Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360 News, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices year-round. Today, let us introduce you to actress, writer and model, Delia Niya.
Born in Romania to a Chinese father and Romanian mother, Delia Niya is an actress, writer, and model whose multicultural background shapes her work across film and theatre. She left Romania at sixteen to study acting in London, where she received classical training and performed in stage productions including The Comedy of Errors, before continuing her career in Los Angeles.
Delia has appeared on stage in Code Pink at LOFT Ensemble Theatre and on screen in the short film Dr. Tag. She also wrote and starred in the short Girls’ Guide to the City. Trained in Wushu martial arts and fluent in multiple languages, she also walked for Art Hearts Fashion at Miami Fashion Week 2025 and appeared in the Lexus x 88 Rising Lunar New Year 2026 campaign.
In early 2026, Delia secured a lead role in an upcoming feature film from the producer behind Mortal Kombat and True Lies, marking the next step in her international career.
Let’s meet Delia!
How did you get your start, really?
I started in theatre. I moved away from Romania and trained in London in an intense classical environment. I have performed in classical plays like Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors and Agnes of God. From there, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue film and television and began creating my own projects, writing, producing, and starring in short films such as Under the Sun and Girls’ Guide to the City. Crossing that bridge from Europe to America felt like stepping into a much bigger creative playground that allowed me to express myself, and London gave me the right tools to do so.
What’s the first thing people usually get wrong about you?
People sometimes assume I fit into just one lane or typecast me because of my background or modeling work, but I’m actually drawn to a wide range of roles. In reality, I’m drawn to complex characters—physically demanding roles, like performing and coordinating the fight sequence for my short Under the Sun, which required both martial-arts precision and strong character work—and emotionally layered, even comedic ones that completely contradict expectations.
Was there a moment when you realized you weren’t just participating in the industry, you were shaping it?
When I started creating my own work. Writing and producing projects like Girls’ Guide to the City made me realize that instead of waiting for opportunities, I could actively shape the stories I wanted to tell. Now we’re applying those films to festivals, which is exciting because it means those stories can reach a wider audience.
What’s been the smartest move you made in your career?
Taking risks! I come from a Romanian and Chinese background, and bringing that multicultural experience to Los Angeles felt like the natural next step. Being willing to step into the unknown and bridge those worlds has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Where do you think women are making the biggest gains right now in this business?
I think there’s an exciting wave of women taking on creative leadership roles as writers, directors, and producers. It’s bringing fresh perspectives and a lot of dynamic storytelling to the industry. For example, Greta Gerwig directed Barbie, which became a massive global success and demonstrated the power of female-led storytelling.
Where is the industry still failing women?
The industry is always evolving, and it’s inspiring to see more international voices and multicultural stories being embraced. Films and shows today are drawing inspiration from cultures around the world, which makes storytelling more exciting and global. For example, films like Everything Everywhere All at Once brought Asian culture and identity into mainstream Hollywood in a powerful way.
Was there a moment you stopped waiting for permission and just took up space?
Yes! When I started producing my own projects. For example, when I worked on Girl’s Guide to the City, we faced unexpected challenges on set, but stepping up and helping guide the project forward reminded me that sometimes you just have to lead and trust the process.
What’s something you had to unlearn to survive and grow in this industry?
Overthinking. Acting requires trusting your instincts, being present, and allowing creativity to flow naturally.
Have you ever said no to an opportunity that looked good on paper but felt wrong in your gut?
Yes. I believe it’s important to choose projects that align with your creative direction and values because the right opportunities are the ones that allow you to grow as an artist.
What kind of legacy are you interested in building?
I’d love to contribute to stories that bridge cultures and highlight strong, memorable characters. Coming from both Romanian and Chinese backgrounds, I enjoy bringing that multicultural perspective into the stories I help create.
Who are three women in the industry that more people should be paying attention to right now?
Greta Gerwig for her unique storytelling voice, Awkwafina for her bold individuality and comedic timing, and Chloé Zhao for her beautiful, cinematic approach to storytelling.
What’s one change you’d make immediately if you had the power to fix this business tomorrow?
I’d create more opportunities for people to connect and collaborate. Film sets are some of the most creative places when everyone feels inspired and supported, so I’d love to see more mentorship and spaces where emerging artists can learn, experiment, and create together. Sometimes all someone needs is that one opportunity or connection to spark something amazing.
What are you chasing now that feels bigger than career ambition?
Right now, I’m chasing growth—both as an artist and as a person. Coming from a Romanian and Chinese background and moving from Europe to America taught me that stepping into new worlds is where the magic happens. I want to keep exploring stories, cultures, and characters that challenge me and help me grow, because that journey of discovery is what makes this career so exciting.
After everything you’ve accomplished, what still gives you that spark?
I’m always hungry for more. Every project, every character, every set teaches me something new, and that drive keeps me going. Even after accomplishing things I’m proud of, I get excited by the next challenge. Learning, growing, and pushing myself further is what keeps the spark alive.
When something big goes your way, what’s your personal victory move?
A deep breath, a smile, and gratitude—then I keep moving forward.
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