Among all of the hollywood actresses out there, Lana Parrilla is one who does not get as much recognition and appreciation as she should. Parrilla has been in the TV industry for a while, starring in such shows as Swingtown, Miami Medical and 24. But it wasn't until she snagged the role of Regina Mills/Evil Queen, in ABC’s Once Upon a Time, that viewers had the opportunity to see the magnitude of her talent. By landing a spot on this award-winning show, Parrilla has become famous for her portrayal of of this iconic role, securing millions of loyal fans along the way.
Parrilla’s dedication to the Once Upon A Time fanbase is one aspect of her personality I admire most. She does her best to connect with each and every one of her fans, whether it is through social media or by traveling to conventions and spending hours meeting her “Evil Regals” (aka loyal fans of Lana Parrilla and her character, Regina Mills). She truly loves her army of fans, treating them with the same respect they give her.
Parrilla engages frequently via social media to keep her fans connected, including a Snapchat account they can view that has daily stories highlighting certain parts of her day. Currently on Instagram, Parrilla is hosting a “#50EvilWays” tag where she encourages fans to partake and post photos showing their evil side.
On-screen, Parrilla knows how to submerge herself into the role of Regina Mills and embrace the many facets that make her character a fan favorite. Off-screen, she is always smiling, lighting up the room and making everyone laugh with her easy-going, cheerful personality.
Especially with her co-stars, Parrilla knows how to be herself, exuding confidence in everything she does in and out of her character. In an interview with Bella Magazine, Parrilla stated, "It’s honesty, a truth, a love for oneself, and an acceptance of who you are as a human being. Living life by your own code makes your external beauty that much more appealing. Ultimately it’s what’s on the inside that people are drawn to."
Lana Parrilla is a fantastic role model, and someone I admire greatly. Her generosity with her fans has never wavered, even as her fame steadily increased over the years and continues to grow. As her character has evolved into a strong, empowered woman, Parrilla has used that opportunity to show, through her character, that anyone can change for the better, even the Evil Queen. Not only is she a role model for young girls everywhere, Parrilla is a big advocate and ally for the LGBTQA community, and a part of the No H8 Campaign.
Lana Parrilla may be an amazing actress who knows how to play her characters well, but she is also an incredible human being who cares deeply about her fans. She is funny, confident, and definitely my #WCW forever!
