Veronica is an American actress and model born and raised near Long Beach, CA. Growing up as a dancer influenced her desire to perform throughout her life.
After serving 4 years in the US Navy, she decided to pursue entertainment as a full time career while finishing up her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Cal State University Fullerton. She is best known for her roles in Shameless, Monogamy, and Heroine Kombat. Veronica has also been in a number of films, the most recent including Cops and Robbers starring Michael Jai White and The Way We Weren’t starring Fiona Gubelmann. In 2016 Veronica married actor Ronnie Gene Blevins and gave birth to her son, Leonardo Gene Blevins.
Veronica Burgess talks about Diavolo, modeling and her entertainment career
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you do what you do.
I am an actor, model, and performer based in Los Angeles. Before entering the entertainment industry, I enlisted in the US Navy and served onboard a ship for four years. It was quite the experience and has helped shape who I am as a person, as well as an artist. In fact, I am working on a project right now that utilizes my military experience. It’s a huge part of who I am. I am passionate about what I do because no matter what is going on in the world, we are all searching for something – connection, laughter, love, and understanding, and I have a part in telling stories that bring those themes to light.
What is a typical day like for you?
Well, in this business, there are no “typical days,” but that is what makes it fun! For example, right now, I am in a live stage show with Diavolo – a modern acrobatic dance company, and we traveled to Houston earlier today. We have shows on Friday (October 14) and Saturday (October 15) at Jones Hall for the performing arts. So my days this week are filled with preparing for these shows via rehearsals, tech time at the theater, and running through the show. Many times when I am working with Diavolo, our rehearsals are 8 hours long, so you really immerse yourself in the show, which I love! If I am working on a film or tv set, I usually have to be there pretty early, and sometimes our days are 10-12 hours, but there is usually downtime throughout the day where you can go over lines, prep for upcoming scenes, etc.
Do you have a motto or a mantra you apply to work, life, or both?
I really love the four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. They are: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. Those are truly words to live by, regardless of your profession.
Out of all of the things you do in your career, what is your topmost focus?
Definitely acting. Not only does it consume a lot of my time, but I love doing it. Any chance I get to prepare some material, whether for an audition or something I book, everything else gets put to the side, and that becomes my top priority. Opportunities don’t necessarily come every day, so you have to be ready and prepared to put in the work when they do.
What are your hidden inspiration sources? How do you generate new ideas?
Well, my husband, my son, and my life experiences are my biggest inspiration sources. But I also derive inspiration from other artists who I admire. So when preparing for a role, I may watch one of my favorite movies that they starred in, or I may read an article about their career – something that may give me that spark of inspiration so I can use that in my own work.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Hah! It would be titled Girl Adrift…and who knows? Maybe I will actually write that in the near future!
If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
Well, if I didn’t play myself…I would love to have Emma Roberts or Elizabeth Olsen play me – they are fantastic!
Tell us about your film, theater, and modeling work and what it means to express yourself and share stories.
I love this work for so many reasons, but one that comes to mind first is the ability to be anyone and tell their story and perspective on life. For example, when I worked on Lucifer, I portrayed a rookie cop who had some racial bias; this was during the BLM movement of 2020, and there was a spotlight on the issue of racism and corruption within law enforcement…this was and still is an important story to tell. And I am grateful I got to be a part of that.
With my modeling work, I have done a lot of pinups in the past, and most recently, I started doing that again when I began working as an ambassador for Pinups For Vets. I love being able to display this sort of alter ego I have of this fun, flirty, all-American girl while empowering myself, as well as other women out there, to own their beauty and to do it for THEMSELVES. When I work with Diavolo, it’s not only about sharing my story as a veteran but connecting with other veterans and the community to show them the healing power of the arts. This work has been some of the most meaningful and emotional work in my career thus far.
What do you have going on in your career now?
I am performing with Diavolo this weekend (October 14-15) in Houston, Texas. Our show, S.O.S. – Signs of Strength, includes civilian dancers as well as veterans in the cast. It is an extremely powerful piece that shines a light on military life, especially during a time of war. If you are in Houston this weekend, come to Jones Hall and check it out! You won’t be disappointed!
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5753441/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.artistcom/hello_veronicab/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloveronicab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hello_veronicab
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeG9oYhdnLQE22qo7oCJssA
