Rising Stars: Erinn Westbrook

Erinn Westbrook.  Erinn will be one of the stars of the new Netflix series “Insatiable” set to premiere in August.  A show about a disgraced, dissatisfied civil lawyer-turned-beauty pageant coach takes on a vengeful, bullied teenager as his client and has no idea what he’s about to unleash upon the world!  Erinn stars as “Magnolia Barnard” one of the girls on the pageant circuit that isn’t as sweet as she seems…Born in New York and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Erinn is the perfect byproduct of both big city life and quaint Midwestern charm. Erinn is a talented actress, singer, model, as well as an on-air personality and writer. Erinn’s media career began as an undergraduate at Harvard University, where she majored in English, American Literature and Language. She also received a secondary degree in Dramatic Arts and an advanced certification in Spanish.  Erinn is perhaps best known for her multi-recurring  roles on FOX’s “Glee” where she starred as “Bree,” the captain of the Cheerios, MTV’s “Awkward,” as the tennis star and over-achiever, ‘Gabby Richards.’ and most recently had a recurring role on CW’s “Jane the Virgin.”  In-between her television and film endeavors, Erinn is in the studio recording. Fans can expect music in early 2019.

Modeliste sat down with this It-Girl and got the scoop on what it’s really like to be on-set, her favorite item in her closet right now and what we can look forward to with her latest projects,

Where did you grow up?
I was born in New York but raised in St. Louis. Honestly, I loved it. St. Louis is pretty serene, relatively slow-paced and relaxed, and for the most part, Midwesterners are as friendly as people say they are. Also, there is so much beautiful landscape in Missouri! I had such a great childhood. I find any excuse to go back home to visit.

What or who originally got you into acting?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to do what I’m doing now. Some of my earliest memories are of me performing in some way, shape or form. I loved playing dress up and putting on shows in the living room for anyone who would watch. It was just something that I really enjoyed doing and that seemed to come naturally to me. I do remember expressing this to my parents from a very young age and they were always really supportive. I had a dress up box with so many cool costumes and I remember going to a “Shakespeare for Kids” camp when I was like 8.  When I was in middle school, I tried out for the sixth grade play, “Annie.” Back in those days, the sixth grade play was a big deal, let me tell ya’! I got the part which is, to this day, a moment I consider a huge milestone. That role and performance reaffirmed my interest and commitment to acting.

You are set to star in an upcoming show on Netflix called, Insatiable. Can you tell us what it’s about and the role you play on the show?
Insatiable is a dark, twisted, revenge comedy. The show centers on a teenage girl, Patty Bladell (played by Debby Ryan), who sets out to get revenge on every person who bullied her when she was overweight. The backdrop for the show is the Southern beauty pageant world. Cue big hair and big drama! I play Magnolia Barnard. She is Patty’s main competition in the pageant world… and in life. She is the epitome of the perfect pageant princess. From the clothes she wears, to the family she comes from, it really seems like she has it all. But, things aren’t always as perfect as they seem… (dun, dun, dunnn!).

What is the most challenging part about playing your character?
The show is a true dramedy, so while so many of the scenes are dealt with comedy, we really do delve into some serious issues. Magnolia is no different from every other character on the show in that she has her own demons and problems with which she is dealing. Getting into that headspace was challenging.

What parts of your character on the show do you relate to the most?
Oh man, that’s a tough one. So much of “teenage Erinn” relates to Magnolia. I think in high school we were all just figuring it out. Magnolia, in so many ways, is trying to discover who she is and what she wants out of life. She’s on a journey of self-discovery that I would say I’ve been through. I admire Magnolia’s drive and determination. She goes after what she wants. I can relate to that. Lastly, she is super fashionable (seriously, we had so much fun pulling together all her outfits). I can totally relate to Magnolia’s love of a good wardrobe!

What’s a typical day like on set?
Call times vary from day-to-day, but when I arrive, I drop off my stuff in my trailer and head to hair and makeup. It’s FULL glam, so that normally takes the team about 2 hours. While I’m in the chair, I eat breakfast (French toast on wheat + hot tea is my go-to order), review my lines or talk to my cast mates who are going through the works at the same time. Then, I head back to my trailer to change and soon after that I get to work! Sometimes, I’ll just have to shoot one scene, other times, I’m in all day. It just depends. If it’s a long day, you can expect to see me at crafty multiple times. There are so many good snacks on set at all times.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I hang out with my family, fiancé and friends a ton. Filming on location means I’m away from most of the important people in my life so when I’m not working, I tend to spend a lot of time with them. I love being active! Hiking and dance fitness are my favorite workouts. And I love to travel and write. I’m always writing… in a journal or on my laptop.

How would you describe your personal fashion style?
It really depends on the day. My style is super eclectic. I like to mix and match things that wouldn’t ordinarily be paired together. Today I’m wearing a mini lace romper (love a good onesie!), an oversized, vintage denim jacket and Valentino rock-studded sandals. I love finding pieces that are versatile and that can be dressed up or down.

When doing your makeup, do you prefer a more natural look or full glam?
Natural. I’m a firm believer in “less is more.” On a typical day out with friends, you’ll probably catch me with foundation or tinted moisturizer and a lip gloss. Maybe mascara.

What is your current most favorite item in your closet?
Probably my white and blue gingham flats from Manolo Blahnik. They’re super fashionable but also really casual and playful and have been a great staple so far this summer.

What are your favorite colors to wear currently?
This summer you’ll see me in a lot of bright colors and girly patterns (eg. electric florals) paired with vintage denims.

What are your three most favorite apps on your phone?
TheSkimm, MindBody, Postmates.

If you had one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation, for sure! In LA, I’m always running around for auditions and meetings, and there is so much traffic. I feel like I waste so much time in the car. I also travel a lot (I spend more than half the month in NYC), and it would be so great to be able to get from coast to coast instantly. Not to mention, I could see family and friends around the world so much more often.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up that you can share with us?
All 12 episodes of Insatiable will come out later this summer on Netflix. The show will be released globally (in over 190 countries!), so that’s really exciting. They’re announcing the official premiere date soon, so be on the lookout for that. Aside from this show, I do have another exciting project in the works that I’m hoping to announce sooner rather than later. Stay tuned!

What do you love most about Modeliste Magazine?
I love the beauty and fashion tips and product direction. Every time I read Modeliste, I find something new that I want to try.