5 Questions For Michelle Shapa
1- SEELE: You’ve lived in a few countries: the U.S., Israel, and now Switzerland. What have you learned about life and cultures from all the places you’ve lived?
Michelle Shapa: Let me tell you—I think family is culture, no matter where you go. Honestly, I’m afraid of losing my mom, and wherever I’ve been, I’ve always thought about this bond I have with her. Growing up in Russia, Israel, and Switzerland, I’ve learned that a mother is always with you at heart. The fear of losing her never goes away, no matter what country or culture you’re from.
But what fascinates me most is the paradox—how, no matter where we are, the essence of human longing for family remains the same. We all seek love, understanding, and a sense of belonging, but we express it in different ways.
I can even forgive my mom for cutting my long, beautiful hair into a boyish short cut right before second grade. (I don’t know—maybe shampoo was too expensive in Russia, or maybe it was just part of the culture!)
2- S: What led you to want to become an actor?
M: When I was 12, my parents managed to sign me up for these really cool theater classes with all the popular kids, ages 16–18. Out of all the activities I tried, the only thing I truly loved and never wanted to miss were these acting lessons. I was mesmerized by the way actors could slip into another life and be playful. I would always pretend I was someone else—getting into character, fooling around, and trying out different voices and behaviors.
But my path wasn’t straightforward. Though my artistic side was undeniable and my parents wanted me to be happy, as a millennial child of parents who had gone through several immigrations, there was no question about what career I was allowed to pursue. It had to be a profession that would secure me a reputable job. My parents didn’t believe acting could be a career (and I think even today, they still see it that way). Neither did I at that point. I knew that sooner or later, I would have my first co-star project, but first, I wanted to make my parents proud and finish studying finance.
But dreams don’t die; they wait. And one day, I stopped waiting.
3- S: You’re in a film by Roman Polanski, The Palace. What was it like working with him?
M: It’s Polanski! Polanski is a perfectionist—someone who sees every detail before it even exists. He demands absolute professionalism, discipline, and dedication, yet still allows a certain freedom—just enough for the actor to breathe life into the character. It was a delicate balance for me: learning both control and surrender.
4- S: You have a music album you’re working on. Why a music album at this time in your career?
M: A guy broke up with me. This was my way of dealing with the pain of loving someone who didn’t love me back.
Michelle at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 | Photo Credit: Gennadiy Avramenko
This album I’m working on now is my homage to every girl out there who ever got her heart broken but still got up and put on her favorite lipstick.
5- S: Rejection is a big part of being in the entertainment industry. How do you deal with it as you keep pursuing your goals?
M: “Out of 100 times, 99 no’s and 1 yes—that’s the life of an actor.”
Knowing that still doesn’t make it easier, but you become better with every piece of feedback you receive from rejection.
My five ways to deal with rejection:
1. Call my venting friend.
2. Research who got the role.
3. Binge-watch Sex and the City.
4. Book a massage.
5. Hug my dog, Keksy.
By the way, Keksy is actually my co-star in an upcoming show I participated in, “The Cost of Loving”—a short film that will soon be released. It’s based on true events, exposing the dark reality of child trafficking and illegal adoptions. Some stories weigh heavy on the soul, but they need to be told.
What I know for sure is that rejection will always be part of my journey. But I also know that my parents gave me the strength and values to deal with it.
