Between Worlds Among the Stars with Isabella Star LaBlanc
Isabella Star LaBlanc | Photo provided by Isabella Star LaBlanc
Isabella Star LaBlanc is a Dakota actor living in Minnesota. She’s a lifelong theatre actor and self-described “bookstore girl”, who got her start surrounded by stories and storytellers. Her breakout screen performance is happening right now as she plays Leah Danvers, alongside Jodie Foster (Liz Danvers) in True Detective. Listen to Isabella explain why she’s not moving to LA or New York– at least not permanently, what it’s like to play a character younger than you actually are, and why Indigenous mentors and peers are so important in an industry that doesn’t always support community. (Bonus- hear her hot take on the Frybread vs. Indian Taco war)
“I feel the most dexterous as an actor when I’ve been doing both (film and theatre). If I’m doing work on stage, I feel like my work on camera is a little fuller and richer and broader and when I’m doing work on camera my work on stage is a little quieter and more nuanced and grounded... they support each other”
“One side said “Protect Women” and one side said “Protect Water” and it felt like such an easy way for me to show up and say what I wanted to say... and also to represent another Dakota artist.”
ACTORS AND ANCESTORS’ RED RED CARPET SHOUT OUT FROM ISABELLA:
Long Line of Ladies by Shaandiin Tome: “…it’s an incredible documentary about a young girl from California from the Karuk tribe and her coming of age ceremony. And I’ve been thinking a lot about it so much while watching True Detective because I feel like it’s a really lovely companion piece to my character Leah’s story since she’s coming of age and she’s kind of reclaiming and revitalizing culture.”