Meet Paulina Ophelia Sophie | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paulina Ophelia Sophie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paulina, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is: *’Everything happens for a reason.’* It reminds me to trust the process, even when life takes unexpected turns. Sometimes, in the moment, it’s hard to understand why something is happening, especially when it’s negative or feels like a setback. But looking back, I’ve realized that every challenge has shaped me and opened doors I didn’t know existed.
Even the hardest experiences have taught me lessons, pushed me to grow, and ultimately led me to opportunities that have changed my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those moments. This mindset has given me strength and resilience, helping me see that every experience has a purpose, even if it’s not immediately clear.
One of the best examples of this is how I found my way to acting school. Two years ago, I was in a situation in which felt stuck and unhappy. I had already lived in the States for over a year but wasn’t moving forward. It was during that time that I decided to apply to acting school in New York City—a decision I might never have made if not for the circumstances I was in. Looking back, I see what felt like an impossible situation was actually the push I needed to change my life for the better.
Now, I truly believe that every challenge I’ve faced has helped me grow, opened new doors, and brought me closer to becoming the person I’m meant to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about storytelling—whether it’s through acting or writing, my goal is to create work that connects with people on a deep emotional level. My passion is rooted in my love for the great filmmakers and actors who inspired me growing up, and I hope to carry that forward. I believe art has the power to heal, challenge, and unite, and that’s what drives me every day. What sets me apart is my dedication to truth and vulnerability. I believe that the best art comes from a place of authenticity, and I strive to bring that to every role I play and every story I tell. I’m most proud of the journey I’ve been on and how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Moving from Germany to the United States to pursue acting was a big leap, and while it was exciting, it also came with its fair share of challenges. But these challenges have shaped me, teaching me resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
I also truly believe in the power of manifesting. Looking back, I see how much I’ve manifested already—whether it’s the opportunities that came my way, the people I’ve met, or the doors that have opened. It’s not just about wishing for things to happen, but about believing in my vision, working hard and then trusting that the universe will align to help me achieve it. No one is going to give you anything in this world—you have to work for it. I’ve learned that opportunities don’t just fall into your lap; you have to go after them, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friend came to visit me in NYC.

Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Tal bagels for the most decadent bagels and tuna salad in the city.

Morning: Spend time on the Upper East Side, where you could visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum or the Neue Galerie. Each of these museums offers a unique experience.

Then walk through Central Park to the West Side and grab lunch at Spice on 81st and Amsterdam.

Afternoon: Head downtown to the Financial District, where you can walk along the scenic Battery Park, a beautiful walkway by the river with views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. This is a peaceful spot with amazing views of both water and architecture.

From there, head to Tribeca for a more laid-back, chic vibe. You can explore its cobblestone streets, check out the art galleries, boutique shops, and maybe stop by a coffee shop for a relaxing coffee break.

Evening: Head to Broadway for an evening show! Whether you catch a long-running classic or opt for a newer hit, the energy of Broadway is unmatched.

After the show, head to a No Work Allowed a Japanese izakaya, with a Northeastern Thai twist. The food is fantastic, and they have live jazz.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve so much credit and recognition in my story because I wouldn’t be here without their unwavering support. They’ve sacrificed so much to help me pursue my dreams, and their belief in me has been a constant source of strength. From introducing me to incredible films and inspiring my love for storytelling to making significant life changes to support my dreams.
Everything I’ve achieved so far is deeply rooted in their encouragement. I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done to help me become the person I am today.

My acting teachers have also played an essential role in shaping me, both as an artist and as a person. Their guidance has helped me reconnect with parts of myself I’d lost, discover my inner worlds, and trust my impulses on stage. Teachers like Geoffrey Horne, Lola Cohen and George Loros have given me tools to navigate not just acting but life itself. Each of them brought something unique to my journey—helping me grow, understand my emotions, and channel them into my craft.
Geoffrey Horne, in particular, has had a profound impact on my life. I don’t think he’s fully aware of the impact he has on his students but knowing him has truly changed me. Through his guidance, I’ve not only learned to access and channel my emotions but also found a path to healing as a person. His teaching has helped me develop more compassion for myself, which in turn has strengthened me as an actor. The work I’ve done with him has been transformative in ways I’ll carry with me forever.

Instagram: @paulina_ophelia_

Facebook: Paulina Ophelia Sophie

Image Credits
First photo: Shooting Zombies by Luis Reyes Cardenas
The Loss BTS by Ben Garces and Parilla Productions.