Ali Skovbye
Jacket and pants suit by MEGAN RENEE
Corset top by Rusty Reconstructed
Rings by Lilou Paris
Ali Skovbye, who is from Vancouver, Canada, has been acting since age 4. She has starred in both television shows and movies, exhibiting her impressive range and variety of roles. From “Supernatural” and “Once Upon a Time” to playing a supporting lead role in “Personal Effects” alongside Michelle Pfieffer and Kathy Bates, who are exceptionally talented and beautiful. Now starring in the drama series streaming on Netflix, “Firefly Lane” Ali plays the part of a quirky 70s baby, who moves in with her hippie mom.
Coat by Alabama Blonde
Top and Pants by LABREAHINST.
Earrings by Lilou Paris
Shoes by CEDRICK MCDONALD
You started your career at the fresh age of 4. If you hadn’t been scouted, do you think you would have pursued acting?
I actually wasn’t scouted; my sister Tiera was. I started acting simply because I wanted to be exactly like my big sister. If she hadn’t been scouted, I like to think I would have eventually found my way to acting, but realistically probably not. I love movies, which sounds very generic, but I really love watching all different kinds of movies with different actors, characters, and stories. When I was young, I lived right next door to a DVD rental shop and I would go there with my dad almost every day. It was one of my favorite things to do. I remember hearing someone say, “movies change you while you watch them” and if a movie did that to me I would re-watch it over and over and over again until I felt like I hadn’t missed a single detail. I think because I love movies so much, I still would have dabbled in acting a bit, but maybe I would have taken a more theatrical route.
How has your background and culture helped you in your career?
I think my background and culture has helped me in my career because of the morals I was taught growing up, which shaped me into the human I am today. It’s very easy to lose yourself in this industry and feel like you need to conform to some “idea” you think will make you more acceptable, or to lose sight of reality. I am grateful to have the family that I do that keeps me grounded, and the mindset that I have. I respect that I grew up in an environment that didn’t treat me differently because of what I do. I respect that I grew up around people who constantly told me that no one is better than anyone else, and that kindness should be your first thought always. I think being a good person will go a long way in any career and I am very grateful to be surrounded by so many of them.
Who is your biggest role model in acting?
I have never really had a specific role model, I feel inspired by many different people at different times, but a constant role model in my life is my sister. Both professionally and personally, so what more could you really ask for? She’s the best.
Top and Pants by STEVEN KHALIL
Bracelets by Lilou Paris
Earrings by Divine Individual
You are drawn to complicated characters. Do you think playing challenging characters is a form of self-expression?
Yes, 100%. I’ve never been good at talking about my feelings and growing up I used to push things aside and pretend I was okay when I wasn’t. I felt uncomfortable opening up to people and being vulnerable. I hated crying in front of people and talking about myself. Finding an outlet like acting, where I could get all my feelings and emotions out without it necessarily being “me” was a huge relief and is one of my favorite things about acting. As I have grown older and gone to therapy it’s been a lot better, but even when I find myself pulling back, I never really struggle with being emotionally vulnerable at work. I am not entirely sure why that is, but I feel very safe in that environment and I’m grateful for it.
Your sister Tiera is your co-star. What is the best part of working with family?
I have actually only worked with Tiera one time, and it was a surreal experience. I was so excited but also weirdly nervous and kind of uncomfortable. We talk about work a lot because we both understand everything about the industry, but we don’t really give each other acting advice. We also never see each other during the process of filming; we only see the final product. I look up to her a lot, so I am nervous for her to see basically everything I do but working with your sibling is like working with a best friend. You usually don’t get both at once so we had the best time, laughed way too much, and it ultimately just makes your job so easy (and way more fun).
How do you prepare for your role in “Firefly Lane” and get in the 70s mood?
Honestly everything was so different in the 1970s that just being in that environment is kind of all you need. With the clothes, the set, the references, dying my hair brown, wearing the blue eyeshadow, seeing Roan in the glasses it all just falls into place. At the beginning of season 1 Roan and I made a 70s inspired playlist, which we would listen to all the time. We would also bring a speaker to the green room and dance to it before scenes, partly to get in the mood but also just because who doesn’t want to dance to Elton John before work.
What can you share about your future career plans?
Not too much but Season two, part 2, of “Firefly Lane” comes out June 8th on Netflix.
Top ad Pants by PEGGY HARTANTO
Gloves by WEISHENG PARIS
Shoes by Joey O (stylists own)
Do you enjoy acting or modeling more?
I definitely enjoy acting more. Modelling was something I tried briefly but realized very quickly that it wasn’t something I loved and wasn’t fulfilling. It was stressful and creating more of a negative mindset than I was used to. I enjoy photo shoots a lot when it is in the context of acting (publicity) because it isn’t as stressful so I can just enjoy myself. I think it’s an interesting and unique form of self-expression, and since I don’t do photos shoots everyday it makes me excited when I get to. Photo shoots have become one of my favorite parts of press weeks, and I love how drastically different each shoot is. I love the opportunity to play and create something new, which is pretty cool.
What is your favorite part about playing Tully?
I love how strong she is. She is one of the strongest women I know, and she is so fiercely passionate about her work and the people she loves. She doesn’t give up and works so damn hard to be successful and get what she wants. I love how she’s evolving and learning to become more vulnerable, which is not an easy thing to do, especially given her history. I love how she is unapologetically herself and fights for what she believes in. She says whatever is on her mind and stands up for herself no matter what, which is something I adore about her the most, and is something I’m trying to take from her and bring into my own life. I love how much she loves Kate and will do anything for her. I love that she is trying her best. No matter how popular and put together you may seem, you never know what someone is going through, so treat everyone with kindness.
Top ad Pants by PEGGY HARTANTO
Gloves by WEISHENG PARIS
Shoes by Joey O (stylists own)
What message do you want to tell your teenage audience?
I have a tattoo that says “temporary.” When I was a teenager a lot of things felt like the end of the world, and it felt so all consuming. I am by no means at a point where I never feel like that, but I think it’s important for young people to remember that what is happening in your life right now and what you’re feeling is temporary. Everything is temporary and will pass, and you won’t always feel this way. You will get through it and I got the tattoo to remind myself of that in moments I forget. Breath. Also remember you are unique the way you are. Try to celebrate that the best you can.
Social Media.
@ali.skovbye
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Sarah Krick at Exclusive Artists
Talent: Ali Skovbye
Fashion Stylist: Douglas Hickman
Hair: Michael Dueñas at TMG
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Karissa Fabi, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
ALI SKOVBYE
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