Sasha Neboga Of ‘Knox Goes Away’ On The Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in TV & Film
…Don’t place your worth and identity on your job or your career. It’s very easy to get it taken away. It’s very easy to have it destroyed when you face rejection. And I think the strongest identity you can have is your own sense of morals, ethics, education and character. That’s really important for anyone in the industry to stay grounded for the long haul…
I had the pleasure of talking with Sasha Neboga. Sasha’s journey from the vibrant streets of Kiev, Ukraine, to the dazzling lights of Hollywood is a narrative that captivates the essence of the American Dream. Born on August 6th in the heart of Ukraine’s bustling capital, Sasha’s early life was set against a backdrop of post-Soviet resilience and aspiration. Her family’s move to Brooklyn, New York, when she was merely a toddler, marked the beginning of a new chapter in pursuit of new opportunities and a fresh start in the United States.
Growing up in New York City, a melting pot of cultures and talents, Sasha was deeply influenced by her heritage. Her parents, embodying the Soviet ethos of discipline and rigor, instilled in her a profound appreciation for the arts. Piano, violin, and most significantly, ballet became the mediums through which Sasha expressed herself and honed her craft. Despite facing initial rejections, her persistence paid off when she was accepted into the prestigious School of American Ballet, a testament to her tenacity and talent.
Sasha’s artistic journey took a serendipitous turn during her teenage years. After being scouted as a model while living in Cyprus, she ventured into the world of fashion, lending her grace and poise to editorials for illustrious brands such as Gucci, Versace, Max Mara, and Alexander McQueen. This phase of her career was not just about glamour; it was a period of exploration, self-discovery, and the honing of her ability to convey stories through movement and expression.
The transition from modeling to acting was a natural progression for Sasha, fueled by her passion for storytelling and a desire to explore the depths of human emotion. Her modeling agent, recognizing her potential beyond the still camera, encouraged her to audition for television roles. This leap of faith opened doors to a series of appearances on renowned TV shows such as NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” FOX’s “New Girl,” and CBS’ “Blue Bloods,” marking her ascent in the acting world.
Sasha’s role in “KNOX GOES AWAY,” a film that premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, signifies a pivotal moment in her career. Playing Ludmilla, the wife of Xavier Crane (portrayed by Al Pacino), she delves into a complex character woven into a narrative of redemption, familial bonds, and the inexorable march of time. This role, alongside her previous endeavors, showcases her versatility and depth as an actress, distinguishing her in an industry replete with fleeting success.
Beyond the camera, Sasha nurtures a passion for photography, a hobby that allows her to explore the world through a different lens, capturing moments of beauty, sorrow, and the mundane. This interest not only complements her acting and modeling careers but also offers a glimpse into her multifaceted personality and creative spirit.
Sasha Neboga’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions. From the disciplined halls of the School of American Ballet to the unpredictable world of modeling and the challenging realm of acting, she has navigated her path with grace, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her art.
Sasha, it’s a delight and an honor to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Sure! I come from a long line of engineers and academics. I’m one of the first in my family to pursue a creative field seriously. A random fact is my grandfather was a nuclear engineer at Chernobyl. I was born in Kiev, Ukraine. We moved when I was about three to Brooklyn, New York and I grew up in Bensonhurst. I remember having zero furniture and just one mattress on the floor when we first came to the country.
My parents were very Soviet in their upbringing. I had no social life. I had lessons in piano, violin, painting, ballet — ballet was the most time-consuming of them all. I went to LaGuardia High School in the city and the School of American Ballet, which is a really prominent ballet school in America. Funny story there, I actually got rejected three times. Third time’s the charm!
After that, I had a lot of pressure to ‘get serious’. It was kind of mixed messaging. I grew up studying the arts, and then my parents flipped and said, “Okay, now it’s time to be a doctor or a lawyer.” I said, “absolutely not”, so I ran off to live in Cyprus, a little island off of Greece when I was 18. There I got scouted for the local fashion publications. I just started modeling there, went back to New York, and then I got an interview with an agency out in LA. I’ve been here ever since.
That’s amazing. How did that lead to a successful career in film?
Well, I really enjoyed modeling and from being a dancer, being able to just express myself through motion, I really enjoyed being in front of the camera. It was a performance. A friend of mine suggested that I turn to commercials. So I did. I got to experience working on over 30 national campaigns with amazing directors like Marc Webb, James Mangold and Roman Coppola. I think Roman Coppola holds the record for the most amount of work I’ve ever done to get a job actually. It was for a 15–30 second slot and I think there were several rounds of auditions on top of the most random improv requests I’ve ever experienced. I’m still confused by it but it worked out! I guess the challenge made me want it even more.
Commercials were the in-between where I got to play and have a voice in front of the camera. My modeling agent at Elite really had this vision for me to be an actor. I think I was 19 at the time. And he said, “You should audition for this.” It was a part on New Girl which I ended up booking. That was all he needed. He started pushing me for more. And then I really started taking acting classes seriously.
Yeah, I guess it’s just kind of a perfect storm. Everything fell into place in its own way.
It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting either modeling or acting and the lesson that you learned from it?
This was when I was first starting out in the industry. I was 19 or 20 and my agent had gotten me a straight to producer session on the Sony lot for a romcom. I believe Jennifer Aniston stars in it. The role I was up for actually ended up going to Kate Upton, and I honestly think she was perfect for it.
So it was me arriving at the studio, and we had what looked like a whole mini screening room. There was only one producer, who was on his phone. So, it already felt very disconnected. And I just had no idea what I was doing. There was a great reader there who was very patient and supportive.
But one of the scenes required me to cry. And keep in mind, this producer was disinterested the entire audition. I don’t think he looked up at me once even when I came in. I’ve never experienced auditioning for anything this big before so I’m naturally feeling like I’m doing a terrible job. Granted, I probably was. They told me I could step into the bathroom to prep for this crying scene. And I swear to God, I was in that bathroom for about 10 minutes. I dragged it out, trying to get these tears out. But I was just already so mortified at that point that it didn’t happen.
So whatever, I went back there, I kind of ugly fake cried. And then I ran off. And I think it’s one of the most embarrassing audition experiences I’ve had to this day. As I said, Kate Upton got it. She deserved it and did much better than I did, I’m sure of it.
So what’s the lesson? What do you learn from that story?
I think the lesson for me was ultimately you really have to center yourself. A lot of the time with actors when you’re in the room, you’re trying so hard to seek validation outside of yourself, to seek approval. It’s your opportunity to really create this as your own moment with the reader. You can only get validation from within yourself, don’t let anything else affect you.
We love stories where a person who is further along opens a door, creates an opportunity that can change people’s lives. Do you have a story like that where somebody went out of their way to create an opportunity for you or open the door for you that had a long-term impact?
Yes. She was my manager! She actually left the industry during the strikes. She lives in Dubai now, her name is Jessica. She was like a young sister to me, a little younger than me. We grew up together and she was going to pre-med school. She absolutely hated it. I convinced her to come out to LA because as long as I’ve known her, she was always invested in knowing the ins and outs of the entire entertainment industry.
I said, “You know, come out here, try it out.” She really kicked into full gear. She decided to become my manager. She took me under her wing and really pitched me for all of these incredible projects. Ended up taking me over to Grandview, which is a great management company that she was with for I want to say four years. But she really believed in me and pitched me like no one else. I’m eternally grateful for her and how much she’s done. It’s because of her that I’ve had the chance to work with Anna Kendrick or had a recurring role on Chicago Fire and been in the final running for some really great shows. So far she’s really behind the biggest push I needed to get to the point I’m at now.
Sasha, you have so much impressive work. Can you share with our readers about the exciting projects that you’re working on now and what you will be working on or releasing in the near future?
So nothing is set in stone right now acting wise, but there are a couple of projects I’m excited about that I’m not going to say too much about. What I can say on a tangent is that my partner’s sister is actually a phenomenal artist. Her name is Maria Maea and she’s been featured at The Hammer Museum, Jeffrey Deitch, the LA Times, Cultured Magazine, she’s truly incredible inside and out. Her and I have been talking about creating a film to submit to Sundance, really centering around the immigrant experience. She’s first generation Samoan. So she wants to shine a light on the Polynesian experience. If Taika Waititi wants to get involved, we’re here for it.
We’re just kind of playing around with these concepts right now. What’s been really exciting is the ability to create and capture your own stories. I think it’s a matter of being able to control the narrative for me. On top of that, I also shoot photography. I recently shot Elijah Wood for a new film he’s in. And I shot Sofia Boutella for the Oscars.
So collectively, I like to stay very busy. I refuse to be put in only one box! I have my eggs spread out in many baskets. I don’t know how I’ve been juggling them, but they seem to be coming together so far.
I can’t imagine how you do it. Being a director of photography is like a whole new, different industry than acting, than modeling.
I love it because again, maybe it’s the premise that you’re the one calling the shots. You’re ultimately the one with the vision and everyone around you is helping that vision grow. And yes, I love being in front of the camera and getting to work with phenomenal individuals. But I think I’m just drawn to overall creatives, whatever niche they’re in. I’m constantly motivated and inspired by people who want to create and add something to the world. And I just want to be around them in any capacity.
Can you tell us about Knox Goes Away and tell us why we should watch it? Tell us why we should get excited about it.
Of course! Knox is a movie about a hitman played by Michael Keaton, who has one last job to finish as he’s diagnosed with a very rapid onset of memory loss. It’s not Alzheimer’s, it’s much more severe than that. I want to point out that it’s a noir thriller. A lot of people think it’s just going to be a thriller action type move, it’s not that. Yes, there are action sequences, but I think the true significance lies in the deeper themes they explore, such as facing your own mental decline and family redemption. I think they did a really great job telling that story and capturing that. So yeah, I think that’s the real beauty in it.
What would you say are the lessons that society or us as individuals could take from the motifs and themes of the film?
I think the value of sacrifice, the value of family and the value of trust. I’m going to leave it there so I don’t spoil too much.
That’s great. So how would you compare and contrast your personal character, Sasha, with the character you play in this film? How are you similar and how are you different?
Okay, and this might be cheating, but I like to think there is a great similarity between the two of us. Yes, I don’t have an accent, but Ludmila is very strong yet feminine. She plays the wife of Al Pacino’s character. Despite there being such an age discrepancy, you can tell she’s his rock.
With a lot of Eastern European characters written in Hollywood, they’re very flat. You’re either a villain or a victim. What I really loved when I read that script was you could tell she’s multifaceted. Yes, she can be quick and sharp, but she also extends care when necessary. She provides a place of safety for her husband, who’s clearly a hardened criminal.
So, yeah, I would like to say we’re almost identical in that. I like to be associated with strong women.
You don’t have the faintest glimmer of an accent. How old were you when you came to America?
Thank you! I was three or four. I definitely speak better English than I do my native language. My father, his sisters and brothers. My mother, they all have accents. What I did for this role is I called my mom and asked her to repeat all of the sentences I was given so I could capture the inflections. It was just my little way of honoring her.
Okay, this is our signature question that we ask in all of our interviews. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success now, Sasha. Looking back to when you started, do you have five things you wish somebody told you when you first started?
1. Definitely be humble. I’ve seen a lot of people set out to just chase fame and once they get a taste of it, they get very self-righteous, self-absorbed. And I think it just limits more genuine relationships in the long run. So always be humble, whether someone is successful or not. Just treat everyone with grace. And from my experience, the higher up I’ve gone, the kinder and more collaborative these people are. So yeah, I would definitely stick with being humble.
2. Don’t place your worth and identity on your job or your career. It’s very easy to get it taken away. It’s very easy to have it destroyed when you face rejection. And I think the strongest identity you can have is your own sense of morals, ethics, education and character. That’s really important for anyone in the industry to stay grounded for the long haul.
3. Trust your intuition. If you have a gut feeling that something feels off, trust that. I have faced pretty uncomfortable situations that, you know, I think, especially being a woman, you try to be polite and please others, but it’s never worth it.
4. Be well-rounded and open to learning. Yes, definitely be a master of your craft, learn all you can. But also have interests outside of that because when you’re on set, working with these people, whether it’s a week or several months. You need different points of interest to be able to connect with everyone and have the best time.
5. Don’t take advice from those that haven’t lived it. (Myself included).
Bonus: Laugh often.
Can you share with the readers any self-care routines that you do to help your body, mind, and heart to thrive?
Sleep. I love sleep. I’m a Leo. I don’t know if being a Leo has anything to do with it, we should ask a data scientist. I need a solid night of sleep in order to function properly. I think I read this morning that Sydney Sweeney said she only needs two hours of sleep and she’s fine. That is absolutely not me. I would be unhinged and in a complete fog.
The other thing is just being around loved ones, for me, that’s my family, that’s Kodak, my dog. They remind me what’s truly important at the end of the day, and that’s just love and shared experiences together.
Sasha, because of your great work and the platform that you’ve built, you’re a person of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
This is a great question, actually. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” I feel like I see a lot of people still saying it. The actual truth is, treat others how they want to be treated.
This is something I learned when I studied communications, it’s understanding that each individual is a product of their own experiences, their own culture. What’s right for me may not be right for you. It’s having to step outside of yourself and truly see someone for who they are. For instance, in America, direct eye contact is very important, whereas in other parts of the world, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect. An aggressive tone in a business meeting can be seen as combative in one country and actually a sign of passion and care in another.
I think if more people took time to learn about different cultures and respect them, the world would definitely be a better place.
You reap what you sow at the end of the day. That’s one of my favorite phrases. Be very mindful of the seeds that you’re planting because that tree’s going to grow and it’s just going to keep adding layers to the foundation you laid. So you might as well start right the first time.
This is what we call our matchmaker question. And sometimes it works. We’re very blessed that prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world or in the US with whom you would like to have a coffee or a power lunch, to collaborate with? Because we could tag them and maybe we could connect you. It’s actually happened many times.
I have so many.
I mean, I would have loved to meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Michelle Obama. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, I think, are all incredible. How courageous these women are to stand up and fight for justice.
President Zelenskyy to thank him for embodying what it means to be a leader.
And then also who I really loved, Netflix recently released a limited series around World War II, but the star of that show was a young woman who is actually legally blind in real life. All the Light We Cannot See, her name is Ariana Mia Loberti. I looked her up because I was absolutely mesmerized by her performance and found out she graduated from the University of Rhode Island with three majors in philosophy, communication, and political science, and minors in ancient Greek language and rhetoric.
Like I just — she’s not only profoundly talented artistically, but scholastically as well. I have the utmost respect for her. Anna Siwai seems like a lovely person as well. I can keep going but I’ll stop here.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online? How could they support, in any way, how do they support anything that you’re offering?
I have a pretty limited social media presence. I like people not knowing what I’m up to all the time. So the only thing I have is my Instagram for now.
I usually post about if there’s any new work coming out. And yeah, just go to the theaters right now, if you can go, watch Knox Goes Away!
Sasha, it’s been so delightful to meet you. Thank you so much. Continued success and only blessings. And I am confident you’re going to be a superstar one day. You already are. The sky’s the limit for you. And I’d love to do this again next year.
Oh my gosh. Thank you so much. And blessings all to you. Thank you so much for your time.
It’s been a pleasure.
Sasha Neboga Of ‘Knox Goes Away’ On The Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.