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Monica Barbaro Reflects on Bizarre Beauty Advice and Navigating Hollywood’s Tough Standards
Nov
Actress Monica Barbaro, who soared to fame as Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace in Top Gun: Maverick, recently shared an unusual piece of advice she received early in her career: trimming her eyelashes. Speaking at Entertainment Weekly’s Breaking Big panel during the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Savannah Film Festival, Barbaro recalled the moment with a laugh. “The weirdest advice I ever got was the very first commercial thing I ever shot. There was a woman doing my makeup, and she told me I had really long eyelashes, and I should probably trim them,” Barbaro shared, adding, “In my mind, I was like, ‘I’m not going to do that.’”
Barbaro emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts, especially when faced with advice that feels wrong. “Sometimes, it’s like when you hear advice that you’re just not sure of…trust that instinct,” she advised, reflecting on the importance of discernment in an industry full of unsolicited opinions.
Finding Success Despite Industry Challenges
Barbaro, along with other rising stars like Austin Abrams, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, and Ebony Obsidian, expanded on the unpredictability of landing roles. Barbaro noted that while actors often focus on factors they can control, many decisions are made based on aspects beyond their influence, such as a producer’s preference or connections. “I used to not really believe that. I felt like it was all within my control,” she admitted. “But it’s important to pay attention to what you can control, like your preparation and your artistic vision.”
The actress, who is set to portray Joan Baez in the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, stressed the value of knowing oneself as an artist amid the impersonal nature of casting decisions. “You have to have familiarity with the artist that you want to be,” she said, underscoring the importance of self-awareness in a career often dictated by external preferences.
From Commercials to Film and TV: Embracing the Journey
Reflecting on her early career, Barbaro acknowledged that commercial auditions often posed unique challenges. “Worst audition experiences were definitely for commercials,” she confessed, explaining that although they were grueling, commercials kept her financially afloat. “It kept me afloat while I was trying to do an actual TV show. I don’t think I realized how rough they were until I started working in film and TV,” she explained.
For Barbaro, resilience and a sense of humor have been essential tools in navigating Hollywood. Her advice to aspiring actors? Build a tough skin, stay grounded in who you are, and know that sometimes, even the oddest advice isn’t worth taking.
