ELEM exclusive with a Hollywood star

Viktorya Abraham describes her conversation with the up and coming Hollywood actress – Ella Thomas.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Everyone remembers that question and personally, I’ve given about twenty different answers throughout my childhood. There was the time when I wanted to be a Baker and then, at one point, I was certain I was destined to be a Rock Star. How about the time I was going to become a Dermatologist and a Race Car Driver? And this was all before the age of 18.

In our culture, it’s not easy to deviate from what we’re brought up to consider as successful career paths.  Doctor, Lawyer and Engineer are what are traditionally considered professions of great stature in our community.  So what happens when we fall for things outside the box?

Here, I speak to one such person who decided to break the mould, so to speak. Her name: Ella Thomas and her profession: Actor. Ella is an upcoming Hollywood star.

Even though this was a phone interview, I found myself changing clothes twice in order to look the part.  Reason being that I several times wondered what the person on the other end would be wearing.  Sick, I know.  I had less than thirty seconds to go until she phoned.  Since Ella Thomas is Eritrean, synonymous with being super late, I decided to allow at least 15 minutes before she would call. However, to my surprise – and dismay – she called me on the dot.

ET: Hello Viktorya.

Me: Hi Ella.

An odd pause follows.

ET: Viktorya…are you there? Viktorya

I heard her the first time but I needed a minute to regroup. The fact that she was on time had made me lose focus for at least seven seconds.

Me: How are you Ella?  I’m so excited about this interview.

After uttering those words, I wanted to literally jump out of the window.  For a brief moment, I found myself sounding like an example in the How to Become a Journalist tutorial my mother got me for Christmas in the late 90’s.

ET: I’m great!  I’m so happy to be given such an opportunity by ELEM – I’m really excited to do this.

I immediately felt more confident as something told me she was genuinely honoured to be featured in our magazine and that she sincerely cared about and appreciated the support of her people.

Me: We’re really happy you accepted and thank you for being so approachable and accommodating.

In my defence, the only reason why I was so nervous was because Huriy – my editor – had called me about four  times telling me he trusted me and that he was confident I would write a great story about Ella. Of course, you would trust I’d blurt out anything and everything that I’m not supposed to say with that kind of pressure chocking off my blood circulation. But, the chat went quite well.

ET: I have to say I’m really impressed with your magazine. It’s beautifully written and well executed.  I’m actually a subscriber myself. I really do like it, and I’m truly humbled by the fact that you want to write a story about me.

Me: Well, you’re a great role model and an example that hard work and dedication can get you anywhere.

ET: Thank you, it means a lot.

Throughout our three-hour long conversation, I realises it was very easy to speak with Ella. She is a perfect blend of eloquence, humour and CNN. I don’t think I can give a greater compliment than that.  So I press on with my questions.

Me: You were born in Germany, right?

ET: No, not at all.  I was born in Eritrea but somewhere along the line it got misquoted in a magazine. So here, for the record, I want people to know I was in fact born in Eritrea.

Me: How long did you live in Germany then?

ET: Until I was 15.  I was raised in a German town, went to a German school but at home, it was all Habesha.  My mother made sure we spoke English, German and Tigrinya – she really did her best with us, really.  She sacrificed everything for us.

Right then and there, it dawned on me that being Eritrean is of great importance to Ella.  She loves her country, her heritage and her family.  I came to the conclusion that to Ella, loving Eritrea may somehow be connected to the love that she has for her mother – a mother who raised her two daughters as most Eritrean mothers do – with rules, discipline and an abundance of the warmest kind of love.  Unfortunately her mother, Sara Abraham, passed away in 2002 and left a great void in her daughters’ lives.

The way Ella speaks and how humble and grounded she is, is truly a testament to the woman who raised her.  It’s unfortunate that most of us are sometimes unable to comprehend the sacrifices our parents make for us with love and dedication. So, it’s refreshing to speak to someone who is as grateful and appreciative as Ella.  It makes me wonder if I am the same way.

Me: So you do speak Tigrinya?

TO READ MORE, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO ELEM PRINT VERSION HERE