INTERVIEW: Ariela Barer on Her New Role as Ziggy on ‘Rebel,’ Self-Love, and the Best Advice She Was Ever Given

Ariela Barer is best known for her roles as Carmen on One Day at a Time Bailey Bennett in Atypical and Gert Yorkes/Xavin in Runaways. Ariela can now be seen as Ziggy, Rebel’s sixteen-year-old daughter in the new ABC show, Rebel. Ariela sat down with Glitter to talk about her big break, her new show, Rebel, how she uses her voice for change, and the best advice she was ever given. Read on for more on this talented actress. 

GLITTER: How long have you been acting?
ARIELA: I started professionally when I was about four, just in a kids’ theater. I got a manager at nine, but my parents made sure my focus was school, so I’d say I’ve been doing this for real since I was 18!

GLITTER: What would you say was your big break? 
ARIELA: One Day At A Time on Netflix was the game changer for me. It’s what got me every major job I had for the next couple of years. It also just shaped the way I interact with the art form and collaborate on set. 

GLITTER: What can you tell us about the new ABC show, Rebel? Who do you play?
ARIELA: Rebel is a show inspired by Erin Brockovich and her personal life and activism. I play Rebel’s 16-year-old daughter, who at the start of the show has 72 days clean.

GLITTER: What was it like to play alongside Katey Segal, Andy Garcia, and John Corbett? Did you learn any lessons from them watching them act?
ARIELA: I learned from them constantly, as well as the rest of the cast. It’s just so stacked with hard hitters I internalized so many lessons. Like Marvel’s Runaways, another show I was on in the past, Rebel is also about fighting social injustices.

GLITTER; How important do you think it is to stand up and speak up for those who don’t have a voice or who are often silenced?
ARIELA: I think it’s very important! Going online and having open discussions and sharing information is vital, but also doing the groundwork and joining local organizations in your area is just as useful for making change.

GLITTER: Most memorable time on set so far?
ARIELA: I don’t know if I can point to one specifically. It’s really nice to do scenes where we hug because I don’t hug anyone anymore. 

GLITTER: How do you prepare for your roles? 
ARIELA: It changes depending on each role. For Ziggy, it was a lot of research on where she’d be in her recovery process and learning about her addiction. Then from there, shaping a more subjective inner life!  

GLITTER: What can you tell us about, Jelly, the short film you recently directed?
ARIELA: Jelly is a short about the warping and exploitation of social movements for personal gain.

GLITTER: What is your approach to auditioning? 
ARIELA: It’s pretty different every time. I do find I do my best work when I consider it to be an opportunity to live in a story and see if it’s a good fit. 

GLITTER: How do you use your voice for change? 
ARIELA: Recently, I’ve been thinking deeply about that. Getting involved with local groups has been more of my focal point lately. My rule to public posting and activism is generally I only share a post if it has a direct action to be taken or new and useful information. I try not to give in to slogans or any posting that’s more about bringing attention to myself than to the cause. 

GLITTER: What do you like to do on your free time? 
ARIELA: I’ve been writing a lot recently. I don’t do much outside of work that isn’t also working to some degree. I desperately need a personal life.

GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given? 
ARIELA: Read Letters To A Young Poet.

GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, and we want to know what does self-love mean to you? 
ARIELA: Self-love to me means self-acceptance. Just realizing the qualities I have may not be what I’ve always wanted, but when accepted, they can be special and interesting in new, exciting ways.

GLITTER: What positive message do you hope to send women who follow you? 
ARIELA: Be distrustful of those who try to sell empowerment back to you. True empowerment comes from the collective when we are all looking out for each other <3 

GLITTER: What pushes and motivates you on a daily basis? 
ARIELA: Just trying to have a good time!

GLITTER: What would be a dream role for you? 
ARIELA: I want to play Hamlet. 

GLITTER: What’s on your playlist right now?
ARIELA: Mitski, Rina Sawayama, Phoebe Bridgers, Chloe x Halle, Taylor Swift, Miya Folick, Laura Marling, Samia, Janelle Monae, Reyna Tropical, etc. (all women)

GLITTER: Favorite way to relax?
ARIELA: I’m learning how to breathe through my diaphragm currently! So useful.

GLITTER: Any beauty tips?
ARIELA: Prescription skincare has been good for me recently.  

GLITTER: Favorite fashion indulgence?
ARIELA: Unsuccessful garage sales in wealthy neighborhoods. 

GLITTER: Any projects you can tell us about that you’re working on next? 
ARIELA: Nothing I can reveal yet! But my major focus right now is actually behind the camera!

GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
ARIELA: @Arielabarer on Instagram and Twitter and also TikTok!