Cover: Rada Rae , Photography: Adriana Mrnjavac , Interview: @ouchmagazineny , Stylist: Sybille Maier
Rada Rae to co-star in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Set during the 50th Hunger Games, the story takes place 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the original trilogy. Sunrise on the Reaping focuses on Haymitch Abernathy at age 16, exploring his backstory.
You’re stepping into the world of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping at such a young age—what was your first reaction when you found out you’d be joining a franchise that means so much to so many people?
When I found out I booked the role, it honestly didn’t feel real at first. I had to sit with it for a while because it’s such a huge franchise that means so much to so many people. Once it sank in, I felt really honored. I’m still young, so being trusted with a part in something this big makes me feel really grateful and excited to learn even more.
You’ve worked across projects like Nine Perfect Strangers, House of David, and Exterritorial. What’s something each of those sets taught you about yourself as an actor?
Each of those sets taught me a lot of patience. When excited to film, waiting in a trailer for hours can feel really long. At first, I didn’t know what to do with that time, but I learned how to use it to stay calm and focused — whether that meant reading my script, listening to music, or imagining the scene in my head. Now, when I finally get called to set, I’m ready. I can switch into the moment quickly and give my best performance because I’ve already centered myself.
Growing up between Austria and your Eurasian and Filipino heritage, how has moving through different cultures shaped the way you understand storytelling and identity?
Growing up between different cultures showed me different ways people see the world. It helped me understand that everyone has their own experiences and feelings, even if they’re really different from mine. When I play a character, I try to think about their background the same way — what their world looks like, what they care about, and how they feel. I think having multiple cultures in my life makes it easier for me to connect with characters who aren’t exactly like me.
You speak American English, German, and Tagalog—do you notice your personality or emotions expression shifting depending on the language you’re working in?
I think my personality does shift a little depending on the language. Acting in English or German feels really natural because I use them all the time. I haven’t acted in Tagalog yet, but I’d love to try one day because it’s part of my heritage. Each language brings out a slightly different side of me — like English feels more expressive, German feels more direct, and Tagalog feels warm and familiar. I think that helps me understand characters in different ways too.
Beyond acting, you’re also a painter, illustrator, singer, and pianist. Do these art forms ever bleed into your performances on screen, or help you access certain emotions?
My hobbies definitely influence how I act. Painting helps me imagine things more clearly — like the colors or mood of a scene. Music helps me get into the right emotions because songs can make you feel things instantly. When I’m preparing for a character, sometimes I draw them or listen to music that reminds me of them. It helps me connect with them in a deeper way, even before I step on set.
Balancing school, travel, and multiple creative pursuits sounds intense
what does a “normal” day in your life actually look like right now?
A day in my life is actually pretty normal. If I’m not filming, I start with school, and after that I usually binge‑watch a show or do one of my hobbies like painting or playing piano. I love doing all of that, but acting is where I feel happiest. Even on normal days, I’m always thinking about my next role or imagining being back on set. It’s something I always look forward to.
Representation matters a lot in global storytelling. What kind of impact do you hope audiences from different backgrounds feel when they see someone like you on screen?
I hope people feel seen when they watch me on screen. I want them to know that there’s space for everyone in storytelling, no matter where you come from or what you look like. If someone watches me and feels like they belong too, that would make me really happy.
When you’re on a set with experienced actors and big productions, what helps you stay grounded and confident in your own voice?
I stay grounded by remembering to be myself. Sometimes big sets can feel overwhelming, especially with so many experienced actors around, but I try not to overthink things. I focus on having fun and enjoying every moment because time on set goes by so fast. When I’m having fun, I feel confident and connected to what I’m doing.
Looking ahead, what kinds of stories are you most excited to tell next—and what do you hope people understand about you as an artist as you grow?
I would love to be in a horror movie one day — I think it would be so fun to play a character who’s scared or brave in a totally different way. As I grow, I hope people see how much I care about acting and how hard I try in every role. I want them to see that I’m always learning and giving my best.
