IN CONVERSATION WITH ZOE CIPRES

interview JANA LETONJA

Actress Zoe Cipres will be starring in Fox’s upcoming series ‘Rescue: Hi-Surf’, debuting with a special premiere on 22nd September, before its timeslot premiere on 23rd September. Zoe has previously starred in the sci-fi drama ‘Roswell, New Mexico’, and appeared on Freeform’s hit series ‘Grown-ish’.

Zoe, we’ll be seeing you in Fox’s Hawaiian lifeguard drama series ‘Rescue: Hi-Surf’. What can we expect when the series premieres?

You can expect a very real representation of what it’s like to be a lifeguard in some of the most dangerous waters on the North Shore of Hawaii. Not only will you see tons of exciting rescues and beautiful scenery, but you’ll also get a good dose of drama and romance between these characters. 

Tell us more about your character Hina and her story.

Hina is born and raised on the North Shore and becoming a lifeguard is all she’s ever wanted. She’s the oldest sibling in a very large family and there’s a lot of pressure on her to take care of everyone around her. This is the first time she’s putting herself first and going full force after her dream. This season, you’ll get to see how she balances her career, creating boundaries with her family and managing a love life.

The series follows the lifeguards on the North Shore of O’ahu, saving lives in the often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. What did you find the most challenging about filming these dramatic scenes, sometimes delayed due to weather or sharks? 

We wanted to make this show feel as authentic as possible so that the audience really feels like they’re out there doing these rescues with us. Rain or shine, we were in the water for 10 plus hours a day. It was the greatest experience of my life, but it was challenging to always give my best performance in such a physical show. Especially when you’re sitting on a rocky boat in the middle of the ocean waiting for a shark to pass through so you can continue filming. But we had an incredible crew and everyone was grateful to be there everyday. They were my motivation.

How did you phsically and mentally prepare for this role?

I got the call that I had booked the role and an hour later I was in water training. We were so fortunate to be working with some of the best watermen in the world, such as Brian and Chad Keaulana, Terry Ahue and Eli Olsen. Not only did they train us physically with breath training, swimming, surfing and paddling, but they really got us in the mindset of what it is to be a lifeguard, which for me was essential. Growing up in Hawaii, I had some understanding of the environment and the type of work we’d be getting into, but our crew really pushed us to be at the level where we’d feel confident doing these rescues in real life. 

Filming in Hawaii must have been a dream. What did you enjoy the most about being on set in such an idylic location?

Hawaii is my home, and getting to film there was something I never dreamed was possible. Not only do we get to showcase this beautiful island to the world, but I got to do it all while being with my family. I have three nephews under five and they’re my world, so getting to spend every weekend with them and film this epic show at the same time has been the greatest blessing.

Fans probably remember you most from starring on the sci-fi series ‘Roswell, New Mexico’. What did that role mean for your career?

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ was such a cool experience. It was my first reoccurring part on a TV show and I got to live in New Mexico for six months. It helped me understand what life is like on a television set, especially filming in extreme weather, and I think that really prepared me to work on a show like ‘Rescue: Hi- Surf’. 


How did you get into acting, and what are your biggest dreams for the future of your career?

Being an actor is all I’ve ever wanted, since I was 6 years old when I first watched Keira Knightly in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. There wasn’t a ton of opportunity in Hawaii when I was growing up, so I moved to New York 10 years ago to study acting at the William Esper Studio. I’d been auditioning for 8 years before I got this role and it’s been a long, difficult journey to get here. That being said, my hope for my career is just to continue being a working actor and to continue supporting myself and my family through my craft. I love acting so much and I just want to do it forever in any capacity. 

You are also passionate about fashion. What do you love the most about fashion, and why is it such an important part of your life?

I live in New York and one of my favorite things to do is people watch and see how each individual chooses to express themselves through what they wear. Fashion is just another means to showcase your unique creativity. And if I feel good in what I’m wearing, that’s going to positively affect the energy I put out into the world. 

Besides acting and fashion, what are some of the other things you enjoy in your spare time the most?

Besides acting, I love to paint. During the pandemic, I unsuccessfully attempted to make a living off of my paintings, but I still do it for fun. I also go to the movies at least once a week and it might be my favorite thing in the entire world. 

photography MAX MONTGOMERY