Interview: Cree Cicchino, Catch up With One of Our Hollywood Favs
Born in New York and raised in Queens, this shining star talks about growing up, her new projects including Netflix’s feature film, The Sleepover, and hit comedy, Mr. Iglesias, taking action on bringing social change, and the importance of having a high work ethic.
GLITTER: What was it like being born in New York and raised in Queens?
CREE: One of the best parts of being born and raised in New York is being able to tell people I’m from there. There is immense pride in being a New Yorker. I’m always grateful to have that title.
GLITTER: You got your start at thirteen-years-old for your role on Nickelodeon’s hit, live-action gaming sitcom Game Shakers. What was that experience like and how did you feel when you were nominated for Best Young Actor – Television at the 2017 and 2018 ‘Imagen Awards’ for your work on the show?
CREE: That experience was incredibly surprising and educational. I learned a lot about the industry on that show; about work ethic, and about people. Being nominated at the Imagen Awards was an incredible honor, and being in a room full of such talented, and loving creatives in the Latinx community is always a night like no other.
GLITTER: Can you tell us about Netflix’s upcoming feature film, The Sleepover, and your role as ‘Mim?’
CREE: The Sleepover is a super fun comedy full of friendship, action, and a little bit of mystery. I play Mim, best friend of leading lady Clancy, who can best be described as the girl in the horror movie telling everyone not to go into the basement. Spoiler alert, everyone goes into the basement.
GLITTER: You’re also returning to Netflix’s hit comedy, Mr. Iglesias, What can you tell us about the show and your character ‘Marisol Fuentes?’
CREE: Mr. Iglesias is a comedy about everyone’s favorite teacher, Mr. Iglesias, his “misfit” students, and some of his fellow educators at Wilson High. My character, Marisol Fuentes, is a hardworking, incredibly intelligent, outspoken student, who spends most of her time raising her hand in class and trying to correct the injustices around her as best she can. She’s who I want to be when I grow up.
GLITTER: How did you master the art of comedic timing that you are well known for?
CREE: If I have any sort of skill in comedic timing, credit should probably be given to my mother, who’s been making me laugh my entire life.
GLITTER: How important is it to have a high standard of work ethic in your field?
CREE: I don’t know how any actor could make it through a day on set without a sturdy work ethic. Being on set requires large portions of patience, kindness, and gratitude. There are so many people behind the scenes, doing harder work, working longer hours, and getting not nearly enough credit. You’re such a small part of such a huge machine. As an actor, you need to show up on time and know your lines. It’s easy with some perspective and a reasonable work ethic.
GLITTER: Can you share some memorable highlights from your career?
CREE: Any day on set for Mr. Iglesias is a career highlight for me. It’s probably one of the most loving, supportive, and unproblematic sets in the industry, and I can confidently say I’ll always look back at my time as Marisol as one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. There’s not one person there that I don’t look up to and love crazy hard. I’m incredibly grateful to be apart of that cast.
GLITTER: Who are you are looking forward to working with next?
CREE: I’d sell my soul to be in the same room as Greta Gerwig.
GLITTER: Who is your mentor?
CREE: I don’t think I could name one specific mentor, there are too many people I look up to.
GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given?
CREE: After a long day on set, a makeup artist once told me, “Go eat some good food. Go get some good sleep. You’re doing just fine.” Simple, but it’s exactly what I needed to hear that night. I think we could all stand to hear that right now.
GLITTER: How do you use your voice for change?
CREE: I try to use my online presence to share recourses and information as best I can about issues I care about. I’ve taken a particular interest in social injustice and inequality; something I feel is all of our human responsibilities to address. I’m beyond grateful I have a somewhat decent sized platform with which to do this.
GLITTER: What are your thoughts on the current state of our nation and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement?
CREE: One of the things I’ve taken away from the current state of the nation, that I feel is important for all of us non-Black and white people to remember, is the duty we have to become useful right now. Many of us are becoming aware of a movement that our involvement in, is long overdue. It’s our responsibility to learn, grow, correct, and take action to be efficient practicers of anti-racism and strong fighters in the Black Lives Matter movement. Don’t second guess your power to help! We’ve gotta get to work.
GLITTER: What can others do to show support?
CREE: There is so much to do to show support. If you can, donate to organizations that fight for justice and reform. If you’re old enough, register to vote and be sure to stay updated on local elections. Sign the petitions and make the calls when you see them. They’re hard to miss with all the resources being shared and created. But most importantly, if you’re not in the Black community, listen to Black voices during this time. Amplify them when you can. Black speakers, authors, artists, and thinkers are the leaders of this movement. We must follow their guidance and generous education as we begin our journey in true anti-racism. Like I said, it’s our job to do this work. We must learn from and center Black voices, in order to do so effectively.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, and we want to know, what’s self-love mean to you?
CREE: Self-Love to me is the continued commitment to self-kindness. It’s not a perfect, linear road and bad days and weeks are inevitable. It’s all hard work. But that solid commitment to being kind with yourself, and some days that means getting glammed and hyping yourself up and some days it means drinking some water and getting some rest, if that commitment holds, it’s always easier to find your way back to some self lovin’.
GLITTER: What would be a dream role for you?
CREE: A good project is one that sticks in your brain once you’re done watching, and makes you feel things after it’s over. To have a role in a project like that, I think, is always the dream.
GLITTER: What’s on your playlist right now?
CREE: Anthony Ramos. Anthony! Ramos!
GLITTER: What’s a day in the life for you like on isolation?
CREE: There is a lot of dog snuggling. And there is a lot of pancake making.
GLITTER: What have you been doing to connect with fans online during isolation?
CREE: I try to share things I think are helpful, funny, or important through social media as best I can. But I think that’s what we’re all doing.
GLITTER: Favorite ways to find your Zen?
CREE: Taking a safe, end of day walk has been incredibly helpful.
GLITTER: First place you’ll go when isolation ends?
CREE: Directly to my friends for the most aggressive hugs of their lives.
GLITTER: What are your top 5 binge-worthy shows?
CREE: Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Just…just watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
GLITTER: Smoothies or Green Drinks?
CREE: Water.
GLITTER: Favorite fashion brands?
CREE: Anything that makes pajamas.
GLITTER: What’s your skincare routine consist of?
CREE: Lots of water, lots of sleep, and good friends.
GLITTER: Any special talents outside of acting?
CREE: I can invent a unique and accurate voice for any pet. I spend 70% of my day talking as my dogs. I’m not kidding.
Best social platform for fans to find you?
CREE: Instagram; @CreeCicchino •
Award-Winning Publisher, Writer, Critic + Journalist || Tweet me @nikkifowler28
