interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Leven Rambin will star in ‘Last Night on Earth’, which will release in theaters on 31st May. She is best known for her roles in ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘All My Children’, and has also appeared in series like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘One Tree Hill’, ‘CSI: Miami’ and ‘Gone’. Besides ‘Last Night on Earth’, Leven is also releasing her memoir ‘Glimmer’s Game’ on 17th May.

Leven, you’ll be starring in ‘Last Night on Earth’. Tell us more about the story of this film and your character.
‘Last Night on Earth’ is an intimate look at a married couple who learn that the end of the world is near as an asteroid is heading towards Earth. It explores the complex emotions of my character, Holly, and her husband Ryan, and the other people they encounter in the countryside they have fled to. My character Holly struggles with depression, so this apocalyptic event is challenging for her to come to terms with.

What was the biggest thing you learned through working on this film?
I learned so much about myself and filmmaking by working on this film. I learned a lot about the moments in-between the lines and how to convey complex emotions. It was a smaller budget, so we got very creative with making scenes.

We’ve been able to see you on projects like ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘All My Children’. Which role you’ve done so far has left the biggest mark on you and why?
I think ‘All My Children’ because it was my first role and I had so much fun playing Lily. I felt so free in my work at that time in my life and I try to recreate that feeling now in my roles, but it doesn’t always work.

What got you passionate about acting in the first place, and how did your acting career take off?
When I watched films as a kid, I was profoundly moved. Maybe more than your average kid. It became clear to me that I wanted to be doing what the actors on screen were doing when I was around 12.

Besides acting, you’ll also release your memoir ‘Glimmer’s Game’. What inspired it and what will we be able to learn from reading it?
I was bored during the Actor Strike of 2023 and I was always getting questions on social media about how I got into acting and what it was like to work on ‘The Hunger Games’. I decided to answer all of the fan questions by writing a quick memoir and it turned into a great way to express myself as Leven, not as the characters I have played.  

This is not your first time writing, as you’ve written many fashion editorials for New York Fashion Week and Paper Magazine. How does writing compare to acting as a creative outlet for you?
I get to speak with my own voice when I write.  My thoughts, emotions and senses are unencumbered by a script on a page. I love both.  

Having written many fashion editorials, what do you love the most about fashion and what does it represent in your life?
I love the beauty and intricate design of fashion. I am drawn to pieces with wonderful and delicate details. It is art to me. I loved living in New York where I could layer pieces in the fall and winter. Now, not so much. I buy a lot of stuff second-hand.

What other things and causes are dear to you and you’re passionate about?
I love animals. I have 2 rescue dogs and 2 rescue mini donkeys. I want chickens soon. I am very passionate about mental health, especially for women. I am in recovery from depression, eating disorders and OCD. I have been working on myself for years and I am happy with where I am now.

How do you enjoy spending your days off?
I love spending time outside, exploring nature in whatever city I am in. I love running and I love to sweat. I love hanging out with my animals. And I also love enjoying new and beautiful restaurants and having a spicy margarita.

Besides ‘Last Night on Earth’ and ‘Glimmer’s Game’, what projects will you be working on next?
Time will tell.

all photography by BAILEY HART