There’s a countless number of wayward souls wandering aimlessly around Tinseltown. Lost in the endless maze of addictive amazement. Bianca Santos isn’t one of them. The ravishing 24-year-old is fully aware of who she is, her place of origin, and the direction in which her goals dictate she head in – onward, upward, and beyond.

But sometimes the lost and found hold hands, the depraved and saved cross paths, move in proximity, look to each other for insight in the darkest of times on the brightest of days. So on a beautiful Sunset Boulevard afternoon, in the midst of mastering the perfect pose at her exclusive cover shoot, Santos is approached by… a woman. Disheveled, in the eyes of vanity. Lost, in a town where most are. That withstanding, the woman wasn’t lacking in confidence. She brashly sashayed on set, cut through the crew, and approached the glammed up screen lead of two films and two television shows (all at once, more on that later) just to tell Bianca: “You are beauty-Full! I make dresses.” Santos left the magazine cameras, opting instead to gather a human’s hand, smiled, and told the woman: “You’re beautiful, too. We all are.”

In English, Santos means “Saints”. Perhaps the chance encounter was a genuine moment for the emerging fan favorite to sanguinely help the wayward find her way. Maybe they both humanized us all.

There is something uncommonly inviting about Bianca Santos. Perhaps it’s the awesome idea that the self-assured Cuban-Brazilian blend of beauty, intelligence, talent and tenacity finds everyone everywhere as her source of inspiration: “I’m inspired by people who have passions,” she offers, one stylist playing in her hair while another places signature jewelry on her slender frame. “If you are talking about something and love it so much. I LOVE that! It makes me want to do more, work harder.”

And work hard she does. Santos is the leading lady of “Happyland”, the hot new MTV series that has the Hollywood blogs buzzing. She also co-stars in the Stiles White directed thriller “Ouija”, a horror flick of the screaming teen variety in theaters everywhere on Halloween. As versatile as they come, Santos also stars alongside Mae Whitman and Bella Thorne in “The D.U.F.F.”, a CBS film based on author Kody Keplinger’s New York Times bestseller. The lively LA native took a moment between looks at her exclusive Pure DOPE cover shoot for this personable interview.

Written by Tone Swep

Images by: Ryan Cleveland

Styled by: Ali Levine

Hair & MUA by: Anthony Pazos

Location: Anthony Pazos Studios, West Hollywood, CA. August 28^th, 2014

Read the Full Length Interview

(Tone Swep: TS) It seems like you suddenly arrived on the scene as Lexi Rivera on “The Fosters”, a breakout role for you. Then soon after, you were announced as the lead in two blockbuster films, “Ouija” and “The D.U.F.F.”. And now you are the face of the highly anticipated MTV dramedy “Happyland”. What were some of the steps you took to get here? Because you are absolutely on fire right now.

(Bianca Santos: Bianca) I always knew that this was something I wanted to do. It’s funny, growing up in LA you see a lot of people fail in the industry. Because almost everyone takes a run at it in one form or another. What you don’t see are a lot of success stories. I remember asking my parents to help me out. How do I do this? Get me on the Disney channel (Laughs!). And they didn’t know how to go about it. For me, it was all about self-motivation. If you want this, you are the only person who can get it for yourself. About a month before graduating from college, I was like: “I’ve got to do this now. It’s now or never.” I felt trapped. Like, if I don’t do this now I will always regret not doing it; hate that I never made it happen. My steps were mainly about information. Getting into the industry is like the weirdest thing. There is literally no one way that works twice. Each and every path is uniquely different. I asked a lot of questions, met a lot of people, and made smart decisions. Fortunately, I went on the fast track. Just love what you do and throw yourself into it.

(TS) Everyone loves you as Lexi on “The Fosters”. And although that’s a fun show, it actually highlights several controversial issues like interracial couples, blended families, and lesbianism. Even your character is an illegal immigrant. How do you feel your role in the series set the stage for the dynamic career moves you’ve made sense?

(Bianca) I think The Fosters is an amazing show that calls attention to so many things. It’s a little bit controversial, but really it’s not. Or at least it shouldn’t be, you know. It tackles many of the real issues occurring in the actual lives of people today. People really connect to The Fosters. It talks about that part of life which is somewhat taboo to discuss in certain circles; takes those topics head on. I think people connected to the show in general, and to my character specifically, because Lexi is just like exploring life one day at a time and trying to figure it out as she goes. So many of us are.

(TS) Jennifer Lopez executive produced “The Fosters”, winning her GLAAD Vanguard Award for promoting equal rights via the show. What is one industry tip you got from J-Lo that you’ve since found useful?

(Bianca) I wish I had more time with J-Lo. I didn’t spend a lot of time with her. But she’s a beast in this industry. And I admire her so much. She transitioned from music to film and as a person she inspires me. She is living proof that you can be an actress and do what you love but also realize you can do more with your brand, by gaining awareness and recognition for yourself through the projects you play the lead in, or produce.

(TS) “Ouija” looks scary as sh!t. I remember when we first tweeted the trailer, your “Happyland” costar Camille Guaty was like: “Oh my God! Frickin’ scared sh!tless!” How do you prepare for a role like that? Where you are at the center of the action in a horrific thriller.

(Bianca) (Laughs!) What’s fun about Ouija is that my character (Isabelle) is the girl who appears to be really cool, but when things get really scary she totally loses it. I just played it like I would react in real life, like: “Guurrrrrrllllll let’s get the hell out of here!” (Laughs!). I’m scared to watch it alone though. The other night I was alone in my apartment, and I was watching the movie, and I just stopped it and put on something else because I got so scared (Laughs!). I can’t watch Ouija alone.

(TS) People are drawn to all types of films, but the horror film genre has its own unique cult following. Why do you feel film lovers are so drawn to scary movies?

(Bianca) It’s similar to roller coasters. Some people love rollercoasters, and some people don’t. But there’s no in between. You can’t kinda sorta sometimes enjoy being scared half to death (Laughs!). People love that feeling, that adrenaline rush from being frightened. But then some are too pansy for that roller coaster, so they go chill somewhere while others have fun. You either love it or you don’t.

(TS) Who would win in an argument between Isabelle (her character in “Ouija”) and Lucy (her character on “Happyland”)? And why?

(Bianca) Oh my goodness. I think Lucy would win. She’s so smart. She’s very smart. Isabelle would try to come off as cool and kind of like, ‘Whatever’. Lucy would be going for the win, trying to prove her point and win the debate.

(TS) “Happyland” looks like a hit dramedy. The series has a very different storyline and setting than most shows. What were your early impressions of the script and your role?

(Bianca) First, I read the script for my character Lucy. And then I had to read the entire episode because it was so good. I feel like there hasn’t been a television platform that explores an entire idyllic world filled with such complex characters working together on a fully functional theme park. So many storylines to develop throughout the season. Happyland offers an awesome view into a different world. It really draws you in.

(TS) The “Happyland” cast looks really close, like you’ve all formed a tight bond and fun friendship. What has set life been like when filming episodes?

(Bianca) I love the cast. The way we all get along is just magical. We’ve really become fast friends. Like, we’re all going bowling together on Sunday because we can’t get enough of each other (Laughs!). And I feel our closeness will show in the scenes, the chemistry is great and we have grown to know each other. We get along so well. They have my back and I love them for it.

(TS) Your latest film “The D.U.F.F.” looks like one of those mean-spirited high school flicks where bullies and bad attitudes rule the world. How was it teaming up with Mae Whitman and Bella Thorne? What do you enjoy most about the film?

(Bianca) That was an amazing project. It’s one of those moments where you stop and go, “Look how far we’ve come.” Such an amazing cast. I have been such a fan of Mae since I was like a girl, at like 11 or 12-year-old. Ken Jeong is hilarious. He plays one of our teachers in the film and he’s so funny. It’s such a fun project. We play the best friends of a girl, and we’re looked at as like the royal best friend she has. You know, the popular kids. And she’s going through a tough time. You think it’s going to be another “mean girls” but it’s not. It actually tests the boundaries of that stereotype and has a positive spin.

(TS) Many actors battle with being typecast. They get locked into the character they portrayed in their first big role and can’t escape it. Not you. How have you managed to land such a varied collection of big roles so early in your career?

(Bianca) I don’t know to be honest (Laughs!). It’s been great. So much creation and fun in what I’ve done so far. I get to be sassy. I get to be fun. And I get to be someone else, a girl who thinks differently from me, in each case. But there’s also so much more that I want to explore. I won’t be locked in or boxed in or typecast. I’m too adventurous and too willing to take chances for that.

(TS) How do you compartmentalize this diverse mix of characters you play? You know, without going crazy.

(Bianca) (Laughs!) Yeah, totally. Honestly, I strongly consider how the character can be. Who they are, the different sides of them, and step into their shoes. But, you know, I’m no expert. I still go to classes three times per week. I’m still studying and learning, and I plan to always continue to study and learn to get better and better; an actress who is always improving. So, I’m no expert, but what I’ve begun to realize is that I’m being me each time, but I’m enhancing different sides of who I am and reserving others. I put the most of me into each character and hope it will shine through. That’s something that has really been my working goal. That’s what I’ve tried to do is give it my all. And there were times where I would do something completely differently than my character would, react totally the opposite of the decision they made in that case, but that’s acting.

(TS) You’re an LA native. A Cali girl. What was your early childhood like growing up in the Santos household?

(Bianca) I’m half Cuban and half Brazilian. I was born in Santa Monica. Cali! Every weekend we’d get together with my Brazilian family members and hang out at the beach. My childhood was like 30 people running around on the beach all day and going back to one of our houses for barbeques. I remember us thinking it was funny that no one understood us (Laughs!). You know, because we were speaking Portuguese, or speaking Spanish. I feel like because of my heritage and who I am we celebrate life. Being Brazilian. We celebrate life to the fullest, like: “Let’s put a little music on, enjoy life, dance and sing about how happy we are right now. My family encouraged a love of life. Loving life!

(TS) Did your early dreams include becoming an actress, or were you first drawn to another art form or profession?

(Bianca) It has always, always been acting. I remember being in Hollywood as a girl and being surrounded by that atmosphere of creating for the screen, and just feeling at home. This is definitely for me. This is where I need to be when I get big (Laughs!).

(TS) Is there a particular film, entertainer, or life event that encouraged you to become an actress?

(Bianca) I love movies. Love a good movie! That comfort in knowing you can experience an entire journey through a great film. Watching something and connecting with it just makes my heart beat. I knew this is what I had to do. Be a part of creating that experience and love of a good movie for people.

(TS) You studied psychology in college. How does your educational background factor into your acting profession?

(Bianca) Psychology is all about the mind, so not just dealing with the character, but dealing with people. Whew! People are crazy. I guess the little knowledge I have gained, I can look at a character and go: “What is normal? Nothing.” And just play it up as much as possible. I think I use my psych background more in my daily life, but education is always beneficial. In life or career.

(TS) What inspires you, each and every day, to get up, go out, and pursue your goals? To enjoy life while achieving success?

(Bianca) Recently, I took a little break. And in that short break I missed it so much. And also during that time I met with a girlfriend of mine for coffee. And she was telling me how she wants to do certain things. And her passion for what she wants to do, things she is pursuing in life, just really inspired me. I’m inspired by people who have passions. If you are talking about something and love it so much. I LOVE that! It makes me want to do more, work harder.

(TS) Okay, I’m going to hit you with some either or questions. And you have to answer quickly. Can’t think about it too long.

(Bianca) (Laughs!) Cool. Fun. Go.

(TS) Pink Giuseppe pumps or purple Jordan retros?

(Bianca) The pumps. I never wear sneakers. Mainly boots and heels.

(TS) Hot guy with a cool ride? Or cool guy with a hot ride?

(Bianca) Oooh, that’s… ok wait…

(TS) … No, see you can’t pause it, you’re tryna…

(Bianca) (Screams! Laughs!) …Okay, okay. I got it… Hot guy with a cool ride. But the cool guy with the hot ride, when you say it that way, it sounds good too.

(TS) As an actress: film or television?

(Bianca) You know, they seem different. But they’re really the same, I think. I’ll tell you this. People think making movies takes months at a time. All of my projects have taken the same amount of time whether TV or film. I would love to keep doing movies, but I’m not mad at Happyland.

(TS) The ultimate bachelorette pad: Malibu mansion or Beverly Hills condo?

(Bianca) Malibu mansion. Because you’ve got the beach. I’d have all my girls out there with me and we’d go to the water in our bikinis all the time and have so much fun.

(TS) The ultimate first-date dinner: Beer and Chinese takeout or Wine at an Italian restaurant?

(Bianca) Wine at an Italian restaurant. He does that, and the date goes super well? He’s got me.

(TS) Give us one super DOPE quality about Bianca Santos that most wouldn’t know?

(Bianca) I’m really a big dork. And I think that’s so DOPE. I’m such a weirdo. I love math. I love quirky-cool-weird things. And I think that’s great. It’s one of the things I love most about myself. I’m just on a different wavelength, and you wouldn’t know that unless you met me and got to know me. Then you’d look at me, like: “Whoa. What’s going on with that girl?”

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