Born and raised in Southern California, Isabella Moll discovered her passion for acting at an early age — a calling that led her from behind the scenes as an extra and makeup artist to prominent roles in productions like Dhar Mann, Bosch: Legacy, and Netflix’s Monsters. In addition to establishing herself as an actress and podcaster through her project Bella Backstage, Isabella also works as a makeup artist in productions such as The Magic Flute and takes part in social initiatives focused on children with special needs, demonstrating her commitment to both the arts and the community.
Isabella, you grew up in Southern California and have always had a passion for acting. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue it as a career and what motivated you to take that step?
My family often tells me that even as A young child, I would confidently say I was going to be an actor. I remember speaking that way at five years old, but it’s a sweet memory my loved ones love to share.
My passion for performing really began to take shape when I was around eight to ten years old and fell in love with performing in live theatre productions. Throughout my childhood, I explored various hobbies: soccer, cheerleading, playing instruments, swimming etc., but acting always stood out. As a young teenager, I asked my parents about taking acting classes and pursuing this dream. They were hesitant at first, simply because it was such uncharted territory for us. I decided to take matters into my own hands and learn everything I could about the industry. Looking back, I think that period of discovery truly inspired me to follow the instinctual pull I felt toward acting and turn it into a career.
I vividly remember my mom taking me to a studio tour in Hollywood—I was absolutely in awe! I remember saying, “Wait, you can do this as a job?!” It was such an inspiring, eye-opening experience. I felt excited, motivated, and most importantly, like I belonged. Every time my family and I visited Los Angeles, that same feeling resurfaced. It felt like I’d found what I was meant to do. Even now, when I work on studio lots like Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, and Sony, that sense of belonging and excitement is still there.
You started out in the industry as a model and an extra. How did these early experiences help you understand the behind-the-scenes side of entertainment and shape your path to success today?
My experiences as an extra and doing modeling work have been very fundamental for my learning experience as an actor. These experiences introduced me to how a set runs, set terminology and how things run in a working environment as an actor but also be aware of how many other people put their hard work into these sets. For example, learning how to work with directors and work with crew.
You had a recurring role on the series ‘Dhar Mann’ and featured roles in ‘Bosch: Legacy’ and Netflix’s ‘Monsters’. What was the transition between these projects and what did you learn most about acting in the process?
The transition between projects varies quite a bit, especially since production moves so quickly. Often, I already have my next few projects lined up while I’m still working on another one. That said, there are also stretches where work might not come for weeks, which is just part of the industry.
Working on Bosch and Monsters are experiences I’ll always hold close to my heart. The sets were such a joy to be on. I learned so much from the incredibly talented cast members involved in each project! Those opportunities were both exciting and deeply educational, and I’m genuinely grateful for them.
In addition to acting, you are also a talented makeup artist. What were the challenges and highlights of your work on ‘The Sinister Seymour Show’?
The Sinister Seymour Show presented a unique set of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating protocols like Zoom meetings and the masking mandate made the experience particularly demanding but ultimately rewarding.
One of the highlights was collaborating with a remarkably talented actor who was incredibly patient throughout the process as we fine-tuned the Sinister Seymour character. We experimented with various techniques, ultimately using latex to create realistic wrinkles on the actor. This was a hands-on, creative experience that taught me so much! Despite the obstacles, it was a valuable learning experience that I very much enjoyed.
Your podcast ‘Bella Backstage’ gives a unique look at the entertainment industry. What was it like creating this project, and what do you hope listeners learn or feel from listening to interviews with professionals in the field?
Creating my podcast, Bella Backstage, has truly been a labor of love and a project that’s incredibly close to my heart. I launched this podcast to provide a welcoming, educational space for aspiring actors. Particularly younger generations where they can gain the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to thrive in the entertainment industry.
My goal is to show young actors that success is achievable for anyone, while also helping them navigate the complexities of this amazing, yet unpredictable industry. When I first started, I had little understanding of how the industry worked, and I often wished there was something like Bella Backstage to support and guide me along the way.
Recently, we launched a new series titled The Understudy Series. This segment offers a platform for lesser-known working actors to share their stories and experiences, providing valuable insight and inspiration for those just starting their journeys. It’s been such a fulfilling experience, and I’m excited to continue building this supportive community.
You can find us on Spotify, YouTube and Spotify! Here is the link to our instagram. Follow us to stay updated.
Tell us about your work as an assistant make-up designer in ‘The Magic Flute.’ What does your job entail? What sparked your interest in design?
I started working as the assistant MUA designer for The production Of The Magic Flute for CSUF in December of 2024. This experience has been so much fun and very educational. Through the process of assistant designing on the show I have taken on multiple responsibilities. Including makeup consultations with the singers to mentor and walk them through each of their makeup processes. I have helped with wig processes including creating caged wigs, washing and styling wigs. As well as lots of paperwork. The paperwork consisted of creating face charts for the ensemble singers for the show and creating a makeup book for the 50+ cast we have on the show.
I have always had a creative need to fill. Whether it be drawing, painting or doing makeup. I have done work on film sets before as an MUA and it’s been so much fun. I joined the MUA team for The Magic Flute at CSUF because I wanted to challenge myself to learn something new by doing a live show! I have learned a lot from the show design head MUA, LaurenWiedman (CSUF Grad student 2026) and Madison Bates also a assistant designer. This team has been the absolute dream team! We are currently in tech and our show opens on April 17th! If you’d like to buy tickets, you can get them from the following link.
In addition to acting you also dedicate yourself to supporting children with special needs. How has this experience shaped your worldview, and what have you learned from your work with these organizations? What do you feel you can do to inspire others?
While I get to have these amazing opportunities towork as an actress and follow my dreams, I think it’s very important to give back to my community. By helping my community, I have gained some amazing experiences that I cherish and hold super close to my heart. I have attended the Best Buddies Friendship Walk for multiple years now. It’s been so exciting to see how much the Friendship Walk event has grown. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is going to be held in Long beach CA on April 26th, 2025, at 9am. The goal for the fundraiser is 155,000K dollars. If you’d like to donate, any amount will help with this amazing organization! Register, donate or volunteer using the following link.
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