria isn’t shy about breaking into an impromptu dance, adding vibrancy to her life both on and off the stage.
Let’s meet Victoria!
What’s your origin story?
What do you get when you cross an African American photographer with a European Jewish writer/attorney? Me!
Four months after meeting each other, my parents were married, had moved to Kenya where my mother taught law, and a year later I was born. They loved Kenya and wanted to stay but the political situation got dicey. After a scary midnight phone call where they were told to leave the country if they wanted to protect their baby, they bought plane tickets and moved back the United States.
My family is very creative on both sides. There were photographers, musicians, writers, and performers. Although most of them didn’t work in the arts, there was no shortage of talent. I inherited the performer/writer gene. However, . . .
I made a mistake when I went to college. I listened to people (not my parents, by the way) who cautioned against going into the arts and specifically acting. “There’s no future in it! You’ll never make any money!” So, I found myself studying Anthropology which served almost the same purpose for me – a deep dive into history, culture, art, and psychology.
However, Anthropology lacked the emotional connection and release that I love about acting. I was so miserable after four years of abstaining from being creative that my mother threatened to kick me out of the house. “If you don’t go back to an acting class, you’re going to have to find another place to live. You’re really terrible to be around!”
I remember standing on the corner of 55th Street and Broadway in New York and saying to myself, “Are you choosing acting? If you choose it, there’s no turning back. It’s who you are.” I chose it. For better or for worse, I’m an actor. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. Would I choose it again? Hell yes.
How did you get into acting?
I have been interested in acting and performing since I was about 2 or 3 years old. I started playing the violin at 3 and although I hated every minute, it gave me an appreciation for music and a taste for performing. I would watch Sesame Street and dream of being on the show with the other kids and the puppets. So, I joined the children’s choir in elementary school where we did short musicals. In middle school I segued into dance and theater. And finally, I auditioned for the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and was accepted into their theater program.
What did your parents think you would be?
My parents always knew I was a performer. They encouraged me to do all of it – dance, sing, act, write, whatever. They understood that I was happiest when I was being creative.
Who were your mentors?
I have had two very influential acting coaches in my life. Even though I learned the craft from both of them, they also taught me life skills that went far beyond technique.
The first coach taught at HB Studio in New York. His advanced acting class wasn’t for the faint of heart. That class taught me how to take both criticism and praise with a grain of salt. Half of them love you, half of them don’t. That’s the ratio. Don’t focus on how you’re being received, just do the work.
I also learned to work independently and not rely too much on my scene partner. One of my coach’s favorite statements was something like, “Superstars aren’t gonna rehearse with you. They’re too busy. Are you gonna show up to set unprepared because Johnny Depp didn’t rehearse with you? No! You’re gonna rehearse on your own, with your coach, with your friends, and show up prepared! Your preparation and professionalism will get you noticed.”
The second coach, who is here in Los Angeles, encouraged me to create my work in addition to working on other people’s projects. Not only is it fun but it’s eye-opening. I have a much deeper appreciation for what every department does because I’ve had to do every single one of those jobs myself.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
Once, I tried to stop two shoplifters from stealing sodas from a gas station. There was a very elderly lady behind the cash register and the shoplifters knew she was no match for them. I was no match for them either. Even though they were kids, they were much bigger than I am. But I started yelling anyway and demanded they put the sodas back.
One of them got out of the store before I could confront him, but I blocked the other one and tried to forcibly take the drinks out of his hands. It didn’t work. He was stronger and pushed past me, all the while glaring and snarling in my direction. The lady behind the counter was extremely appreciative of my efforts even though I failed. I’m not sure it was smartest thing to do but I didn’t think about it, I just did it.
How do you handle failure?
I keep going no matter what, but I take breaks if needed. If I’m feeling discouraged or depleted, I permit myself to stop auditioning for a while. It’s better to jog than sprint in this marathon.
During these breaks, I take inspiration from other forms of art. It cleanses the pallet somehow and offers me a different perspective.
I also rely on meditation, which I do daily. It relaxes my mind and eases my anxiety.
This is another reason why creating my own work is so important to me. If I don’t book an audition, it’s okay because I have work! I will always have work if I’m creating my own projects.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
I know I’m not in advertising but I have a curly hair website called Curly 911 where I showcase only products that either a) don’t use alcohol or b) use alcohols that are derived directly from plants. These are the only products that actually work for curly hair (trust me, I’ve tried them allllllllllllll). They are Rhyme & Reason, Love Beauty and Planet, and Klorane. I would absolutely love to be part of their campaigns!
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
I’m dying to work with Viola Davis. I think she’s incredibly facile and deep. I’m thrilled to see how her career has exploded. She’s finally getting the recognition she deserves!
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
We live in a very black-and-white world right now. People see good versus evil in the power structures that govern our lives. I think younger people especially feel drawn to creating a society that works for everyone, not just the few. There is a feeling in the air of taking down the old guard and standing up for what is right – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. This movie touches those feelings.
In a genre that white men usually dominate, it’s empowering to see a brown-skinned woman cast as a lead character, not just a supporting character. And it’s great that the writer/director is a white man who is doing his part to empower women and people of color. We need more people in power who are allies, so thank you Zack!
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
For lunch, I would love to sit with Rosa Parks. I want to know what her tipping point was. How did refusing to get up from that bus seat feel?
I would be with Mary Fields, aka Stagecoach Mary, for happy hour. In 1895, at the age of 60, she was the first Black woman to be employed as a star route mail carrier in the United States. I bet she had some crazy stories, driving that stagecoach through the wilds of Montana!
Dinner would belong to the one and only Harriet Tubman. Whenever I think of her selflessness, bravery, stamina, and intelligence, I am overwhelmed. How many lives would have been lost if she had chosen to stay in Canada?
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
I would have sold my soul to tour with Prince. He is another luminary who overwhelms me. For me, he was music personified. It would have been incredible to watch him craft a show or even just one song.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
Yes! He should be a household name!
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé! She is a force! I love how outspoken she is, using her art to draw attention to social injustice and women’s issues. She is a true example of using your power for good!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Gummy candy, chai tea lattes, and sleeping until noon on Saturday.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
I want to finish a web series that I wrote and am starring in. There are only two episodes left! My writing partner and I finished a TV pilot that we’re excited to send out. We’re also developing a podcast that we hope to produce this year. 2024 is going to be busy, fruitful, and exciting!
Nominate Someone You Know For The 6th Annual REEL WOMEN
