Angela Tropea, who was also known and credited as “Ela Tripp,” made quite a name for herself in the Texas indie film industry when she was with Gothic Films. She starred as Priya in their 2010 supernatural thriller Naked Horror. She was originally hired to film a scene in the expanded version of their short film; Psycho Killer Attack, but they scrapped the idea of the expanded short and wrote the feature film Naked Horror, which was a completely different movie. Subsequently, Angela had featured roles in Twitchy Dolphin Films’ 3 References in 2013 and DisAssociationVille in 2015.
Since her last acting credit, Angela has focused on singing and writing music. She also enrolled in school to become a realtor while working as an assistant director for various festivals in Houston. After earning her real estate license, Angela has still continued to work in the entertainment industry, this time, behind the camera as a makeup artist. Last summer, she earned a certificate in makeup artistry and eventually got a gig as an official makeup artist at New York Fashion Week last February. Angela, now also know as “Ela Grace,” says:
It was truly a dream to be there in the Brooklyn Museum of Arts in the center of the biggest event in fashion. I didn’t do one model’s makeup that day, instead, I was asked to do the makeup of the producers of the show and the fashion designers themselves. That led me to more opportunities working with the big timers. As I worked more celebrity events in New York City, things were looking up. And then …coronavirus hit …and put that career on hold until further notice.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has interrupted our lives and caused us to adapt to a new way of living and having to put some projects on hold. This is especially true to those in the film industry, with many productions being halted and postponed indefinitely. However, we can use this “down time” wisely by doing such things as following up on intended interviews, such as this one with Angela that is long overdue for these pages. Above photo by Michael Moon. All accompanying photos courtesy of Angela herself.
CHRIS CHARLES: You’re originally from Texas. Were you born and raised there?
ANGELA TROPEA: Yes, sir! I was born and raised on the Texas coast along the Gulf of Mexico on a giant sandbar called Galveston Island. Lots of history, with a very eclectic art scene. It has its own little “Hollywood” mentality there. Everyone thinks they’re a rock star and are not impressed by actual rock stars (laughs). It’s pretty funny, but great to grow up in a community where there’s such a diverse group of lifestyles. You have your bigwigs and billionaires, your tourists and beaches, your surfers and bikini babes, singers and songwriters, restaurants and shopping, historical places. Every kind of artist you can imagine. Mardi Gras, Galveston has it. Pretty cool place to grow up. It was such a small town. Everyone knew everyone and it didn’t matter what social class you were in when you were in the art scene. There was always big support and respect for local artists and businesses. Still that way, ’til this day. Definitely worth a visit.
CHRIS: You’ve lived in several cities across the US. Where have been some of your favorite?
ANGELA: I have spent some time living in Texas, California, Colorado, and Connecticut. My favorite, by far, was Colorado. Ended up there with a former band I used to sing with. Technically, I lived out of my car for four months and crashed at a friends houses and sometimes camped out in Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Jordan, and Blackhawk. But if I had to choose a place to be homeless, it would be Colorado (laughs). Was full of vagabonds and bohemian artists of every kind. Especially Manitou Springs. Gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather, great art and music scene, the nicest most eco-conscience people I’ve ever met in my life, and marijuana is legal. What’s not to love?
CHRIS: You’ve been acting since you were a kid. Did you know then that acting was a career you wanted to pursue?
ANGELA: Well, when I was a child, playing pretend was always my favorite game. When I was four years old, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up. Not knowing this was a “thing” and didn’t know what kind of jobs were out there, I said; “I want to be a singer,” but was immediately told that wasn’t an option and to pick something else. I loved animals and suggested that I should be a veterinarian. That didn’t happen, but I still love animals and am the owner of two rescues.
ANGELA TROPEA: Yes, sir! I was born and raised on the Texas coast along the Gulf of Mexico on a giant sandbar called Galveston Island. Lots of history, with a very eclectic art scene. It has its own little “Hollywood” mentality there. Everyone thinks they’re a rock star and are not impressed by actual rock stars (laughs). It’s pretty funny, but great to grow up in a community where there’s such a diverse group of lifestyles. You have your bigwigs and billionaires, your tourists and beaches, your surfers and bikini babes, singers and songwriters, restaurants and shopping, historical places. Every kind of artist you can imagine. Mardi Gras, Galveston has it. Pretty cool place to grow up. It was such a small town. Everyone knew everyone and it didn’t matter what social class you were in when you were in the art scene. There was always big support and respect for local artists and businesses. Still that way, ’til this day. Definitely worth a visit.
CHRIS: You’ve lived in several cities across the US. Where have been some of your favorite?
ANGELA: I have spent some time living in Texas, California, Colorado, and Connecticut. My favorite, by far, was Colorado. Ended up there with a former band I used to sing with. Technically, I lived out of my car for four months and crashed at a friends houses and sometimes camped out in Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Jordan, and Blackhawk. But if I had to choose a place to be homeless, it would be Colorado (laughs). Was full of vagabonds and bohemian artists of every kind. Especially Manitou Springs. Gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather, great art and music scene, the nicest most eco-conscience people I’ve ever met in my life, and marijuana is legal. What’s not to love?
CHRIS: You’ve been acting since you were a kid. Did you know then that acting was a career you wanted to pursue?
ANGELA: Well, when I was a child, playing pretend was always my favorite game. When I was four years old, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up. Not knowing this was a “thing” and didn’t know what kind of jobs were out there, I said; “I want to be a singer,” but was immediately told that wasn’t an option and to pick something else. I loved animals and suggested that I should be a veterinarian. That didn’t happen, but I still love animals and am the owner of two rescues.
Growing up, I would always perform dances for my family at parties and holiday gatherings and participating in school talent shows, usually singing or dancing and runway modeling clothes for my mother’s children’s clothing store since I could walk. My mother put me in training for dance and gymnastics with a local academy when I was about eight years old. By the time I was 10 years old, Titanic came out in theaters and I fell in love with Leonardo DiCaprio and made it my life’s mission to kiss him one day (laughs). That day, I decided; “If I am to kiss Leo one day, I have GOT to become an actress!” I would literally kiss the TV for practice when his face showed up. Am I divulging too much? (laughs) The next day, I joined the drama club and actually fell in love with acting and performing on stage. It came very naturally to me and was a great way for me to express my emotions freely, even though I didn’t understand that back then. I received scholastic accolades for best actress several times, was casted for many of the main roles in plays, even as a freshman in high school. I was chosen for the role of Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was top ranked in my school district with the TAPPS Fine Arts competitions and was lined up to attend the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Unfortunately, my parents wouldn’t allow me to go to a school out of state and being young, sheltered, and naive, I didn’t know any better on how to get into college without my parents. I ended up going to Texas State University and majored in mass communication design with theater as a minor. While in school I took acting classes from Paige Bishop (The Young and the Restless) and Lauren Lane (The Nanny). A year and a half later, I transferred to University of Houston where I got involved with some of the local independent film crews in Houston and officially started my acting career.
CHRIS: What “regular” jobs that most artistic people hate, have you held in the past?
ANGELA: Oh God …so many …let’s see …I did the waitress/bartender thing on and off for a long time, naturally. Also worked secretarial jobs, been a bank teller, human resources assistant manager, a cashier for Dollar Tree and held a position as an assistant store manager at Spirit Halloween. Being a creative, you can only put me in a box for so long before I’m done with the mundane stuff, so at times I also ran my own businesses. I had a henna tattoo booth that I used to set up on the beach, I designed clothes that I made and sold, I cleaned houses with natural cleaning products that I made, and most recently, I have an Etsy shop where I am selling hand-crafted goods such as massage oils, perfumes, paintings, wood burns, and more. I also held jobs as a real estate agent, a festival director, and a vendor coordinator. Most recently, I have been doing the makeup artistry, but the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on that. So during quarantine, I put my sewing skills back to work and started making and selling cloth face masks. I’m not a big fan of regular jobs, as they are soul sucking in my opinion, but sometimes you gotta do what you can to make ends meet. There is no shame in hard honest work.
CHRIS: What “regular” jobs that most artistic people hate, have you held in the past?
ANGELA: Oh God …so many …let’s see …I did the waitress/bartender thing on and off for a long time, naturally. Also worked secretarial jobs, been a bank teller, human resources assistant manager, a cashier for Dollar Tree and held a position as an assistant store manager at Spirit Halloween. Being a creative, you can only put me in a box for so long before I’m done with the mundane stuff, so at times I also ran my own businesses. I had a henna tattoo booth that I used to set up on the beach, I designed clothes that I made and sold, I cleaned houses with natural cleaning products that I made, and most recently, I have an Etsy shop where I am selling hand-crafted goods such as massage oils, perfumes, paintings, wood burns, and more. I also held jobs as a real estate agent, a festival director, and a vendor coordinator. Most recently, I have been doing the makeup artistry, but the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on that. So during quarantine, I put my sewing skills back to work and started making and selling cloth face masks. I’m not a big fan of regular jobs, as they are soul sucking in my opinion, but sometimes you gotta do what you can to make ends meet. There is no shame in hard honest work.
CHRIS: Very true. So, one of the first things I saw you in was Naked Horror, which you also co-wrote. I read in another interview that you were cool doing the nude scene in which you’re walking through the insane asylum. What was shooting that one like for you?
ANGELA: It was a really positive experience. Everyone was very professional and it being the first time I was nude, not only in front of the camera, but in front of a whole room of people as well, it was nice to have everyone act like it was no big deal. I also sprayed my body from head to toe with Sally Hanson’s airbrush makeup, so I felt a bit more covered and comfortable, even though I was completely naked. In my head I was wearing a nude colored paint suit (laughs). Shooting the scenes were really fun. Having a great crew and cast definitely made a big difference.
CHRIS: I then saw you in 3 References. What was it like making that one?
ANGELA: 3 References was a blast! Again, the film crew and cast made all the difference. I mostly did extra work as well as the makeup for some of the scenes. Working with James Christopher is always a good time, even when you’re sweating like crazy in the Texas heat. Twitchy Dolphin Films always took care of us, keeping us well fed and hydrated, with plenty of belly laughs along the way. I was also allowed to ride on one the horses from the film! Great times.
CHRIS: You’ve done some behind-the-scenes jobs on films, as well?
ANGELA: Yes. I had my first experience as a screenwriter after I got hired as an actress for Naked Horror. Although, I did not come up with the title to the movie. I have always hated the title to that movie, but unfortunately, that wasn’t my decision. But, then again, its one of those titles you don’t forget! So, maybe they had something there! I have also done makeup and special effects for a few films as well. Lets not forget marketing! As any independent actor knows, after they are done filming, their work continues off set with marketing and networking as well. At least it did for me. I like to be very involved with the projects I work on as a whole if I have the opportunity. Always good to learn how it all works and all the hard work that goes into film production.
CHRIS: Many actresses and models find out about auditions through good ‘ol Craigslist. Ever answer a Craigslist ad for a part, show up for the audition, only to turn right around and leave?
ANGELA: It was a really positive experience. Everyone was very professional and it being the first time I was nude, not only in front of the camera, but in front of a whole room of people as well, it was nice to have everyone act like it was no big deal. I also sprayed my body from head to toe with Sally Hanson’s airbrush makeup, so I felt a bit more covered and comfortable, even though I was completely naked. In my head I was wearing a nude colored paint suit (laughs). Shooting the scenes were really fun. Having a great crew and cast definitely made a big difference.
CHRIS: I then saw you in 3 References. What was it like making that one?
ANGELA: 3 References was a blast! Again, the film crew and cast made all the difference. I mostly did extra work as well as the makeup for some of the scenes. Working with James Christopher is always a good time, even when you’re sweating like crazy in the Texas heat. Twitchy Dolphin Films always took care of us, keeping us well fed and hydrated, with plenty of belly laughs along the way. I was also allowed to ride on one the horses from the film! Great times.
CHRIS: You’ve done some behind-the-scenes jobs on films, as well?
ANGELA: Yes. I had my first experience as a screenwriter after I got hired as an actress for Naked Horror. Although, I did not come up with the title to the movie. I have always hated the title to that movie, but unfortunately, that wasn’t my decision. But, then again, its one of those titles you don’t forget! So, maybe they had something there! I have also done makeup and special effects for a few films as well. Lets not forget marketing! As any independent actor knows, after they are done filming, their work continues off set with marketing and networking as well. At least it did for me. I like to be very involved with the projects I work on as a whole if I have the opportunity. Always good to learn how it all works and all the hard work that goes into film production.
CHRIS: Many actresses and models find out about auditions through good ‘ol Craigslist. Ever answer a Craigslist ad for a part, show up for the audition, only to turn right around and leave?
ANGELA: (Laughs) Surprisingly enough, I landed the gig with Naked Horror through a Craigslist ad! I was originally supposed to film only one scene for a previous short film they wanted to expand into a full length feature, but after the first day on set with me they said they were scraping the idea and wanted to write a whole movie around my character! I was very flattered and excited to say the least. It was a pleasant surprise. Craigslist was also where I found the gig that hired me as a makeup artist for one of the biggest shows at New York Fashion Week; Dapper Q. As a rule of thumb, I usually vet the hell out of any listings. I run them through a web search, try to find material such as previous projects they have worked on, who’ve they’ve worked with, the quality of their work, etc. Luckily, I have also been blessed with the gift of intuition, so luckily I was able to weed out any scammers or scumbags without a hitch. My unsolicited advice would be to do your research, ask lots of questions, and try to find someone who’s worked with them before so you know what you’re getting into, look at previous projects, check out the quality of the work and ALWAYS trust your gut!
CHRIS: Have you stayed in touch with people you’ve worked with in the indie film industry?
ANGELA: Most definitely. Too many great memories with so many talented, dedicated people in the industry. Even if we only met for a short time, those encounters were so meaningful. I mostly keep in touch through social media with those I’ve met while filming or at the festivals. I keep those contacts because I know I will work with them at some point in the future. I still have every single business card that was given to me. The one thing that I love about the industry is it’s a lot smaller than what most people think, so it really feels like you’re in this amazing little family that collaborates together to create a lifetime of memories. I think that even if you take a break from the industry, it’s important to keep those connections because in this industry you have to have staying power, even if you step back for a little while for personal reasons. Always re-establish those connections every once in a while to stay in the loop.
CHRIS: Earlier in your career, you appeared at several major industry events, such as Texas Frightmare Weekend, Bare Bones International Independent Film & Music Festival, and Twitchypalooza. Was there a favorite?
CHRIS: Have you stayed in touch with people you’ve worked with in the indie film industry?
ANGELA: Most definitely. Too many great memories with so many talented, dedicated people in the industry. Even if we only met for a short time, those encounters were so meaningful. I mostly keep in touch through social media with those I’ve met while filming or at the festivals. I keep those contacts because I know I will work with them at some point in the future. I still have every single business card that was given to me. The one thing that I love about the industry is it’s a lot smaller than what most people think, so it really feels like you’re in this amazing little family that collaborates together to create a lifetime of memories. I think that even if you take a break from the industry, it’s important to keep those connections because in this industry you have to have staying power, even if you step back for a little while for personal reasons. Always re-establish those connections every once in a while to stay in the loop.
CHRIS: Earlier in your career, you appeared at several major industry events, such as Texas Frightmare Weekend, Bare Bones International Independent Film & Music Festival, and Twitchypalooza. Was there a favorite?
ANGELA: Oh man… that’s a tough one. I have so many wonderful memories at each of those festivals. Texas Frightmare was a blast! I celebrated my birthday with Ari Lehman. Since we share the same birthday, it became a regular thing for us to celebrate it together. That same festival is where I met Tony Todd aka Candyman, who was the thing my nightmares were made of when I was a kid, so that was super exciting. Bare Bones was a load of fun with all the events around town. The San Antonio Horrific Film Fest was where I first met James Christopher of Twitchypalooza and Twitchy Dolphin Films, but was also where I first met and interviewed, horror legends, Tony Moran, Michael Berryman, Bill Johnson, and Ari Lehman. That was like the biggest moment of my life at the time! It was great, cause I was still in the mists of filming Naked Horror and actually convinced Bill Johnson (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2) to be in the film as the narrator. Still friends with everyone of them ’til this very day. One of the most epic films festivals I have been to, though, was Del Weston’s Action On Film International Film Festival. That was my first real Hollywood experience. Red carpets, celebrities, paparazzi, parties, wining and dining, more films than you could count, and it lasted for weeks! I felt like I made it to the big time! That was also the film festival where I premiered Naked Horror. I’ll never forget, the day before the festival I had met Mark Ruffulo at the festival. We were getting ready to take a photo on the red carpet and I got to invite him to come to my movie premiere (laughs). Like; “It’s the Hulk! Of course I’m gonna ask!” He said he had a prior engagement, so he didn’t make it out to the film, but was still a great experience. He’s a super talented, sweet, and supportive person. I also really enjoyed going to the American Film Market in Santa Monica. That’s where I met Lloyd Kaufman (of Troma Films) and got him to do a cameo in Naked Horror as well. When I was there, I also had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Danny Trejo. When I saw him walk by me, I turned around and shouted; “Danny Trejo?!! Oh my god! I save pit bulls, too!!” He stopped, turned around, glared at me, smiled big and said, “Come here, girl! Give me a hug!” (laughs) Since he was also there for the market, he was with his manager, lawyer, and agent and was visiting to promote Robert Rodriguez’s film, Machete, since they were still in production. We went and had lunch with them and during that lunch they offered me a speaking vital role of the stripper in Machete. I politely declined, saying I was flattered, but I didn’t want to be type cast or do two movies back-to-back where I was nude. They understood and said they respected my decision and took me out on the town, introducing me to some of their friends. It was a good time. Very fun, sweet, respectful people and super professional. I would still love to work on a film with them in the future.
CHRIS: Any interesting experiences with fans you’ve met at those events?
ANGELA: Hmmm…yes! When I had just finished filming Naked Horror, we had done a small premiere in Huntsville, Texas at a local bar ‘n grill and after the showing, a middle aged man came up to me with his newspaper in hand with my photo on it asking for a picture and an autograph! I didn’t even know I was in the newspaper, so that was fun to find out. At that same event, there was a group of people watching the film and decided it would be fun to play a drinking game during the viewing. The only rule was you had to take a drink every time you saw a nude woman in the film. Well …there’s a lot of naked ladies in that movie, and often, so they were pretty wasted around 20 minutes into the film (laughs). It was great.
CHRIS: Do you plan on doing and more acting in the future?
ANGELA: Oh, absolutely! I am now living about an hour outside of New York City and have been putting my feelers out in the production network. Ever since that coronavirus came to town and sent everyone home, I’ve just been waiting for things to open back up. So now, phase three finally arrived and I’m hoping the numbers stay down so productions can start getting back up and going. I’m really interested to try my hand at some dramas/comedy/musical work. Would like to do theater again as well, so I’m keeping my options open. One of the things I love about the theater and film industry is no matter how old you get you can always get back in the game, if you wish.
CHRIS: So, last year you obtained a certificate in makeup artistry, correct?
ANGELA: That’s right! Started out by selling makeup online and doing tutorials before my mother suggested I get into school for it. I figured the extra training couldn’t hurt. I enrolled into the MAC Pro Masterclass at Oxford Academy of Hair Design. I had the BEST makeup teacher. Her name was Erica DaSilva, aka Beautyslay3r. Super talented special effects artist. She and I hit it off right away and became best friends. Sadly, she passed away unexpectedly a couple months after I finished the course. I still hold her in a very high regard in my heart. She taught me so much and believed in me even more. She helped me get my first clients and wanted me to be her right hand. She made class so much fun. Our class was small, only four girls, so we shared a lot of laughs and memories in the six weeks we spent together. We all still keep in touch and support each other where we can. We learned about everything from skincare to sanitation, color mixing, ingredients, application from natural to glamorous, bridal, prom, airbrush, illusion, and special effects. Amazing course. My work can be found on Instagram @ElaGraceMUA.
ANGELA: Hmmm…yes! When I had just finished filming Naked Horror, we had done a small premiere in Huntsville, Texas at a local bar ‘n grill and after the showing, a middle aged man came up to me with his newspaper in hand with my photo on it asking for a picture and an autograph! I didn’t even know I was in the newspaper, so that was fun to find out. At that same event, there was a group of people watching the film and decided it would be fun to play a drinking game during the viewing. The only rule was you had to take a drink every time you saw a nude woman in the film. Well …there’s a lot of naked ladies in that movie, and often, so they were pretty wasted around 20 minutes into the film (laughs). It was great.
CHRIS: Do you plan on doing and more acting in the future?
ANGELA: Oh, absolutely! I am now living about an hour outside of New York City and have been putting my feelers out in the production network. Ever since that coronavirus came to town and sent everyone home, I’ve just been waiting for things to open back up. So now, phase three finally arrived and I’m hoping the numbers stay down so productions can start getting back up and going. I’m really interested to try my hand at some dramas/comedy/musical work. Would like to do theater again as well, so I’m keeping my options open. One of the things I love about the theater and film industry is no matter how old you get you can always get back in the game, if you wish.
CHRIS: So, last year you obtained a certificate in makeup artistry, correct?
ANGELA: That’s right! Started out by selling makeup online and doing tutorials before my mother suggested I get into school for it. I figured the extra training couldn’t hurt. I enrolled into the MAC Pro Masterclass at Oxford Academy of Hair Design. I had the BEST makeup teacher. Her name was Erica DaSilva, aka Beautyslay3r. Super talented special effects artist. She and I hit it off right away and became best friends. Sadly, she passed away unexpectedly a couple months after I finished the course. I still hold her in a very high regard in my heart. She taught me so much and believed in me even more. She helped me get my first clients and wanted me to be her right hand. She made class so much fun. Our class was small, only four girls, so we shared a lot of laughs and memories in the six weeks we spent together. We all still keep in touch and support each other where we can. We learned about everything from skincare to sanitation, color mixing, ingredients, application from natural to glamorous, bridal, prom, airbrush, illusion, and special effects. Amazing course. My work can be found on Instagram @ElaGraceMUA.
CHRIS: Any plans to branch out into FX makeup?
ANGELA: Not any plans as of now. If the opportunity arises at the right time and the client thinks I’m qualified for the job, then I would be down for it. FX makeup is one of my favorite kinds of makeup to do. The power of transforming someone’s skin to look like something else is fascinating. I’ve seen every episode of Face-Off just because I like to watch the process of the transformation. I’m hoping this Halloween season, I can work on some haunted house makeup effects. Halloween is my favorite holiday, so that’s just a bonus if I get to do more makeup than just my own.
CHRIS: You also sing. Who are your musical influences?
ANGELA: Johnny Walker (laughs). Seriously, though, my first musical influence would have to be my dad singing Elvis songs to me as a young child. I always would tell him; “You should’ve been a singer!” Church choir was a big influence for me, so I really enjoy that Gregorian harmonic sound. I tend to sway more towards a bluesy soul folk sound when singing. Top three female vocalists who have influenced me as a singer would be Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, and Diana Ross.
CHRIS: You write songs as well?
ANGELA: Yes. I’ve written mostly lyrics since I have never really played any instruments, but have recently started learning how to play the piano and how to record my own music. I spent a good chunk of my pandemic money on investing in my own little home studio so I can start creating music and melodies.
CHRIS: You mentioned you’ve fronted bands?
ANGELA: Kind of, yeah. I used to be in a band called Cosmic Serenity. I went by the name Ela Tripp. It was pretty much a duet act, so I can’t say I fronted the band. They played the guitar and we sang together. We wrote a few songs together as well.
CHRIS: I understand you like African Art and have done a photo shoot in a store that specializes in it. What got you into it?
ANGELA: Well, I’ve always been a fan of otherworldly things, especially beautiful objects from different cultures, especially tribe based cultures. I got into the African Art after I met one of my very best friends at a drum circle towards the end of 2008. His name is Mamady. He is from the Ivory Coast region of Africa and owns an African art gallery and store in downtown Galveston called Mamady’s Primative African Art, which is where I did a photo shoot. He used to travel across the country with his uncle selling to high profile clients such as Wesley Snipes, Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top), and Jennifer Lopez. He has taught me a lot about African art and culture and has shown me the differences of the art in order to pinpoint which region/tribe it came from and the meanings, history, and uses behind those pieces. I own quite a few pieces that I have bought from him and some I found elsewhere through private sellers.
ANGELA: Not any plans as of now. If the opportunity arises at the right time and the client thinks I’m qualified for the job, then I would be down for it. FX makeup is one of my favorite kinds of makeup to do. The power of transforming someone’s skin to look like something else is fascinating. I’ve seen every episode of Face-Off just because I like to watch the process of the transformation. I’m hoping this Halloween season, I can work on some haunted house makeup effects. Halloween is my favorite holiday, so that’s just a bonus if I get to do more makeup than just my own.
CHRIS: You also sing. Who are your musical influences?
ANGELA: Johnny Walker (laughs). Seriously, though, my first musical influence would have to be my dad singing Elvis songs to me as a young child. I always would tell him; “You should’ve been a singer!” Church choir was a big influence for me, so I really enjoy that Gregorian harmonic sound. I tend to sway more towards a bluesy soul folk sound when singing. Top three female vocalists who have influenced me as a singer would be Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, and Diana Ross.
CHRIS: You write songs as well?
ANGELA: Yes. I’ve written mostly lyrics since I have never really played any instruments, but have recently started learning how to play the piano and how to record my own music. I spent a good chunk of my pandemic money on investing in my own little home studio so I can start creating music and melodies.
CHRIS: You mentioned you’ve fronted bands?
ANGELA: Kind of, yeah. I used to be in a band called Cosmic Serenity. I went by the name Ela Tripp. It was pretty much a duet act, so I can’t say I fronted the band. They played the guitar and we sang together. We wrote a few songs together as well.
CHRIS: I understand you like African Art and have done a photo shoot in a store that specializes in it. What got you into it?
ANGELA: Well, I’ve always been a fan of otherworldly things, especially beautiful objects from different cultures, especially tribe based cultures. I got into the African Art after I met one of my very best friends at a drum circle towards the end of 2008. His name is Mamady. He is from the Ivory Coast region of Africa and owns an African art gallery and store in downtown Galveston called Mamady’s Primative African Art, which is where I did a photo shoot. He used to travel across the country with his uncle selling to high profile clients such as Wesley Snipes, Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top), and Jennifer Lopez. He has taught me a lot about African art and culture and has shown me the differences of the art in order to pinpoint which region/tribe it came from and the meanings, history, and uses behind those pieces. I own quite a few pieces that I have bought from him and some I found elsewhere through private sellers.
I find African culture so beautiful and fascinating. I have a huge respect for cultures that revolve around community, spirituality, ritual, respect for the motherland, respect for all people, peace, love, music, art and nature. All the things I’m into. Although those things exists in many cultures, I have always felt really drawn to African culture and beliefs. I truly believe that is the motherland of all mankind and we all just separated from the once Pangaea before it broke apart and drifted to where it is today. Human nature in general really interests me so its easy to see why I like acting as well. I really hope I get to visit one day. Definitely on my bucket list.
CHRIS: Do you have any other hobbies or interests that only those close to you would know about?
ANGELA: Yes. I love plants and gardening. It literally grounds me to be around plants, so I care for them and the earth deeply. I also use plants for my overall wellness by using flowers, roots, and herbs in teas, tinctures, oils, and as a dietary supplement. I’m really big on taking care of the environment.
CHRIS: These days, this has became one of my routine questions: As this interview is being conducted during the coronavirus pandemic, and we’ve all had to change our lifestyles because of that, what would you say you are currently missing the most?
ANGELA: I honestly have been loving being in quarantine, ’cause I feel I finally have to time to do all the things I’ve been holding off on. Although, the things I miss most is my local sushi and pho restaurants. I wish I had the owners numbers so I could call them up and pay them to personally cook me a meal (laughs). I love me some sushi and pho. Other than that I’m a big homebody so, if I’m not working, I’m spending time at home or in the woods going for a hike, and learning the plants of the land.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this, Angela. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
ANGELA: Absolutely. It’s been great. I am forever grateful to the Great Spirit, Mother Earth, my spirit guides and ancestors, and spiritual mentors for opening my roads, protecting and guiding me along the way, especially to Jose Irizarry and Jesse Hathaway Diaz; for all my friends and fans that have supported my endeavors on this amazing journey; for George Haw Russell, Carlo Rodriguez for sponsoring me early in my career through Gothic Films and to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with, on and off set/stage; to my parents who always challenged me to do my best, no matter the circumstances; and finally, especially to mi amorcito, Gary Noriyuki, who has fully supported me and my dreams, and cheers me on along the way. I cherish and love you each and every one of you, dearly. Thank you!
CHRIS: Do you have any other hobbies or interests that only those close to you would know about?
ANGELA: Yes. I love plants and gardening. It literally grounds me to be around plants, so I care for them and the earth deeply. I also use plants for my overall wellness by using flowers, roots, and herbs in teas, tinctures, oils, and as a dietary supplement. I’m really big on taking care of the environment.
CHRIS: These days, this has became one of my routine questions: As this interview is being conducted during the coronavirus pandemic, and we’ve all had to change our lifestyles because of that, what would you say you are currently missing the most?
ANGELA: I honestly have been loving being in quarantine, ’cause I feel I finally have to time to do all the things I’ve been holding off on. Although, the things I miss most is my local sushi and pho restaurants. I wish I had the owners numbers so I could call them up and pay them to personally cook me a meal (laughs). I love me some sushi and pho. Other than that I’m a big homebody so, if I’m not working, I’m spending time at home or in the woods going for a hike, and learning the plants of the land.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this, Angela. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
ANGELA: Absolutely. It’s been great. I am forever grateful to the Great Spirit, Mother Earth, my spirit guides and ancestors, and spiritual mentors for opening my roads, protecting and guiding me along the way, especially to Jose Irizarry and Jesse Hathaway Diaz; for all my friends and fans that have supported my endeavors on this amazing journey; for George Haw Russell, Carlo Rodriguez for sponsoring me early in my career through Gothic Films and to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with, on and off set/stage; to my parents who always challenged me to do my best, no matter the circumstances; and finally, especially to mi amorcito, Gary Noriyuki, who has fully supported me and my dreams, and cheers me on along the way. I cherish and love you each and every one of you, dearly. Thank you!
A sample of Angela’s makeup creations
(Click on any image for slideshow)
See more of Angela at her IMDb Page and Instagram.
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About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. Currently in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco, besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
Saw Angela at the Macabre Faire Film Fest in Long Island, NY back in 2014.
https://twitter.com/ElaTripp1111/status/556834290420703232?s=20
IMDb credited her as “Ella Tripp” in DisAssociationVille, but Angela spelled Ela with one L. If you search for “Ella Tripp” with two L’s Google will return results of a model definitely not to be confused with Angela. Good interview, by the way.