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How Max Wasa Impacted Sci-Fi, Horror, and Wellness

Modern-day renaissance woman Max Wasa is a model, actress, radio personality, and health advocate who loves to break barriers.

By Natasha SydorPublished 8 years ago 8 min read
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Not many women can say they've been featured in countless Playboy magazines while also having portrayed a bloodsucking vampire on the big screen. Max Wasa's incredible range has been a force to be reckoned with throughout her successful career. By diversifying her interests (magazine, print, the big screen, indie films, music, publishing, and radio), Wasa's overflowing well of talent has never been capped.

A fan favorite in the horror world, Wasa frequents every con her movies are featured at––often sneaking in as a fan herself. Currently a personality in the world of podcasts through The Tortoise & The Hare Experience, Wasa is passionate about exploring the lives of those around her, as well as portraying them herself. In an exclusive interview with Geeks, Max Wasa reveals her passions, struggles, and ambitions.

Photo courtesy of Max Wasa

Geeks: What is your absolute favorite Comic Con to attend?

Max Wasa: I love San Diego Comic Con––who doesn't? I am always blown away by the amount of fans that show up to support all of the artists, actors, and writers. I find myself more the "fan" at the large cons, always looking beyond the crowd to see what new comic book is being showcased. The dedication that the cosplayers have in preparing their costumes is amazing. I also really enjoy horror cons like Monsterpalooza.

You began in the horror industry with The Ice Cream Man, then dove deep into the sci-fi world with works like My Stepmother Is an Alien. Is there an inherent difference between the two genres?

I actually don't find a huge difference as an actor between them. Sci-fi has my deep affection because I grew up reading the great authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. Both sci-fi and horror have a deep emotional side. I find them both extremely fascinating.

It’s amazing that you’ve starred in films with demon cats and alien family members. You must need a fairly vast imagination to submerge yourself into that type of universe and mindset. Growing up, what inspired and sparked your imagination?

Growing up with three older brothers who were sci-fi fanatics helped to stir my imagination for all of the different dimensions I have been a part of. We would build our own haunted houses that were even equipped with a running lab! We made short films and shared books on string theory. That was the beginning of everything!

How young were you when you entered the entertainment business? How has the industry changed and evolved since then?

I started doing film at seven-years-old, but before that I was doing voiceover work as well as studying music and dance. Music certainly has changed over the years, but I don't find that film really has. The stories are generally the same, although our technology has improved. I'm happy to see more respect given to first-time filmmakers and indie films.

As a model, what kind of pressures did you feel being a young professional in a rising industry? Did it force you to mature faster as a teenager?

There was a certain kind of pressure in that industry, especially with an emphasis on height and weight. But in my very young teens I was already in magazines and billboards. I appeared much older in photos, and emotionally that can be hard on a young girl.

There must be so many fans at various cons who are excited to take a picture with you or simply get an autograph. What is your best (and craziest) con story?

Comic Con is a great place to meet fans. They are extremely loyal and loving, but at times they can go a little overboard. The craziest thing that ever happened to me at a con was when a "gentlemen," and I use that term loosely, approached me and had his picture taken with me. Then he came back with his eight-year-old son and wanted a picture for him. Of course, I happily obliged.

Then he asked for a very provocative pose for me to take with his son––which I would not do. At that point he got very angry and called his wife on the phone. She began to yell at me over the phone! I'm not sure that I understand a parent who would want his eight-year-old son to have a provocative photo. He was soon escorted out of the convention center.

What’s the difference between Max Wasa in her films and Max Wasa at home? Do you try to keep the two lives completely separate or do you find similarities between yourself and the personalities of the characters you play?

There is a huge difference between Max on-camera and Max at home. On camera, I'm portraying somebody else; therefore I'm taking on that character and I'm becoming somebody who is very far from the woman I am at home. You can normally find me sitting in my backyard with my dog reading or meditating on a hill. The further away I can get from "Hollywood," the better it is for my eternal peace.

From your experience, what is the difference between the environment and atmosphere of a huge blockbuster film compared to a low-budget independent film?

I've been in both blockbuster films and independent small features. With an independent film, it's more of a family working together. In a large production, there can be hundreds of people on set, and for me I find that more difficult. However, I do love the freedom you have on a large budget film to develop your character. Smaller budget means you have a tight schedule and that can mean you have no second takes.

As an actor, model, and singer, how do you prepare for each speciality differently? Or is it similar?

As a singer I prepare differently than I would as an actor or model. With singing, I must rehearse and stretch my muscles, while as an actor I have to become a different person and memorize dialogue and action sequences. As a model I'm displaying the product whether that be clothing, jewelry, merchandise, automobiles, or my body. They all take a great deal of work and dedication to craft.

What do you find in music that you don’t in movies? Which do you prefer in your free time?

I find that music and film are both equally satisfying. I can get lost in a character or I can get lost in vibrations––they both bring me joy. I love having the opportunity to step out of myself and become someone else in a film. In music I love how the vibration of tone can change someone's mood. You can tell a whole story within one single note.

Photo via The Nerdy Times

Like all great success stories, there are periods of hardship. We couldn’t be happier to see you healthy once again after battling Systemic Lupus. What was your light at the end of the tunnel that kept you fighting through the long process?

The battle is far from over with Systemic Lupus. Every day that I wake up, I am grateful. Lupus is a terrible disease with no cure. We must find a cure. In the meantime, I will do my best to provide everyone with the best entertainment experience I can and stay as strong as possible. I struggle daily with pain, swelling, and mobility restrictions. Meditation really helps to put it out of my mind, and to focus on the things that make me happy.

Recently you’ve taken your talents to the world of podcasts in The Tortoise & The Hare Experience. Having spent so much of your life putting on makeup for bloody scenes and photoshoots, how does the comfort and intimacy of solely talking to the audience through a podcast rather than putting your full body on display compare to your previous works?

Cameras are rolling from the moment that we sit down in front of the microphone and welcome our guests. I love the intimacy of speaking to my guests personally. We've had everyone on from bands like The Cure to members of Billy Idol's band, writers, doctors, directors, cosplayers, voiceover artists, animators, and inventors from all walks of life. That I find fascinating.

You’ve modeled since you were young, starred in countless films ranging many different genres, graced the cover of some of the most iconic magazines in our country’s history: Playboy, Cosmo, Easy Rider, etc. You’re a musician, author, model, and producer among other things. With such a long list of achievements and skills, should we expect any new additions to your resume in the coming years?

One of my great loves is natural healing. As a holistic practitioner, Reiki master, and teacher, I hope to continue to see patients and lecture on multi-dimensional quantum healing. Perhaps I will write a book on my experiences at some point.

I’m sure you know your name has been thrown around in the discussion for greatest sci-fi and horror woman of all time. What piece of work are you most proud of?

What an honor it is to have my name among other great actresses with the title of the greatest women of horror and sci-fi! Right now there are many films that I am extremely proud of and would love for everyone to see... House of Manson, The Wendigo, Death House,The Witch Chronicles 2, Hells Kitty, Smoke Filled Lungs, The Attack of the B.I.M.B.O.S., and Astro. These are all really fun films from the dramatic, horror, and sci-fi genres.

Who is your favorite character to dress up as at Cons?

When I'm signing at cons I don't dress in cosplay. But at times I will come back on days that I'm not signing and dress as my favorite characters, like Priss or Storm. It's really fun to be on the other side of the table sometimes and be a fan.

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About the Creator

Natasha Sydor

brand strategy @ prime video

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