Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How Actress Maria Breese Is Helping To Shake Up The Entertainment Industry
1. Listen to everyone’s advice, but don’t take it all. Deduct what you feel is best for yourself.
2. Always show up on time. I think we’ve touched on that.
3. Do the work. Memorize the lines, do the research, know what you’re talking about before you speak.
4. You don’t always have to fill the void. It’s okay to listen, and you probably should listen more than you speak.
5. Attack your dreams with ferocity because anything you dream up is possible. It might take a little patience, but it’s possible.
I had the pleasure of talking with Maria Breese. Maria, born Maria Breeskin in Washington, DC, is a dual citizen of the United States and the Kingdom of Wales. Raised in the quaint town of Vienna, Virginia, Breese was immersed in the arts from an early age, a natural progression given her parentage. Her father, a professional pianist, and her mother, a decorated college dean of arts, cultivated an environment rich in musical and theatrical influence. This early exposure fueled her passion for performing, leading her to a career that spans acting and producing in Hollywood.
Breese’s introduction to the world of performance came early. She danced with the Chris Collins Senior Dance Company, where she won multiple national competitions. Her performances graced various prestigious venues including Disney World’s Epcot, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, and The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner. Among her accolades are the Best Choreography award from The Kennedy Center’s Cappies Awards and the Hortense Razee Hall Music Award. Breese pursued her love for the performing arts academically, obtaining a BA in Theatre and Dance/Exercise from the University of Tampa and further honing her acting skills with the British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University in 2010.
In her acting career, Maria Breese has appeared in a diverse array of television shows and films. She is known for her roles in “Shameless,” “New Girl,” “Dark/Web,” and “All Wrong.” Her presence extends beyond television, featuring in national commercials and campaign ads. Breese’s film appearances include “The Swing of Things” alongside Luke Wilson and the Lifetime movie, “You Can Never Go Home Again.” This fall, she will join the new John Wells series, “Rescue: HI Surf,” and star in an upcoming film with Mickey Rourke, expanding her impressive repertoire.
Behind the camera, Breese has made significant strides as a producer. She co-founded 3:33 Creative, a production company through which she has produced original content and numerous acclaimed projects. Her recent producer credits include “Untogether,” starring Jamie Dornan, Billy Crystal, and Alice Eve, and “The Swing of Things,” featuring Luke Wilson, Adelaide Kane, and Chord Overstreet. This summer Maria is also involved in the production of the upcoming Amy Adams film “At the Sea.”
Breese’s journey from Vienna to Hollywood is a testament to resilience and determination. After graduating from college, she moved to Los Angeles, driving cross-country with her mother, her dog, and $800 in graduation money. Her initial days in LA were humble, working at a candy store and living on a friend’s floor. However, her persistence paid off, and today, Breese not only acts and produces but also runs her production company alongside her husband, Patrick.
Her involvement in the NFL Washington Commanders’ fight song, “Hail to the Commanders,” highlights her multifaceted talents. This song, co-written with her father, honors the legacy of her grandfather, Barnee Breeskin, who composed the original “Hail to the Redskins” fight song. This connection to her heritage is a point of pride for Breese, linking her family’s history with her own creative journey.
Breese’s story is filled with moments of self-doubt, resilience, and the support of a strong community. She recalls nearly walking away from an audition for “Shameless” due to insecurity but ultimately staying and landing the role, a decision that underscored the importance of perseverance. Her career, built on hard work and the support of family and friends, serves as a testament to the power of determination.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Breese values her roles as a mother and a wife. She and her husband, a former professional soccer player turned actor and writer, manage their production company while raising their two children. The balance of career and family is a significant aspect of Breese’s life, and she hopes to instill the same values of perseverance and courage in her children.
Looking ahead, Breese remains committed to her dual roles in front of and behind the camera. Her upcoming projects, including “At the Sea” and the new John Wells series, promise to further cement her status in the industry. Through her work, Breese aims to inspire others to pursue their dreams with the same ferocity that has driven her from small-town Virginia to the heart of Hollywood.
Maria Breese’s journey is a blend of talent, hard work, and an unyielding spirit. Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion and persistence, one can achieve remarkable success. As she continues to break new ground in the entertainment industry, Breese’s legacy is one of creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
Yitzi: Maria, it’s a delight to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Maria: Yeah, I grew up in Vienna, a small town in Virginia. I started acting at a really young age. Both my parents are in the arts. My dad is a professional pianist, and my mom was a Dean of Arts and Letters. She was at American University first and then ended her career at Stevens College. So, I grew up doing a lot of performances at American University.
I think as young as three or four, I did Rag’s Children of the Wind, where I truthfully thought they were going to be shipping me away from my family. So the tears I had on stage were real. It’s still up for debate whether or not that was a good idea.
Then I started dancing and was a professional dancer for 12 years. I graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Arts in musical theater. Singing, dancing, and acting have always been a part of me.
From there, I moved to Los Angeles, where I worked in casting for a little bit. I was really curious about how things worked on the other side because I thought it might help in the audition process — understanding what to do and what not to do. I worked with Lora Kennedy for a summer, which was pretty awesome. She was doing Argo at the time, so not a bad first experience in casting.
From there, I got really into TV. My first bit on TV was actually on New Girl. I had one line. It was great, pretty epic. Then I was on Shameless, started doing a bunch of commercials, and decided I wanted to venture into the production world. So, it kind of goes on from there.
Yitzi: It’s amazing. So, you probably have some really interesting stories from all these projects you’ve worked on. Can you share one or two of your favorite stories or memories from your career?
Maria: You know, one of the memories that really sticks out for me, and I think a lot of actors, especially women, can relate to this. Maybe I can’t speak for the men, but for the women, I think I can.
The audition process for Shameless was quite memorable. After a few years, you start to see the same people at auditions, and you start to make friends in the waiting room. It’s like, “Yeah, how’s it going? How you been? What have you been working on?”
I remember sitting there thinking I should just go home. I should just leave. There were people there who were way prettier than I am. The role I was auditioning for was a college student, and I was out of college at that point. I was like, “I should just leave.” But something inside me said, “Just stay, just do the audition.” No matter what happens, at least I tried my best. I can’t help the way I look. I just am who I am.
I went in and did the audition. It was for the producers and the director, which nobody had told me. I walked in, said something kind of silly, and made them laugh. I thought, “Well, worst case scenario, they think I’m funny.” I did my scene and got a call from my manager on the way home who said, “Hey, you booked it.” I was like, “Wow, OK.” I almost cut myself off at the knees because I was feeling a little insecure.
It really just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what you look like. You have to fit the character’s description to some extent, but it doesn’t matter what you look like. You just charm people, make them laugh. We’re just people playing other people. It sticks out to me because I almost lost an opportunity to do something really cool because I was feeling insecure and doubting myself. You just have to go in there and do it. That’s one thing that really sticks out to me.
Yitzi: I read that you wrote the music and lyrics to the NFL Commanders with your father. Can you share the story about that?
Maria: Absolutely. My grandfather, Barney Breeskin, wrote the original “Hail to the Redskins” in 1937. It was the original fight song for the Washington Redskins football team. There was some drama with the Dallas Cowboys trying to join the NFL, and the owner of the Redskins at the time did not want that to happen since he was the southernmost team in the country.
Apparently, my grandfather and the Redskins owner had an altercation in the 1950s. My grandfather then went to the owner of the Cowboys, sold the song to Dallas, and they used it to help negotiate Dallas becoming part of the NFL. My grandfather passed away in 1989, the year I was born, so I never got to spend much time with him. I’ve heard incredible things about him — he was the band leader until the early 80s.
When the Commanders approached my dad and me to keep Barney’s memory alive while updating the song to a more respectful and timely name, we were honored. My dad, being a career musician, rewrote some of the music, and I helped write the lyrics. Together, we created a song that keeps my grandfather’s memory alive while invoking a new spirit for the team.
Yitzi: That’s a great story. Thanks. OK, it’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from it?
Maria: Ah, yes. One of my first jobs in Los Angeles was working on New Girl. I was a stand-in, the utility blonde stand-in for the first season, which is kind of how I got started. I’ve actually known Lamorne Morris for a really long time before New Girl. We were in acting class together.
I remember showing up late, probably one of my first or second days on set. The second AD was a friend of a friend, and he said, “If you ever show up late, don’t show up at all.” I thought, “Oh, OK. Lesson learned.”
They had planned to use me for one of the scenes and give me a role — a small part with one line. But because I showed up late, I didn’t get that role. It wasn’t exactly funny at the time, but looking back, it’s one of those moments where I realized that if I had just shown up on time, something might have worked out in my favor right then.
I did end up getting a role on the show later, so it worked out eventually, but the lesson was clear: always show up on time.
Yitzi: We love hearing stories where someone further ahead opens a door and creates an opportunity that changes someone’s life or career. Do you have a story like that where someone went out of their way to give you a chance?
Maria: I think every opportunity I’ve been given involves someone taking a chance on me. Nobody makes it alone; at some point, people really take a chance on you, especially when you’re building your resume. They don’t know much about you based on just one or two lines in your resume. That jump from co-star to guest star, for example, involves people really taking a chance on you to see how you’ll do on set. You start to build from there, making really cool contacts, and your work speaks for itself. Every opportunity I’ve had has been someone taking a chance on me. I hope to eventually give back and do the same, building an amazing community of actors.
Yitzi: Do you have a particular story where someone did an act of kindness that made a lasting impact?
Maria: Actually, I do. It’s for a future project, and I can’t say what it is yet. But a very big actor, someone I really respect, took a look at my reel and saw how hard I was working on the production side. They identified that I was also an actor and called me to offer me a pretty awesome role. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Did that really happen? Did they have to do that?” And the answer is no. But finally, someone so much higher up gave an opportunity to little ol’ me from small-town Virginia. It meant a lot, and I’m excited to talk about it when I can.
Yitzi: That’s great. I’m excited for you. So, Maria, you have so much impressive work. Can you share with our readers what exciting things you’re working on now and what you hope to be releasing in the near future?
Maria: Yeah, one of the big projects I’m working on now is “At the Sea.” It’s starring Amy Adams and Murray Bartlett. We go into production next week, on Monday. It’s an incredible story about a woman who has dealt with substance abuse and her endeavor to change her life. Along with that come the trials and tribulations of relearning how to be a part of her family.
Amy Adams is going to demolish everybody with all the feelings and emotions. When I was reading it, I could really see her in it, and she’s just absolutely perfect for the role. I’m really, really excited to be a part of this project.
Yitzi: As you know, Shameless has been among the most popular shows. In your opinion, what was it that captured people’s attention about the series?
Maria: Well, that series was not afraid to be human — the good, the bad, and the ugly of humanity. It really dug into the depths of human emotion and what happens when you don’t worry about repercussions. I loved it because you got so involved in the characters, all the things and feelings you want to express, and the things you want to do. These characters just did it, and they did it with little remorse. I think on some level, we all kind of want to live our lives that way.
Speaking of Shameless, it was created by John Wells, and I recently got to work with him on a show called Rescue: Hawaii Surf. Getting to work with his group again was just insane. They’re just so dialed in.
Yitzi: How would you compare and contrast your personal character, Maria, with the character you play, Lena, from the series? How are you similar and how are you different?
Maria: Similar in our flirtatious nature, but different in execution. I’d say that Maria is a little more tasteful than Lena. I like to joke that my scene in Shameless is “the nipple that lives in infamy” because it was one nipple that just haunts me forever, in the best and worst ways.
Yitzi: Do you have any stories from your work in General Hospital?
Maria: Oh, yeah. I was on General Hospital for a few years on and off. I would randomly get a call, and I love Mark, the casting director. He’s become a friend over the years. Working on that show was pretty crazy. It was so different from the TV I had come to know because their operation was hit, hit, hit, launch, and then get out of there.
The way they would shoot things — they’d shoot the scene a few times, everyone had their lines perfectly memorized, and it was like everyone got their marching orders. You’d go on your merry way and be home in like seven hours. It was great. It felt like everyone showed up to their day job and then left.
Yitzi: This is our signature question. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success now. Looking back to when you first started, what are five things you know now that you wish someone had told you when you first started and why?
Maria:
1. Listen to everyone’s advice, but don’t take it all. Deduct what you feel is best for yourself.
2. Always show up on time. I think we’ve touched on that.
3. Do the work. Memorize the lines, do the research, know what you’re talking about before you speak.
4. You don’t always have to fill the void. It’s okay to listen, and you probably should listen more than you speak.
5. Attack your dreams with ferocity because anything you dream up is possible. It might take a little patience, but it’s possible.
Yitzi: Can you share with our readers any of the self-care routines or practices you do to help your mind, body, and heart thrive?
Maria: Well, I have a five-year-old son, Declan, and a two-year-old daughter, Lennox. I am a very proud mommy, and spending time with my kids, escaping to nature — right now we’re at the lake — really fills me with joy. Seeing my kids enjoy the things my husband and I loved when we were kids is heartwarming on a cellular level.
Day-to-day, I make sure to stretch, exercise, and journal. I’ve been an avid journaler since I was a little girl, and I love looking back at my old entries. It’s fascinating to see what felt like trials back then and how trivial they seem now, yet they were important to me at the time.
Having an amazing husband, incredible friends, a supportive circle, and a great team also keeps me sane. I have an amazing manager, Alex Gittelson at Roar, and an amazing agent. The people I’ve surrounded myself with truly fill me with joy.
Yitzi: Okay, we’re almost done. This is our aspirational question. Maria, because of your great work and the platform you’ve built, you’re a person of enormous influence, and people take your words seriously. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
Maria: I have to touch back on attacking your dreams with ferocity. I will die on that platform, truly. I look at where I started versus where I am now. I grew up with artists and creators, but nobody necessarily in this field. I took that and brought it to Los Angeles, using it as momentum. My mom now lives in Los Angeles too, and it’s great to have her close. She’s just the most wonderful, supportive human being.
I remember watching my husband come from a small town in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and he went on to become a professional soccer player. Now he’s an actor and a writer. Seeing that anything is possible, no matter the circumstances, is so inspiring. Everyone’s path is different, but if there’s a will, there’s a way. Sometimes it takes longer, but it can happen.
Yitzi: How can our readers continue to follow your work online? How can they watch your films, and how can they support your work?
Maria: Yeah, you can find me on social media at Maria Breese. I’m pretty participatory — is that a word? — on social media. I have a silly TikTok where I post crazy videos. I have new movies coming out on Roku, and we’ve got some cool stuff coming out on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. I’m looking forward to hearing people’s thoughts on the new projects we have coming out.
Yitzi: It’s been so nice to meet you, Maria. I wish you continued success. I know one day you’re going to be a superstar. I hope that we can do this again next year.
Maria: Absolutely. I would love that. It was lovely meeting you.
Yitzi: Likewise. Thank you so much. Enjoy your vacation. Have an amazing weekend.
Maria: Thank you! You too.
Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How Actress Maria Breese Is Helping To Shake Up The… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.