A dive into her career

Liv Tyler, is an American actress, best known for her role as Arwen Undómiel in the immensely successful Lord of the Rings trilogy. The actress flew in with Etihad Airways to sit down with Emirates Woman and talk all things Hollywood.

You’ve made your mark in Hollywood and resemble the likes of Elizabeth Taylor – did you always know you wanted to become an actress.

Oh, thank you so much! I just adore Liz Taylor. What an amazing actress and beautiful look. I didn’t always know I would be an actress. I was quite drawn to singing and animals when I was young. I did like watching films. It was my mom who told me I would be an actress. I was only 15 or so when I got my first part starring in a movie and it all moved very quickly from there, so I suppose I discovered I loved acting while I was doing it.

Were you always confident about acting? What helped you be so fearless and put yourself out there?

I’m not so confident about acting at all. When the camera is rolling and I’m with my director and my peers, I am truly happy and connected. This is my happy place. Anything outside of that I find terrifying and I have to work very hard to conquer my fears.

What advice would you give to any young actors or actresses trying to make it?

Follow your heart and make your own path. Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or feel the need to be perfect. Just keep trying and don’t be too hard on yourself.

These days, do you prefer to stay away from the limelight?

I have always preferred to stay away from the limelight! I’m really a very private person and I like to live a very real life. Too much attention stresses me out.

What are your thoughts on this region and do you think the perception is skewed because it’s quite an unknown place in terms of what happens here?

My experience on this trip was fantastic. I thought it was such a beautiful place and the people so kind. Yes I think there can be some misconceptions in the media. But I don’t read the news much anymore because it all seems to be bad news. I like to find out for myself and ask questions and see with my own eyes. I would really like to come back and discover more of this part of the world and its traditions and culture.

What do you think of the fashion industry and do you think the pace is realistic for people? Is fashion something you can live without?

I really enjoy the artistry of fashion: the incredible visionaries, the tailors, dressmakers, designers and people who are creating these amazing looks and pieces. I find it very interesting and I love following the looks of different times in history. As an actor, I often do research on the styles of that time and I really find that fascinating.

What do you do for fun?

I love travelling, cooking and going on adventures with my children and family. Going dancing with my girlfriends always makes me happy. I also love learning new things, and I ask a lot of questions.

What is your star sign?

Cancer.

Tell us a secret that you are happy to share?

If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret anymore!

Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

I’ve just started filming Season 3 of Harlots, the TV series. I’m very excited to be doing it. I love my character. She is very complex and interesting, and the team is wonderful. I’m working on my English accent and studying what it was like to be a woman in the late 1700s.

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