Inbar Lavi is more than just a star on the rise—she is one beautiful force to be reckoned with. Though she’s been in the business for a while, the Israel native is finally being paid her due. Whether it’s kicking post-apocalyptic butt in the Navy in her role as Lt. Ravin Bias in TNT’s The Last Ship or hunting witches with Vin Diesel in The Last Witch Hunter, Lavi is ready to show the world what she can do.
Cliché: What was your first job and what do you think it taught you about the acting business?
Inbar Lavi: My first gig was a lead in the movie Tales of an Ancient Empire. I played Alana, a warrior princess. It was a low budget fantasy; I got to learn horseback riding, sword fighting, and lots of fun stunts. Production was set for Argentina and I couldn’t be more pumped!
A few weeks before production began, we got a call saying they lost their budget and the whole project was canned. I was a wreck. It was my first big gig after 2 years of auditioning, and in the blink of an eye, it was gone. I was devastated. A few months went by and all of a sudden, they got the budget back and we were back on. It taught me how fragile this business is, and how nothing is ever really set in stone. Some days you’re on, some days you’re off. You can’t get your heart smashed every time there is a bump in the road. You have to just have faith, always, go with the flow, and see where the wind takes you!
You’ve been in your share of thrillers/action movies and shows. What draws you to the genre?
I can’t say I was necessarily drawn to this genre as much as it seems to be drawn to me! I think I was going through a phase in my life when I was feeling restless and went into meetings with a certain fire to prove that I can do anything. Action was one of those. I have to assume that energy and the fighter in me were coming across in the audition process and made those roles come more naturally to me. I’ve been very lucky to get to portray strong, powerful women. I absolutely love doing stunts and to get to run around and get down and dirty on set!
What can you tell us about your role on TNT’s The Last Ship?
The Last Ship follows a post-apocalyptic world in which a deadly virus has spread and is taking down anything that comes in its way. The one cure for the virus is on a navy ship. I play Lieutenant Ravin Bias, a well-trained Israeli defense force soldier who is a new recruit on the ship. She joins the force on the ship to protect and serve. Ravin lost her entire world back home and is gradually getting used to a life where losing people is a part of the norm, so she develops a protective shell and can seem a bit intimidating and guarded most of the time. However, she also has a soft side, and throughout the season you get to discover more of her story and characteristics. She is slowly finding a family in her new navy-based home and creating relationships and friendships along the way!
When did you know you wanted to be an actress?
I had asthma as a kid and would be forced to spend 45 minutes a night with an inhaler while my friends got to go outside and play. The only thing that made it bearable was watching movies with my dad to make the time go by faster. I fell in love with cinema right then and there. I thought the power it holds, in taking someone from their reality and transporting them onto a new one, was magical. I wanted to be able to do that for someone one day.
You are starring alongside Vin Diesel in The Last Witch Hunter. What are three things you admire about your character?
I have a small role in the film, and I enjoyed Sonia very much. I can’t say much about her, but the relationship between her and Kaulder is cosmic and goes beyond the boundaries of time. It’s a very special film and I am so lucky to be a part of it.
What was it like working with Vin Diesel?
It was fantastic. I really didn’t know anyone in Pittsburgh and he made me feel right at home. He’s probably the most passionate actor I’ve ever worked with. He truly loves the art of movie-making and takes it very seriously. He’s involved in every detail of production and inspired me to always fight for the better good of the project, no matter what. I just loved being around him!
What’s coming up next for you after The Last Witch Hunter?
You’ll have to wait and see!
Do you have a dream role you would like to play?
I always wanted to bring Jasmine [from Aladdin] to life. I would love to turn Aladdin into a live action picture and film in Jaffa, Israel, which is my homeland.
See more exclusive images of Inbar Lavi in our Oct/Nov 2015 issue!
Read more Entertainment Interviews on ClicheMag.com
Inbar Lavi Interview: Photographer: Gilles Toucas, Hair: Michael Kanyon for Celestine Agency, Makeup: Nicole Walmsley, Stylist: Adena Rohatiner
