Riley Noland
Joining us On The Couch this week is Riley Noland, currently captivating audiences as Christine in Masquerade, the hidden masterpiece at Lee’s Art Shop. A Hawai‘i native with a playful spirit and a newfound love for cinema, Riley dreams of being in a Criterion Closet Pick, playing a vampire and growing her collection of perfumes. She’s currently letting herself be led by the beautiful lyrics of Weyes Blood and creating softness in the face of adversity. We leave you with some lyrics, and you can read her full interview below:
You see the reflection
And you want it more than the truth
You yearn to be that dream you could never get to
‘Cause the person on the other side has always just been you
Oh, God, turn me into a flower
——-
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My playfulness.
What was your proudest moment?
Getting to quit my waitressing job to be a full-time actor. That rocked.
What is your favorite drink?
Topo Chico Twist of Lime.
What is your favorite food?
Korean bbq.
What is your favorite condiment?
Anything sweet and spicy.
What is your current obsession?
Going to the movie theaters! I’m ashamed to admit I used to think it was a waste of money and thought it made more sense to watch movies at home, but I now understand the magic of the cinema and am addicted to the feeling.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Vanity.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I’m dying to do a Criterion Closet Pick. That’s my dream. I’d also love to play a totally crazy woman or a vampire.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I have a perfume problem. I love perfume and I love spending money on perfumes.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Pacing in my apartment. And then feeling anxious that I’m annoying my downstairs neighbor which makes me pace more.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
My hatred of vegetables. I’m working on it though.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Generosity.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Pride. (I’m Japanese)
What in the world most thrills you?
Online bidding wars on eBay
What current trend in popular culture most irritate you?
I think privacy is really sexy and underrated these days.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I embarrass myself constantly so very little phases me at this point. Most recently my scene partner and I broke so badly, neither of us were able to get a word out to finish the scene. Instead, we stood facing each other, shaking in silent laughter. It was a rather serious scene, and the audience was very confused to say the least.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Mānoa Valley, the neighborhood I grew up in back home in Hawai’i. Especially when it rains.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Someone who challenges me to be what I can’t be on my own. But mostly kindness.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I love both but I’m allergic to cats. So dogs.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Well, I’d be back home with my family. Hike in the morning. Beach in the afternoon. Dinner at my Grandpa’s followed by a game of poker (that I win). Late night drive around my neighborhood with the windows down and the heater blasting. It doesn’t get better than that really.
What is your personal motto?
Ah, I don’t really know that I have a motto? Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of music by Weyes Blood. She has a song called, “God Turn Me Into a Flower” that’s been a sort of mantra for me lately. She sings about how we should be soft in the face of adversity. So lately when I feel angry or envious or anything ugly of that sort I just ask God to turn me into a flower and it really helps.