HAYLEY ORRANTIA
Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Hair + Makeup by Jessica Chu @jessicachumua Writing by Perana Srikantappa @prerana_srikantappa
You’ve known her as Erica Goldberg in the hit series, The Goldbergs, but it’s time to know her as Hayley Orrantia. After pursuing music from the age of nine, the singer songwriter was well recognized for her talent on The X factor. Since then, Hayley competed in one of America’s favorite reality shows, the Masked Singer, as the Ringmaster and had the viewers gasping. Make sure to listen to her newest release ‘Gasoline’ on all platforms.
What was the hardest part of playing your character on The Goldbergs and how has this role evolved over the years?
One of the hardest parts about playing Erica is just how difficult she can be with her family. It’s something I don’t relate to fully and has been a challenge for me to connect to at times. Over the years I’ve tried to add layers to Erica so that she doesn’t come off as the one dimensional mean older sister. Thankfully, I think the audiences have been able to see more sides to her in recent years.
What is the best advice anyone has given you about acting ?
Listening is one of the most important jobs an actor can do. I try to not overwork a scene out of fear that I will overthink it. Also, it frees up the ability to engage in the scene with the other actors more since I haven’t over-rehearsed it. The more I truly listen to my co-star’s intention in a specific take, the more natural the scene feels to me.
Your single ‘Open Your Mouth’ is quite a hit, was it inspired from your real life ?
‘Open Your Mouth’ was actually inspired by one of the cowriters personal experiences. In the writing session, she told me about running into her ex, and seeing how good he looked, while forgetting all the reasons why they broke up in the first place, until he opened his mouth and said some stupid things. I thought it was such a funny and relatable experience that hasn’t been expressed in this way through song, so I was very excited to write it with her.
When did you know you wanted to sing ?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, probably when I was about nine years old. I think younger me would be really happy to see that I’m still pursuing music.
Do you have any dream roles you would like to play ?
Lately, I’ve really been interested in challenging myself, particularly in biopics. I relate a lot to Linda Ronstadt, and many of the challenges she has expressed in the entertainment industry putting her in a box at times. I would love to be able to portray her in a movie and tell her story.
Is pink one of your favorite colors, and why ?
I wouldn’t necessarily say pink is one of my favorite colors. But when I do go for pink, I prefer it in bright neon. I love to use pink to make a statement, especially against black and white. Maybe that’s just the millennial emo kid in me.