Vogue DailyDanielle Vasinova: Beauty, Brains, and the Big Screen
Kristýna Jandová16. 12. 2024
Behind the screen, actress Danielle Vasinova is a force to be reckoned with. With a background in martial arts and equestrian sports, she brings a unique perspective to her roles. Now gracing the cover of Vogue CS Beauty, she shares insights into her career, her Czech roots, and her beauty regimen.
The Emmy Award-nominated actress is known for her roles in TV series like The Philanthropist of indie thriller To Hell With A Bullet. Soon she will also star alongside Michael C. Hall and Vera Farmiga in the film The Leader. "If there's a choice about when to do something, I do it now – and I do it to completion," she declares. Vasinova, of Native American and Czech descent, is also making waves in the gaming world, starring in Belle's War, a video game based on the comic book 13 Chambers. And her secret for a healthy work-life balance? “I’m not afraid to ask for help and will engage others to assist with tasks, especially if they’re better at it than I am.”
What was the moment you knew you wanted to be an actress?
I was painfully shy as a child. With the encouragement of my drama teacher, I auditioned for the part of Helena in my high school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I felt connected to the character, and in becoming her, I discovered that I could overcome my shyness and also express my creative self. Becoming an actress felt almost like a form of therapy, providing an outlet I hadn’t found in any other medium.
Can you share a memorable experience from your early days in the industry?
My mother worked for American Airlines, and one day, she had a chance encounter with a woman who was flying to LA. She struck up a conversation with her because I was about to move there myself. It turned out that the woman was the casting director for The Young and the Restless. She told my mother to have me call her when I got to LA. A meeting was set up and she gave me short sections of the script to read. After I performed, she gave me some feedback, I read the lines again, and she offered me the part. That was my very first job in the industry—and the rest is history!
What's your favorite thing about being an actress?
The ability to transform into someone different from myself. I'm fascinated by what it takes to become a character. Bringing a character to life through my performance is a wonderfully transcendent experience.
What was the most challenging role you've ever played?
The role of Jolene Tremens. She’s a sociopath, which is far removed from who I am, really the opposite of who I am. It was incredibly challenging to dive into that character in order to understand why she did what she did. It required a lot of introspection and research to her to life.
How do you balance the demands of your career while maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion?
For me, it’s really all about prioritizing health, including skincare. Hydration is essential—I drink a lot of water with lemon and make sure to sweat once a day. No matter how tired I am, I always remove my makeup before bed. Regular facials, especially with how much I travel, really help. I’m also in the process of developing my own bioidentical skincare line.
What are the top three essential beauty products that you can't live without?
I swear by Knesko eye masks, Dr Sturm’s hyaluronic serum, and rosebud lip salve. Those are the products that are always with me no matter where life takes me.
What is your favorite perfume?
Thė Noir 29 by Le Labo. It’s a beautifully balanced fragrance with both feminine and masculine notes. It reminds me of the subtle scent of the wild roses on my family’s farm.
If you could create your own signature fragrance, what would it smell like?
My signature fragrance would be earthy with a little bit of spice, complemented by subtle hints of fig and bergamot. I’d want it to evoke warm memories of seasonal experiences—memories that make you smile.
How do you feel about the resurgence of 90s fashion and beauty trends?
I love it! I grew up in the 90s when the music video for Freedom by George Michael featured the iconic supermodels who inspired me. The spirit and look of that era was a huge influence on me.
How has your Czech heritage influenced you?
My Czech grandmother, who was an actress and singer in Prague, inspired me to pursue my own career in the arts. I’ve visited the Czech Republic several times and have relatives there. I adore the Czech people, Czech culture and Czech beer—Pilsner Urquell is one of my favorites. Being featured in Vogue Czechoslovakia is an absolute privilege and a dream come true.
What are your future goals and aspirations, both personally and professionally?
I’d like to become a series regular on a hit television show and work with more critically acclaimed directors and cast. I’d also like to create a production company to help bring great stories to life, both as an actor and a producer. Above all, I hope to inspire others to live the life of their dreams.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your career so far?
Surround yourself with good people. View every “no” as an opportunity to grow. Understand that there’s no such thing as failure, only lessons to be learned. Live your life as if your ultimate goal has already been achieved, and work backward from there to make it a reality.
You have very interesting hobbies. How did you first get into equestrianism and martial arts? What do you enjoy most about these activities? Have you ever combined your love of horses and martial arts in a performance or stunt?
I started riding at the age of three when my father bought me my first pony. Being connected to these amazing, powerful, and empathetic animals brings me great joy. I was drawn to martial arts as a form of expression, discipline, and skill. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to combine these two passions—a dream would be to do so in the next James Bond movie!
What advice would you give to aspiring actors? What advice would you give to young women who want to break into the industry?
Life isn’t about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself. Study your craft. Fall in love with the art form. Seek out people you admire and who inspire you. Surround yourself with people who are more skilled than you, so you learn and grow. Finally, envision yourself in a future where you’re passing on your knowledge and experience to others.
Photo: Andreas Ortner
Dashion director & Styling: Milena Žuravljova
Talent: Danielle Vašinová
Hair: Mirka Myšička
Make-up: Lucie Janků
Production: Tatiana Goldberg
Agency: Firebird PR Agency
Photo Assistant: Filip Kartous
Stylist Assistant: Žanet Procházková
Production Assistant: Žanet Procházková & Petra Basnakova