Syfy’s “Atomic Shark” star Rachele Brooke Smith: How she’s become unbreakable in the industry and why backing down is NEVER in the cards!
Rachele Brooke Smith has made quite the name for herself since breaking onto the scene in “Center Stage: Turn It Up” in 2008. Smith has had numerous roles in movies such as “The Nice Guys,” “Iron Man 2,” “17 Again,” in addition to cameos in popular TV shows. When Rachele isn’t being a boss fighting off sharks, she’s empowering people all over the Internet through her YouTube channel, “Unbreakable.” See for yourself why Rachele Brooke Smith is truly UNBREAKABLE!
Lesley Bryce
Your most recent movie “Atomic Shark” premiered on Syfy on July 24th. Were you really into sci-fi growing up? What was your favorite genre?
I always loved action films (especially action comedies), so playing Gina Delamo in “Atomic Shark” was definitely a dream come true!
What was it about “Atomic Shark” that attracted you to the project?
My character was such a badass and it was both the most amazing and most challenging experience. I have been dying to do action roles/films for a long time now. I had to do a lot of crazy intense stuff (one of which was a really cool fight scene with one of my female co-stars). Due to my athletic background, I really love playing badass action hero characters like I got to play in this film, and I just can’t wait to do more like it. I think it is going to blow everyone away, and I swear Griff Furst and Isaiah Laborde (the director and producer) are going to be some of the best in the industry some day very soon.
Sharks and Orcas are among my biggest fears. Are sharks one of your biggest fears? If so, what aspect of this movie was scary for you to film?
Yes! I’m actually very scared of sharks and I used to have reoccurring nightmares growing up that I was eaten by sharks!
On top of my fear of sharks, I also got stung by several jellyfish one day while filming. After that happened, let’s just say I wasn’t a big fan of jellyfish either!
What was the most fun part of playing the lead, Gina, in “Atomic Shark”? What was the least fun part?
Most fun: Getting to play a badass character who gets to do lots of fun stunts! And shooting in Puerto Rico with a cast and crew I loved wasn’t bad either!
Least fun: Getting stung by a swarm of jellyfish and attacked by sand flies then having to film in a bathing suit with all those cute red bumps all over my legs!
Lesley Bryce
You’re very passionate about being a role model to others. Who has been a major role model in your life and what is the most impactful thing they’ve done for/taught you?
My mom, dad, brothers and sisters – they are all beyond amazing people who I look up to very much. My friends – I am so grateful to have a circle of friends who uplift and inspire me. I am very particular about who I allow in my close circle because you really do become the people you surround yourself with. My team, my mentors and life coaches – Jeff Hoffman, Brendon Burchard and Eva Clay.
Actress/entrepreneurs – Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, Oprah, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Marie Forleo, Jennifer Garner… just so many!
One of the most impactful things I have learned from them is to always choose love over fear, no matter what.
You inspire others to live an “Unbreakable” life. Was there another time, other than breaking your hand in gymnastics, where you felt broken? How did you navigate that particular time in your life?
Yes, many times actually…. When I didn’t get into my dream college, when a really great friend suddenly and very tragically died, when my heart was hurt from several very hard and long breakups, when I’ve gone in several times for major life changing roles and when it came down to the final audition didn’t get the role that seemed so perfect and right… And the list goes on! When I hit these times I have learned to practice a lot of self-love and compassion. I really try to be my best friend and biggest supporter. Unbreakable is all about using storytelling, creativity & disruptive thinking to become better and stronger through life’s challenges. It’s about working on yourself everyday mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually so that you are strong with both inner and outer strength, ready and able to handle any challenge that comes at you!
You can get my Unbreakable “Action Hero At Life” EP on iTunes here: https://itun.es/us/qJWzbb!
You’ve dabbled in entertainment from a young age. What would you say is your favorite aspect of the industry?
Getting to travel, meeting all kinds of different and talented, creative people who are all fighting to create a life they love and make a positive impact on the world with the projects and platforms they create.
Going off of that, you’ve been very busy with numerous projects – how do you manage it all and not overdo yourself physically and mentally? What are some things you do to unwind, relax and clear your head?
A lot of yoga, personal dance parties in my room (best way to relieve stress), traveling, running, celebrating life with friends and meditating.
Positivity is MAJOR KEY in this industry and you seemed to have mastered it… everyone has their bad days, so what do you do when you’re having a bad day or feeling down? What advice do you have for other aspiring entertainers? How can they keep going when they feel like everything is crashing down around them?
Be very, very careful who you surround yourself with. Make it a priority to create an amazing team of people around you. When everything feels like it’s crashing down on you, having inspiring people who you know love you unconditionally and have your back is the best gift you could ask for. If you don’t feel constantly supported and encouraged by your friends and the people in your life, let go with love and find people that do.
A major focus of your YouTube channel is fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. What motivates you to workout on a day when you’re just not feeling it? What would you tell your fans to do if they’re looking to get happy and healthy?
Well, these are some things that help me:
I try and focus more on being active and moving throughout the day, not so much on killing myself at the gym (then being lazy the rest of the day). I actually look forward to working out because I choose to do workouts that are really fun for me (my problem is more getting myself to stop). I also try and do new types of training often and bring my friends along with me. Also, I always try and focus on my goal – what it is and WHY I want it. I have inspirational messages and images of my goals and dreams all over the place to inspire me.
Lesley Bryce
You can catch Rachele Brooke Smith in “Atomic Shark” on Syfy on July 31st at 12p/11c. Also, make sure to keep up with Rachele on her YouTube channel.
