Eden Estrella has been lucky enough to work with some of the star studded cast of the Fast and Furious franchise and she takes some time to talk to us about some of the cool things about the series.
Eden Estrella. Eden can next be seen as Samantha Hobbs opposite Dwayne [The Rock] Johnson in the highly anticipated, Universal Pictures film “The Fate of the Furious.” Eden returns as Samantha, daughter of Luke Hobbs [Johnson], who is an adventurous spirit well-versed in her father’s lore, while having a close relationship and maintaining high respect for her father. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Eden is ethnically diverse, with lineage that stems from Filipino, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Irish, English and Scottish heritages. When she isn’t on set she loves to sing, write stories and is a fan of anime. In addition, she is training in a variety of dance styles including; ballet, jazz, tap, and hip – hop.
BSCKids: Eden…tell us a little bit about your character in “The Fate of the Furious.”
Eden Estrella: In “The Fate of the Furious” I play Samantha Hobbs, Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson’s) daughter. She is a sassy, independent little girl who takes care of her dad but also keeps him in check.
BSCKids: Do you share any similarities with your character? How do you get in character?
Eden: My character and I are both intelligent in many ways. Unlike her, though, I’m a very dependent friend, daughter, everything! I need attention!
I get into character quite simply, you turn that camera on and my personality switches.
BSCKids: Have you seen all of the Furious movies? If you have, besides the ones that you are in, which one was your favorite in the series?
Eden: Prior to landing the role I had never even watched any of the Fast and Furious movies. I still haven’t seen all of them. But out of the ones I have seen I love the first one. I believe the original in any franchise is the ultimate one.
BSCKids: How was the audition for Furious 7?
Eden: I walked in and slated my name as “Samantha Hobbs A.K.A. Eden Estrella” and killed the audition. Two days later I found out that I got the part and they flew me out to Georgia.
BSCKids: This is your second film in the franchise, you started in “Furious 7”, how do you think you have improved and grown as an actress in the second film in the series?
Eden: I think I’ve just learned a lot more about technique and patience in both working and waiting for the right role for me. I feel a lot more mature now as experience has built up my work ethic. I still have a lot to learn.
BSCKids: How has working with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel been? Who do you think has taught you the most while working on these films?
Eden: It’s insane just saying my eyes have seen them! I worked with them! They are so down to earth. So professional. I love Dwayne and Vin too! Layne Hannemann, our Haka choreographer, taught me so much about culture and life experiences. He’s my homie, I miss him! (he’s like a big teddy bear).
BSCKids: Any behind the scenes bloopers or fun times you can share with us?
Eden: There were way too many fun times. It was pretty hilarious when Kurt Russell kept helping the hair dresser by brushing annoying strands out of my face during filming hehe.
BSCKids: We hear you are a fan of anime, favorite one and why? We also hear you like to dance, any hip-hop dance battles on the set of the movie?
Eden: MY ALL TIME FAVORITE IS “FAIRY TAIL”! This is because it’s an anime with equally hot anime boys and a great plot!!! There were no hip hop dance battles unfortunately, but don’t worry next movie I’ll challenge someone to a dance battle.
BSCKids: What is playing on your iPod currently?
Eden: A lot of Backstreet Boys, Fall Out Boy, and P!nk.
BSCKids: What do you never leave home without?
Eden: I would have to say clothes… hehe, just kidding. It’s an interesting question. Maybe a black scrunchie around my wrist. That always a necessity.
BSCKids: Do you get recognized on the street, what is your best fan story?
Eden: Not often, but there was this adorable little Filipina girl who thought I was the coolest person on earth and wouldn’t stop hugging me. So cute!
BSCKids: Tell us a bit about your charity work?
Eden: I enjoy going with my church to visit homeless shelters to help feed and sing to them. When I get older I want start my own charity, something to do with kids in need.
BSCKids: Tell us where we can find you on social media.
Instagram: @edenestrella
Facebook: @officialedenestrella
Twitter: @edenestrella
BSCKids: What suggestions would you have for any children that want to get into acting?
Eden: I applaud the children with such a great ambition such as acting. There are so many suggestions and so much advice to give you, my young ones. Always stay humble! Don’t go bragging around! Always put in effort, and be kind to all your co-workers on set. And when there’s set food, stock up on the chips .
