Celina Smith
Celina Smith is an actress known for Annie Live! (2021), Young Dylan (2020), and The Lion King (National Tour). Celina plays Rebecca in Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan on Nickelodeon and the title role of Annie in Annie Live!, which airs December 2nd on NBC. Celina Smith is from Atlanta Georgia.
Dress by Marie Saint Pierre
Tuxedo Jacket by Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
What was it like finding out you were going to be playing Annie Live?`
When I found out I was going to be playing Annie in Annie Live, I literally freaked out. It was such big news and something I was hoping for- like news that I was dreaming and praying for! When it finally came true and I got the news, that I was going to be playing Annie, I was ecstatic! It’s not news that I was ever expecting but when I did get it, it was a dream come true.
How does your role in Annie Live compare to your role Rebecca in Young Dylan?
Annie compares to Rebecca in a lot of different ways but one way that stands out to me is her optimism. They’re both really optimistic and they will find a way through situations when they have to. If something doesn’t go the way that they planned, they’re going to find a way around it and reach their goal eventually.
Is there a Broadway show or television show you’ve dreamt of being on?
A Broadway show or television show that I’ve dreamed of being on is, don’t laugh, but it’s Beatle Juice! I love Beatle Juice so much. If there were kids on the Broadway show, I would love to do Hamilton. I’m in love with Hamilton. Its one of my favorite plays of all time. I went to go see it and it such a good play. I’d be one of the really short backup dancers in the back, you know!
Left:
Dress by Marie Saint Pierre
Tuxedo Jacket by Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
Right:
Two-Piece Outfit by Versace
When you have breaks on set, what are you most likely doing?
If I have long breaks on set I like to play Roblox.
How do you prepare for an upcoming role?
Well, the way that I prepare for an upcoming role is I do a lot of research on the character. My mom likes to call me the human Wikipedia because I do a lot of research on people and stuff. I’ll do research on that person and see like how they sound and where they come from and what their background is. I’ll try to like to insert some of me – my personality into that character. I try to almost be the character. When I’m alone, I’ll talk like the character and just get into the mood of the character.
Have you always been interested in acting/performing?
I actually did not want to act in the first place. Acting was not a big thing of mine. I started off wanting to do gymnastics. My mom said my cartwheels weren’t getting any better but I was making the coaches and other kids there laugh all of the time. She took me out of gymnastics and put me in an entertainment camp – AGI Entertainment which I were I started my journey.
Left:
Dress by Marie Saint Pierre
Tuxedo Jacket by Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
Right:
Top by Aknvas
Who is your inspiration?
I have a few. But one is Marsai Martin. I really adore her. I met her on a plane once going back to Atlanta. She was super, super nice.
Do you have any fun hobbies you do outside of the entertainment industry?
I like to swim. I do makeup. I don’t do it professionally, but I just like to do it. I did a video recently doing my mom’s makeup. It was really funny. I take swim lessons usually but not right now since I’m doing Annie Live.
Where would you love to live?
I don’t know, maybe Washington DC. I don’t know! I’ve been there once and it seems like a nice place.
Left:
Dress by Marie Saint Pierre
Tuxedo Jacket by Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
Right:
Top by Aknvas
Shorts by Michael Kors
Do you have any pets?
I have one pet. His name is D-bo. He’s a 70lb scaredy cat! I love him though.
What are your social media handles?
My Instagram is @officialcelinasmith
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Celina Smith
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Zullay Sevilla
Makeup: Yuko Takahashi
Fashion Styling Intern: Grace Polk
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Gabby White, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
