Regardless of how you became familiar with Lili Reinhart, the talented actress envisions even greater accomplishments in her future.
At just 28 years old, Reinhart captured the hearts of audiences with her portrayal of Betty Cooper in The CW’s hit series, *Riverdale*. However, her artistic pursuits extend far beyond this role. Recently, she has showcased her versatility in various projects, including *American Sweatshop*, which premiered at SXSW, and *Hal & Harper*, which debuted at Sundance last month.
“People recognize me mainly from *Riverdale* and my quirky TikTok content, which I’m completely fine with,”she shared in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. “I believe that in the coming years, as my new films are released, my audience will discover more of my work as an actor, which truly reflects my passion.”
Beyond acting, Reinhart remains busy with her skincare line, Personal Day, and her production company, Small Victory Productions. She humorously admits to having a deep attachment to her home, stating, “My projects must be exceptional for me to step out, as I’m very much a homebody.”
In the following discussion, Reinhart opens up about her aspirations as an actress, her upcoming films, her shifting social media presence, her dream roles, and more.
What sparked your passion for acting?
“Performing has always been a part of my life. I took dance and singing lessons as a child, often putting on shows for my family. As I grew older, I transitioned to theater, which naturally evolved into a pursuit of film and television,” Reinhart reflected. “Coming from Cleveland, opportunities were limited, so my mom would drive me to auditions in New York, and we would save up for trips to Los Angeles for acting camps. I was fortunate to have parents who supported my dreams so selflessly.”
Excitement surrounding *American Sweatshop*
With her new film, *American Sweatshop*, recently showcased at SXSW, Reinhart expressed her excitement: “We filmed it in July, so the turnaround was incredibly quick. Everything released post-*Riverdale* offers a fresh perspective of me as an actor, marking an exciting new chapter in my career.”
Why did you connect with *American Sweatshop*?
“The project resonated with me due to its exploration of the disturbing content that people encounter online daily,”said Reinhart. “Growing up with Facebook and Instagram, I was exposed to unsettling material even without looking for it. This film, told through the eyes of an online moderator, addresses how desensitized we are to such content. I found the subject matter fascinating, as it’s not often discussed in cinema.”
Courtesy of SXSW
Key takeaways from *American Sweatshop*
Reinhart shared her thoughts on social media’s negativity, stating, “I’ve distanced myself from platforms like X (formerly Twitter) that foster negativity. It’s crucial to filter your online experience, as we often get caught in the habit of mindlessly scrolling through harmful content.” She encourages self-moderation in media consumption, advocating for healthier online habits.
Insight into *Hal & Harper*
Reinhart described *Hal & Harper* as an emotionally rich show that captivates its audience through themes of loss and trauma. “I feel an immense pride in this work, and I hope it finds its audience,” she stated. “Creating unique, indie projects has its challenges in today’s market, but it has always been my passion.”
Lessons from *Riverdale*
Reflecting on her time with *Riverdale*, she noted, “That experience was transformative. Now, as I embrace indie projects, I’ve recognized that I’m more selective about the roles I undertake. Entering my late 20s has encouraged me to shift my focus, moving away from mainstream television to pursue independent films that align with my artistic vision.”
Everett Collection
Creating content on TikTok
Lili has cultivated a distinctive presence on TikTok, where she shares a mix of content, from ASMR to personal insights. “It brings me joy, unlike any other social media platform,” she observed. “I’ve found my niche, although I often keep my posts spontaneous and erratic.”
The evolution of her ASMR videos
Referring to her ASMR cookie videos, Reinhart commented, “The success of those clips was unexpected. However, I had to step back to ensure I wasn’t pigeonholed as just a cookie influencer. I enjoy the spontaneity of my content, but I am ultimately an actor, with deeper projects on the horizon for my fans.”
The importance of authenticity
Reinhart emphasizes the significance of being genuine on social media. “I’ve never felt the need to curate a persona. Authenticity allows me to connect with my audience without the pretense often associated with celebrity,” she explained. “My approach creates a seamless blend between my personal life and public persona, allowing me to express myself freely.”
A dream project on the horizon?
“I’ve always been fascinated by period pieces, particularly dramas set in the 18th century, akin to *Pride and Prejudice*. The concept of wearing stunning costumes while portraying profound narratives excites me,” Reinhart said, hopeful that she will embark on such a project in the future.
Advice for her younger self
“I would tell my younger self, ‘Wow, you own a house!’ and express how grateful I am that my dreams became a reality,” she reflected.
The essence of Lili Reinhart
Reinhart concluded by emphasizing the importance of her personal space and journey, sharing, “My connection to my home has deepened as I navigate my 20s, and now I cherish the life I’ve built here. This journey holds immense beauty and significance for me.”