Acclaimed for her role as Freya Mikaelson in "The Originals" and its spinoff "Legacies," Riley Voelkel captivates audiences with her charismatic presence and nuanced performances. She brings depth and intrigue to the character, navigating a complex supernatural world with finesse.
Riley’s contribution to the supernatural saga continues to resonate, solidifying her as a standout in the realm of modern television fantasy. Reflecting on some pivotal moments in her journey, from growing up in a small town to starring in acclaimed television series like "HIGHTOWN", she says, “My journey into the industry was a bit unconventional. Growing up I was very involved with school and sports, but was never in theatre. At 18, I was ready to head off to college but just before leaving, heard an open casting call over the radio and, on a whim, decided to go. Through this casting, I was given an opportunity to move to LA and start a modelling career. I decided to allow myself one year to see how things would go before going back to school.”
Within that year, she enrolled in an acting class, where the fulfilment of performing, and witnessing others perform solidified her decision to pursue acting. “I convinced an acting agency to represent me (even though at the time I had very little to show them). I then booked a small role on HBO's "The Newsroom," which was initially intended as a one-day role but grew into a recurring role over all three seasons. Working with Aaron Sorkin and some of the best actors in the industry, felt like attending the best acting school imaginable, and I soaked in all that I could! Another pivotal moment came when I booked the role of Freya Mikaelson on "The Originals." Originally intended as a guest star, it evolved into a series regular role, marking my first long-term commitment as a full-time actor.” Looking back, she says, “it’s been an amazing journey, and seeing how all these moments built upon each other and led me towards doing what I love. Life's funny that way!“
Glamour: How did your early aspirations shape your path toward acting and modelling, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?
Riley: My early experiences definitely played a role in shaping my journey toward acting and modelling, despite not having pursued them initially. Growing up playing competitive softball taught me the art of performing under pressure and navigating the highs and lows of competition. I was also rally commissioner at my high school, which I now realize was similar to acting in that I would dress up, perform skits, and have to entertain a large group of people (or at least try to). Finding my way into the industry was not without challenges. Taking the leap to move to LA, and dropping scholarships and my acceptance to college, was terrifying.
I owe a lot to my parents who supported me throughout that process. Initially, I felt very out of place, living in a model's apartment (essentially a dorm room) in a new city where I didn't know anyone. LA was vastly different from where I grew up and the culture shock was a challenge in itself. The acting industry presented its own set of challenges—uncertainty and rejection were constants. Despite the heartbreaks, my love for it kept me committed to the journey. Each challenge has ultimately led me to where I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Glamour: As someone with a diverse portfolio of roles, what draws you to a particular character or project, and how do you approach the creative process behind bringing them to life?
Riley: Initially, it's the writing that draws me to a particular character or project. I've been so lucky to work with incredible writers and I think character development starts with the writing and their vision for the character. For instance, with "Hightown," as soon as I read the pilot, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Rebecca Cutter, our showrunner and writer, created a dark, beautifully complex world with multi-dimensional characters—an actor's dream! When preparing for a new role, I try to understand my character's perspective, research their lifestyle, and create backstories. This process can be a lot of fun and allows you to experience someone else's world temporarily.
I prepare myself physically and mentally and then on the day of filming, I try to let go and allow genuine emotions to surface. There's always a moment when I step into my character's shoes (quite literally), and I feel the character spark to life! Costumes, hair, and makeup all play a huge part in this transformation. I continue to evolve with my character throughout the entire shoot. It's like getting to know someone, the more time you spend with them, the more you learn about them, and the deeper you can go.
Glamour: "HIGHTOWN" has garnered praise for its compelling storytelling. What has been your experience portraying your character within its gritty narrative?
Riley: I was immediately drawn to the character Renee and her complexity and was excited to dive into such gritty storytelling. It required me to tap into a vulnerability I hadn't explored before, which was scary but rewarding. Our team created such a collaborative environment where I felt safe to push my boundaries as an actor and grew significantly throughout the process. We were given the freedom to explore, improvise, and play with scenes and it was quite freeing, leaning into the grit of it all. I felt like I could be messy and show raw emotions and was pushed out of my comfort zone. I even trained in pole dancing, which initially, was terrifying! But it ended up being an empowering experience. It truly was a dream role!
Glamour: Off-screen, what experiences have had the most profound impact on your growth as an actress and as a person?
Riley: Honestly, life itself has been the most profound influence on both my growth as an actor and as a person. In some ways, they go hand in hand. Every experience I've had in life, big or small, has helped in my understanding of human emotions and behaviours, which in turn allows me to give a more authentic portrayal of the characters I play. While I may not have experienced the exact moment as my character, I can definitely relate to or empathise with the emotion they are feeling within that experience. The most impactful experiences have often been the hardest ones—loss, fear, heartbreak. The harder the experience, the more growth required to get through it.
Glamour: Can you share any insights into how your personal journey intersects with the characters you portray, particularly in terms of their motivations and struggles?
Riley: Now that you ask, I realize there are several intersections between the characters I've played and my personal journey at the time. In "The Newsroom," my character Jenna was an intern eager to learn from seasoned professionals and willing to take the risk of succeeding where others had failed, much like I felt as a brand-new actor working alongside industry veterans and pursuing a career in acting. The nervousness and inspiration she experienced matched my own feelings at the time. When I joined "The Originals" as Freya Mikaelson, I found in some ways, her journey mirroring my own. Stepping into an established family, Freya had to prove herself to earn the trust of her family—a challenge I also faced as a new addition to an established show.
I knew I had big shoes to fill being a part of the already beloved "Mikaelson family" and I knew the fans wouldn't initially trust my character. Over time, both Freya and I became a welcomed part of the family. In "Hightown," as different as my character Renee's life was from mine, I could definitely relate to her mixture of strength, vulnerability, and complexity. Most of the characters I've played have been flawed and I think that's what makes them all relatable. Ultimately, each character's motivations and struggles resonate with me on some level.
Glamour: What advice would you give to aspiring actors and models who are navigating their own paths in the entertainment industry, especially those from smaller or unconventional backgrounds?
Riley: Perseverance is key in this industry. No matter how hard you work or how talented you are, there's no guarantee of success. The entertainment industry is filled with rejection and challenges, but if acting or modelling is your passion, it's absolutely worth it. Create as much as possible—write scripts, make short films, explore music, read, paint. Surround yourself with a community of fellow creators, whether through a theatre group or acting class. Be grateful for every opportunity and approach your work with professionalism, dedication, and kindness. Stay true to yourself and don't let the industry—or anyone—change who you are. Your unique perspective and talents are what set you apart from others. Remember, acting or modelling should be something you love to do, not define your worth as a person. Enjoy the journey and have fun with it!
Glamour: With your diverse background in both acting and modelling, how do you find balance and fulfilment in pursuing both passions?
Riley: While my primary passion is acting, I still find fulfilment in modelling when the opportunity arises. I love fashion and the art of photography and enjoy the process of creating stories in both mediums. Both allow me to embody characters different from myself, which is always creatively stimulating. Fortunately, my husband is a photographer, so we often collaborate on projects and have a lot of fun working together. In terms of acting, I love working and filmmaking so much, I used to say I could work every day. However, I've learned the importance of prioritising life outside of work to maintain both fulfilment and balance.
Glamour: Throughout your career, you've transitioned between various genres and mediums. What do you find most rewarding about exploring different facets of storytelling?
Riley: There are so many aspects of storytelling that I find deeply rewarding. One of the most fulfilling is witnessing the filmmaking process and the collaborative effort and teamwork it involves. Working on set allows me to appreciate the dedication and talent of every department and seeing everything come together over months or even years is really inspiring. It creates a strong bond between everyone and is one of my favourite parts. Another extremely rewarding part is the connection storytelling creates with the audience.
I love the way that film and television can resonate with viewers and allow them to see themselves reflected in the characters or stories. I think we all have an example of a film or show that made us feel understood or less alone in our own experiences. That's the most beautiful part of it all. Anytime someone expresses that a character I played meant something to them or helped them through a difficult time, I feel the most reward. I think that's the essence and purpose of storytelling and why I love it so much.
Glamour: "HIGHTOWN" addresses important themes such as addiction and corruption. How do you approach portraying complex social issues while staying true to the authenticity of your character?
Riley: Portraying complex social issues can be both challenging and impactful. From the beginning, our showrunner Rebecca Cutter, was adamant about portraying authentic narratives of addiction, recovery, and the potential for redemption. I think we all went into this production hoping to be as authentic to our character's experiences as we could. We all tried to immerse ourselves in their worlds and try to understand their struggles on a personal level. We didn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities, and aimed to show these flawed characters in a relatable and human light. I think that when the intention is honest, it allows more people to relate which can be really powerful.
Glamour: As an actress, how do you prepare for emotionally demanding roles, and how do you decompress from them once filming wraps?
Riley: When preparing for an emotionally demanding role, I always try to find an element of myself in the character I'm playing, no matter how different they are from me. This allows me to relate to that character and find the strength needed when dealing with conflict that I maybe haven’t experienced in my real life. I also love to create a character playlist of songs that puts me into the mindset of that character and listen to it throughout filming. Playing intense characters can definitely be draining and the emotions sometimes linger after filming wraps. To decompress, I watch my favourite comfort shows, enjoy a glass of red wine, cuddle with my cat, take walks with my husband, and laugh with my friends. My friends and family always bring me back to a sense of normalcy, balance, and my truest self.
Glamour: Can you share any memorable anecdotes or experiences from behind the scenes of "HIGHTOWN" that have left a lasting impression on you?
Riley: I have countless incredible memories from my time shooting "HIGHTOWN." The entire cast, crew, and production were so supportive of one another and we became a family both on and off-set. Despite the heavy subject matter, the set chemistry was always positive and we managed to have a lot of fun! Amaury Nolasco, who played Frankie, was always pulling pranks on me—usually scaring me when I least expected it! I kept promising to get him back, but he always saw it coming. One day, I'll get him good! Season one was shot in New York and was my first experience living there after coming from LA. Initially, I was overwhelmed with the change, but quickly adapted, learned the subway system, and fell in love with the city. Season two was in the middle of COVID and we moved production to Wilmington, North Carolina, where we formed a tight quarantine bubble that brought us even closer. Because we were unable to leave town or be in public areas, we spent Thanksgiving together that year, playing games and laughing all night—truly one of my favourite memories. By season three, we were like a well-oiled machine and fully aware of the rare and special bond and dynamic we had. Every moment felt precious, and I learned invaluable lessons from everyone on set that will stay with me throughout my career.
Glamour: In what ways do you think the entertainment industry has evolved in terms of representation and inclusivity since the beginning of your career, and what changes would you still like to see?
Riley: I think the industry has come a long way in terms of representation and inclusivity, but there is always room for growth. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work with networks and shows that prioritise these values. Playing a queer character on "The Originals" for example, was a moment I was proud to represent. Additionally, I think STARZ has done a great job in showcasing diverse characters and storytelling. "Hightown" was an example of this and additionally was told through the female lens, which I think is important and something we don't often see. I find it empowering to portray and witness strong, complex female characters who are as formidable, if not more so, than their male counterparts. Looking forward, I hope to see even more honest storytelling that authentically represents the diversity of human experiences.
Glamour: Looking ahead, what are some aspirations or projects you hope to pursue in the future, both professionally and personally?
Riley: Professionally, I'm excited for the new projects that lie ahead. Each role is a new adventure, and I'm always eager to meet my next character. Additionally, I hope to explore the world behind the camera. I had the incredible opportunity to shadow-direct Laura Belsey on episode five, season three of Hightown. It was such an immensely fulfilling experience that inspired me to further my learning and growth in directing. I plan to write and direct my own short film in the near future. Personally, I'm looking forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!
*Hightown aired its third and final season earlier this year on STARZ."*
Credits:
Branding Manager- Alessio Filippelli @ale_ssiofilippelli
Photographer- Michael Robertson @mike.c.robertson
Photo editor Anna Klimova @lea_retoucher
Camera Assistant Richel High @Rachelhigh1
Stylist- Alison Hernon @718blonde
Makeup- Tatiana Kazana @tatianakazana
Hair- Scott Miller @scottspencermille
Fashion Credits:
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists @718blonde @exclusiveartists Assistant Fashion Stylist: Sienna Ropert @siennajanette
Fashion Market Assistant: Romi Bachar @romibachar_
Outfit by Chiara Boni La Petite Robe @chiarabonilapetiterobe
Arm Cuff Bracelet by Nicole Amato @nicoleamatonyc
4 Bangle Bracelets by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar Drop Earrings by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar Shoes by Stylist Own
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