Meet Elizabeth Wheeland; the lovely, witty, and all around incredibly talented Chicago based model & actress. As one of the most highly desired up and coming models of today, Elizabeth is becoming an increasingly popular face in shoots by some of the most spectacular photographers of the decade.
In addition to modeling, the Chicago native has an unyielding passion for acting. Having immersed herself in many of the cultural activity’s the city has on offer; from performing in small independent theaters to taking the time to enjoy art museums and fantastic performances like Second City. Usually sporting an edgy rocker style with minimal makeup (allowing her one of a kind wavy locks to take center stage), Elizabeth draws inspiration from classic style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. We caught up with Elizabeth to talk acting, modeling, fashion, and life in the Windy City.
What are you currently inspired by?
“I’m inspired by classic fashion styles. I love the look of Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. They have this effortlessly beautiful and simple style. They also were more than pretty faces; they had acting or music careers as well. I think a personality with a passion for life seals the deal.”
Tell us about your career as a model. How did you get started?
“I was doing some community theatre and wanted to find another outlet to express myself artistically. I realized that modeling is similar to acting because both create a mood or feeling to experience. I had friends doing photography in Chicago and decided to get in front of the camera. My look seems to be unusual so from there things took off for me.”
Take us through a typical day in the life of Elizabeth Wheeland.
“I cannot really start any day without coffee (with extra cream). How it goes from there depends on whether I’m working or not. If I have a photoshoot, I get an early start because my hair can be difficult to work with some days. I’m usually asked to do my own hair because it’s my signature style. Each photoshoot is unique because each artist has his or her own vision and it is fun to see what emerges from our collaboration. We laugh a lot on set and the modeling business has given great friends who I first met as photographers.
On a day off, I like to bake and cook. I’m gluten-free and enjoy finding new recipes. I also spend time researching fashion to find inspiration. I love to shop, so some days, I’ll drag my friends along with me. In the evening, I often attend a play or comedy show. I am a big fan of live performances and there is so much culture to enjoy in Chicago.”
If you could travel anywhere right now where would it be?
“London! I love British fashion and music, so I know I’d vibe well there. Also, rainy weather is my favorite weather. I’m a city girl so at the top of my travel bucket list are all urban destinations like Paris, Milan and Tokyo. New York and LA are fabulous cities.”
What peaked your interest in acting?
“I’m a naturally loud and vivacious person. When I was younger, I would write my own skits and make home videos. Later I got into community theatre and found it was a natural fit for me. It is a fun challenge to get into the mind of another person and bring that character to life. I also love the camaraderie that develops among the actors and directors. Rehearsals take hard work and discipline. The cast becomes your family. When the show’s run is over, everyone tends to get sad because that unique experience has come to an end. The only cure is the next audition!”
What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
“This is a tough question. I have collaborated with so many talented photographers and had so much fun. My most interesting shoot to date has been with Tyler Shields in LA. He loves to make a scene, on camera and off. Once I was drenched in water for some photos, and then we decided to get to lunch. I nonchalantly walked into the restaurant with my hair soaking wet and makeup dripping down my face. After lunch, we just went back to finish the photoshoot. His pictures have a shocking quality but in person he is actually very laidback. He’s a creative genius. My shoot with him had an Old Hollywood feel, which I love.”
What is your favorite thing to do when not working?
“Often I go to improv shows and plays. I love live concerts and jazz clubs. I’m a regular at Second City and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre as well. I think it’s important for actors to be in the audience sometimes as well as on stage. At home, I like to relax and listen to chill music. I play the piano and sing sometimes.”
Who are some of your favorite artists (music wise) at the moment?
“My taste in music is eclectic. I listen to a lot of Arctic Monkeys and Last Shadow Puppets. I love Amy Winehouse and David Bowie. I listen to ZZ Top, the Zombies, the Style Council and the Clientele. I also love old jazz singers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald. Lately I’ve loved listening to Serge Gainsbourg.”
What are your travel essentials?
“I always travel with Kind energy bars for a quick meal on the go. My makeup needs are pretty minimal, just mascara, foundation and lip gloss really. I use Burt’s Bees facewash and always have a good anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner for my crazy hair. I need a lint roller because I wear black clothing so often. I travel with three phone chargers because I lose them everywhere I go. Some other things I bring along are aspirin, sunglasses and a selection of jewelry.”
What are four things most people don’t know about you?
“I have a deep voice. It tends to surprise people when they first hear me speak.
I have a big sense of humor. I’m a goofball. I love to make people laugh and if they make me laugh, that’s even better.
My hair is naturally coarse and thick. I get a lot of questions about how I style my hair. I really don’t have any tips. I just wash my hair every other day and blow it dry. I use coconut oil once a week and sleep on it. My hair tangles easily. Brushing it is hard work!
My heritage is a mixture of many nationalities. I am French, Italian, Polish, German, Danish, Irish, Scottish, British, Russian and Canadian.”
Who are some of your favorite designers at the moment?
“Definitely Yves St. Laurent and Alexander Wang. I’m drawn to simple lines and muted colors. I love an edgy, rocker, biker style. My favorite look is Alexander Wang ankle boots with a leather jacket, ripped jeans and a band t-shirt. I love to poke around in vintage stores for that unique find.”
Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
“Rick Bayless Frontera Grill is so good. The menu changes every week so the food is always fresh and in season. Of course, Chicago has antastic pizza. Since I am gluten free, my favorite pizza joint is Lou Malnati’s. A great place for breakfast is Eggsperience Café.”
What are some of your favorite films and why?
“I am big fan of the Star Wars saga. I love superhero movies, like Amazing Spiderman and the Dark Knight. I even go to Comic Con each year.
I love Lost in Translation. It’s slow-moving but cinematic and visually appealing. I also love Blood Simple, the first feature film of Joel and Ethan Coen, because I enjoy psychological thrillers.
Chicago’s Music Box Theatre is a great place to catch indie films like the Wolfpack. I’ve seen many offbeat movies there.”
Where to next?
“I’m busy with acting classes and auditions in the Windy City. I have more great apparel and accessory brands I’ll be representing. I definitely will keep traveling and hopefully I can make a trip to London in 2017!”
Where can we follow you?
“Follow me @elizabethwheeland on Instagram. My twitter is @elizawheeland. My snapchat is elizawheeland. I’m on YouTube at Elizabeth Wheeland.”
