Kimmy Shields is an actress.

Yes, it would be easy to define her just like that and not add anything else. But, in reality, Kimmy is a set of beautiful nuances that make her a formidable person and artist. She loves her job because she likes being able to give voices to different people, she is an excellent singer (her videos on Instagram are proof of it), she likes – actually she speaks of pure love – vintage shops, she loves fashion with which she wants to have fun, and with her voice, she always spreads positive messages, of closeness to others but also of truth, honesty. She doesn’t hide her most difficult moments, she shares them, making others feel less lonely. In short, we fell in love with Kimmy, her unmistakable style, and the kindness she showed us from the first moment when we met her in Los Angeles.

If you want to know about her experience in playing Noonie in “Insatiable” (Netflix), her superpower, and the last film seen in her favorite cinema, do not miss her interview.

When did you realize that you wanted to become an actress?

I don’t think there was an “Aha!” moment as much as I just always knew in my bones this was what I wanted to do. I am so lucky to have such supportive parents that have always supported my dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem. I like a little crazy.

About your character Nonnie in “Insatiable”: how did you prepare for this role and how did it evolve during the seasons?

I wish I had some cool insightful answer in terms of the prep for this, but I think it was really all just rooted in my real-life relationship with Debby and how much I adore her. She made it so easy to tell this story and feel honest about it. I think the character of Nonnie evolved between Seasons in her development of healthy boundaries and a newfound ownership of her sexuality.

“…Nonnie evolved between Seasons in her development of healthy boundaries and a newfound ownership of her sexuality.”

How did you connect with her?

I connect with her need to belong to something. Pursuing acting full time can shake your identity if you haven’t rooted it in something outside of the jobs you book, so I am always checking in with myself about what my values are and who I want to be. I also learned a lot from her learning to speak up on behalf of those she loves. I wish I was a better communicator and I love the way she does it with such grace and honesty.

Being in high school is hard and people love your character because is so relatable: how was your experience at school instead and what makes Nonnie so unique?

That is very kind of you to say! High school sucks. I remember my experience as one of insecurity and raging hormones. To me, Nonnie is unique because she carries herself with a certain confidence and sense of self that I only wish I had in high school. She almost feels like a big sister to me because of that.

Did you have the opportunity to improvise as well on “Insatiable”?

The writing is so delicious that I never felt like I could have ad-libbed anything better. I leave the improvising to the pros like Arden Myrin and Sarah Colonna. They have that in their bones.

“I am always checking in with myself about what my values are and who I want to be.”

How does it feel to be a part of such a global movement on Netflix?

It feels otherworldly. I think of myself as such a nobody, so the feeling of logging in and seeing my face as a banner on Netflix is hard to describe. But I’m so thankful to be part of the movement of television that is brave enough to tell difficult stories and bring so much heart to all of it in the process.

Have you ever thought of writing or directing? If yes, can you tell us something about it? 

I have spent my training trying to become great at bringing someone else’s words to life. I love being in that position because I know how narrow my perspective is amongst the thousands of writers who have remarkable stories to tell. I’m grateful for the opportunities when I am the one chosen to bring those to life. Directing is slowly something that I am being intrigued by. I think I might like to have a hand at it someday.

Drama or comedy?

Dramedy.

What kind of stories do you dream to tell?

I love stories of redemption, grace, victory over traumas. But I also love stories of big dreams and wild love and fantastical worlds. I just like stories!

What are you “insatiable” for in terms of food?

Cheeseburgers, garlic bread, ice cream, pizza. If it has meat or cheese, I will ask for a bite of it.

What’s your favorite accent?

I feel obligated to say Italian. It is so romantic and melodic. I could listen to it all day.

What’s your must-have on set.

A book and some dance moves!

“I love stories of redemption, grace, victory over traumas.”

Do you have a life motto?

“What’s a motto with you?”

What’s your guilty pleasure movie?

I am painfully indecisive, so here are a few of my go-tos: “13 Going on 30”, “Legally Blonde”, “Miss Congeniality”, and “School of Rock”.

A series to binge and a series to savor?

To binge? “Big Mouth”. To savor? “The End of the F*cking World”.

What’s your superpower?

Being good at almost nothing but attempting everything.

Have you ever had an epic-fail on the set?

I had a 24-hour flu during Season 2, so I spent a whole day of work vomiting between setups.

“Being good at almost nothing but attempting everything.”

What would you like to be a trendsetter of?

Injecting humanity into interactions on the Internet. Or hats.

You talk a lot about this (and thank you for doing in): what does “feeling comfortable in our own skin and body” mean to you?

Being comfortable in my own skin and body means I am slowly releasing myself from waging war against it. I think it means allowing yourself the kindness you deserve to accept where you are at this moment in time. Be as nice to yourself as you are to your closest friends. If your heart is in the right place and you can make room for meaningful interactions with others, you will slowly start to realize that you don’t have to look a specific way to accomplish that.

“…meaningful interactions with others: you will slowly start to realize that you don’t have to look a specific way to accomplish that.”

What about your future projects, can you tell us something about them?

As of now, the only project I’m working on is being a little bit better every day and finding opportunities to serve. I love volunteering with Meals on Wheels or donating items to the Downtown LA Women’s Shelter.

What is your favorite vintage shop on Magnolia Boulevard?

You might as well ask a parent who their favorite child is. This feels almost impossible. But, I like you and want to see you happy, so I’m going to say Slone Vintage.

What’s the last movie you saw at the New Beverly Cinema?

“Network” (1976). What a ride.

What’s the beauty of acting for you?

I love it for so many reasons, but I think one of the most fulfilling beauties of acting is that, through storytelling, I get to help create a safe space for people to have conversations they may have never had before. I will always be grateful for that.

And last… Why do you have a picture of Hugh Jackman as your profile pic on Instagram?!

We stan an icon.

Photos by Johnny Carrano. 

Follow Kimmy here. 

Makeup by Courtney Hart.

Hair by Brandon Liberati.

Styling by Cassy Meier.