Interviewing actress Ayla Demirci

1-. How was your childhood?

I had a pretty unconventional childhood—my parents were young and wild, really part of the punk scene. They lived in a small music venue in its early days, so from the start, I was surrounded by that raw energy. My parents even partied with punk legends like GG Allin and others in the community. I grew up with three siblings and had a lot of parental figures around me. My parents split up when I was young, and my stepdad, who helped raise us, was actually good friends with my birth dad—they even played together in a punk band. Their friendship has always been a powerful example to me of love, respect, and maturity.

2. - From what age did you decide to be an actress and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV?

I’ve known I wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. Even as a young child, I loved creating characters and fully embodying them—sometimes to the point of taking things a bit too far. For example, I’d tell all the punks that my name was Kimberly and then show off the fighting moves I’d picked up from watching Power Rangers. I even spent days convincing my little sister that I was Kayla, my long-lost twin who had switched places with me to meet her birth family. My cousin and I would put together 'Saturday Night Live'-style skits to perform for our grandmother. For me, acting wasn’t just something I wanted to do—it came naturally, and it was something I truly NEEDED to do.

3. - Did your parents support you in the decision you made to be an actress?

My parents did their best to support my love for acting, even though they weren’t always sure how, especially since there weren’t many opportunities or resources in Nashville back then. My mom sent me to a drama camp one summer, which I really enjoyed. But as I entered my teenage years, I grew incredibly shy and, sadly, convinced myself that acting was a dream beyond my reach. That’s when I stopped asking for their support. Today, I’m grateful that they are incredibly proud and supportive of everything I’ve achieved.

4. - What was your first appearance on the screens?

My first on-screen appearance was in a Halloween Emface commercial, where I got to wear a witch costume complete with black lipstick. I had been submitting to modeling gigs in my late twenties when a film director approached me about a commercial opportunity that included speaking lines. I booked the job, and it became an important stepping stone in building my resume.

5. - What was the role you liked the most?

My favorite role was playing Ava in Freak Off. It was my first lead role in a feature-length film that reached popular streaming platforms, and I felt a strong emotional connection to Ava and her journey toward becoming a pop star.

6.- What do you think led you to fame?

Finally accepting myself—embracing my past and recognizing the deep need to follow my passions. It’s about showing up for myself every single day, even when things get tough, and pushing through fears and social anxieties. Staying true to who I am and facing those challenges head-on has made all the difference.

7-. What types of characters would you like to interpret?

I’d absolutely love to play Harley Quinn. She’s chaotic, unhinged, and wildly unpredictable—so embodying a character like that would be such a fun adventure. I’m also deeply connected to Ayla from Clan of the Cave Bear. My mother named me after her, having fallen in love with the character’s strength, intelligence, and deep, intuitive bond with nature. Reimagining that story on screen has been a lifelong dream of mine. Ultimately, I aspire to be a true chameleon—an actress who refuses to be typecast and thrives on bold transformation.

8-. What actresses and actors do you feel comfortable working with?

So far, I haven’t met anyone I don’t feel comfortable working with. While I can sometimes feel a bit anxious in everyday life, something shifts when I’m on set—I feel completely free, focused, and in my element. The collaborative energy of a set brings out the best in me, and I thrive in that creative space.

9-. In what other genres of art would you like to participate? (Works of theater, music,among others)

I’d love to start writing music again at some point—it’s something I’ve always had a connection to. Looking ahead, I definitely see myself stepping into directing and writing. Telling stories from behind the camera is a creative space I’m really excited to explore, I'm just not ready yet.

10.- Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person?

Becoming a mother has been the most profound influence on my journey toward self-acceptance and embracing my past. I didn’t start my acting career until after I became a mother, and I’m not sure I would have found the strength and courage to follow my dreams without that experience. As a stay-at-home mom for nearly seven years, I fought hard not to lose myself, and I’m deeply grateful for the time I had to be fully present with my children. It breaks my heart to imagine a world where their passions and interests aren’t nurtured, so I’ve made it a priority to support and encourage their dreams. Part of that is leading by example—staying true to myself by pursuing my own passions with the same dedication.

11.- What has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement isn’t a single moment but a journey—balancing motherhood with pursuing my passion for acting. I became a mother at nineteen, and many people told me that my life would be over before it truly began. For a time, I believed them. But starting my career after becoming a mother wasn’t easy, and through it all, I learned resilience, patience, and self-belief. Every step forward, no matter how challenging, feels like a victory because it’s proof that dedication and love can overcome doubt and fear. That balance—the courage to follow my dreams while nurturing my family—is what I’m most proud of.

12.- What projects will you make next and which ones do you have in mind?

I have a few films set to release this year that I’m incredibly excited about. In August, I’ll begin filming an action thriller, and I’m really looking forward to learning stunts and adding new skills to my repertoire. Beyond that, I’m open to wherever this journey takes me—there’s so much possibility ahead, and I’m excited to explore it.

13.- Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

I love to travel, and Spain has always been on my bucket list. I would absolutely love the opportunity to make a movie there. In fact, I recently auditioned for a role in Spain, so fingers crossed I get to book it! It would be such an incredible experience.

14.- Do you like Spanish cinema?

Absolutely! I’m a big fan of Spanish cinema and television. One of my all time favorite series is the Spanish action-drama Sky Rojo. I also really love Money Heist—lots of incredible television series come from Spain.