Interview with Actress Candice Afia
Grey's Intern Talks About Time on Set, Giving Back to the Community
Jun 8, 2009
Candice Afia was born in Atlanta, but grew up in Marietta, Georgia. The day of this phone interview was a busy one -- it was moving day and she found herself running errands. Not to mention, it was just a few days after wrapping up her first season as intern Laura on the ABC drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Everyone works well together,” Afia said about the “Grey’s” cast. “It’s a very well-run show, not a lot of egos.”
Afia’s warm voice and instant rapport is refreshing - describing herself as “diligent, outgoing and resourceful” she finds these talents come in handy for some of her other passions.
Candice Alfia - Producing a Short Film
While on hiatus this summer from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Afia plans to star in Bronzed at the New LA Theatre. She’s also producing a short film.
“I love live theater,” she said. “I want to keep that instrument oiled.”
Afia honed her acting skills by studying at The Alliance Theatre and The Professional Actors Studio in Atlanta, before moving to Los Angeles where she studied with David Kagen’s Film Acting Studio, Margie Haber’s Studio, Kimberly Jentzen’s Living The Arts Institute and Ben Guillory at the Robey Theatre Company.
Her “resourcefulness” comes in handy as a producer.
“Producing is about getting all the pieces together, “ she said. “Money! Get the right talent on the project. I have a business background as well – I always had a knack for organizing.”
Grey's Actor Values Community Involvement
“One big interest of mine is mentoring with young kids,” Afia said. “I can get all wrapped up in things that are happening and this grounds me.”
Working with South Central Los Angeles young students, Afia said, continues the lessons she learned from her parents while growing up with an extended family.
"My parents always instilled in me to give back to other people," Afia said. "It can be something as simple as homework or going to their game. So many parents don't have the time."
While still living in Atlanta, the actress fondly remembered working with at risk girls, ages five to 12, in a program aimed at bringing the arts into young students' lives.
"We did acting programs and even websites," she said. "I'd like to start something like that out here. That's really important."
Some Surprises
Athia described herself as "an open book" but she does think her fans might be interested to know that she isn't the first to volunteer for camping, for example.
"I'm not a rustic type of girl," she laughed. "No camping! I'll roll up my sleeves, but that's about it."
Her wish list of actors to work with include Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden and Don Cheadle. Directors she'd like to collaborate include Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg.
"I love how he reaches into history and shows historical stories, and fills in the pieces," she said of Spielberg.
Keeping Up with Afia
Afia continues to look for challenging and rewarding roles, and will no doubt do so with grace and integrity. She has a website, Myspace and Twitter site to stay in touch with her fans.
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