Answers with Camila Banus

Answer 1

How did you feel when you found out you had secured your first major acting role when you were cast as Lola Montez in ABC's "One Life to Live"?

It was bittersweet for me because it was the first time I was leaving home. I grew up in Miami, then all of a sudden my mom, sister and I were moving to New York City - it was a big change, but it was exciting! Especially since I had an acting job a week after I graduated high school. I loved Lola and was so happy and excited to be playing her!

What were your initial thoughts on Lola when you first read the "One Life to Live" script?

I thought, 'oh man, this girl is gonna have a lot of issues!' Lola was always troubled; even when we first meet her she is fleeing from her father. Also, the formatting of the scripts and the fact that I received three 70 page scripts the first week I was there, that was overwhelming.

After your role in "One Life to Live" you decided to relocate to Los Angeles. What was this move from Miami like for you?

It was pretty hard. We made a bit of a life for ourselves in New York City thinking we were going to be there for three years, (which was the length of my contract) and when it was cut short, we knew we wanted to go to Los Angeles. It took some time to get adjusted out here -- and when we did -- it was heaven. I know I am meant to live in LOS ANGELES, "The City of Angels;" this is my city.

What is your favorite thing about living in Los Angeles?

So many things! I love hiking, and the fact that it is so accessible is amazing. LA is filled with so many artists of so many different fields and that helps me to stay creative. I dig the LA lifestyle, I love taking care of my body. It's not too hot and not too cold! Wait, should LA be paying me for this commercial? Haha.

You took on the role of Gabi Hernandez on "Days of Our Lives" in 2010. What was it about Gabi that made you audition for her character?

I really didn't want to audition for the character at first. I told my manager I wanted to focus on film but she mentioned that going to the casting didn't mean booking the actual job. And here we are now 3 1/2 years into this character.

You've done a lot of work in soap operas...is this purely coincidence or are soap operas your favorite genre to act in?

It really is just coincidence. I have only done two but they have opened so many doors for me. For "One Life To Live", the casting director mentioned she had a project she was casting and asked if I would mind putting myself on tape for a role -- and from that I booked a pilot called "See Kate Run" for ABC with Amy Smart. "Days of Our Lives" allowed me to work on a film over last summer called "Wishin' and Hopin" alongside Molly Ringwald and narrated by Chevy Chase. The writer of the book, which this film is based on is a "Days of Our Lives" fan and wanted me to play a role.

What is it like to represent the Hispanic community through your character Gabi on "Days of Our Lives"?

Honestly, it's really wonderful for me. I try my best to respect our culture and traditions and I use a lot of tact when it comes to my acting and my background. I am so honored that I get to represent for such large community that isn't represented as much as it should be or, as tastefully, I will add.

You were nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of "Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series" for your portrayal of Gabi. How did you feel when you found out that you had received this nomination?

I was shocked and speechless. All I could think in my mind was "YOU ARE AN EMMY NOMINATED ACTOR" -- a weird, hyper, Cuban-American kid from Miami; an Emmy nominated actor, wow.

After Gabi found out her first lover is gay, she underwent a drastic personality change. How do you think the dark side of Gabi came out after this plot twist?

It wasn't just that, she felt rejection from a couple of people and that is what made her personality have a shift. All she wanted was to be loved.

What is the most challenging part about starring as Gabi?

SO MANY CRYING SCENES.

Do you identify with Gabi in any way?

To be honest, it's hard to identify with her because she has lived such an intense life. I really put all of myself in her but it's hard to relate because we have had very different journeys.

What causes or organizations are you most passionate about?

A cause very important to me is suicide prevention; so the charity I am passionate about is The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I have a very personal attachment to that cause and we can really save lives. We just have to talk it out!