Shining a spotlight on celebrities and athletes who love to travel. Created and developed by Stacy Steponate Greenberg.
Martial Arts. Motorcross. Snowboarding. And, wait for it… Sword-fighting! All in a days work for Russian born actress Olga Fonda who plays the enemy spy in the new TNT drama series Agent X. Adding to the intrigue, Fonda performs most of her own action stunts, as all those activities are personal passions she pursues when not working on the series. Newly married, Fonda and her husband love to hit the road on their motorcycle, and make new adventures wherever they wind up. The Overhead Compartment went a few rounds, and took a few strikes, in obtaining this interview with Olga Fonda to find out just what it takes to play the bad girl that everyone loves to hate.
Agent X, TNT’s new drama series, premieres November 8th, 2015 starring Sharon Stone, Jeff Hephner and Olga Fonda.
The Overhead Compartment with Olga Fonda begins now….
OC: You play a mysterious, fearless character in the new show Agent X. Have you been able to use your training in martial arts and karate?
OF: Absolutely, formal training made it easier for me to take instructions and do an occasional backflip or two!
OC: What made you interested in Martial Arts?
OF: When I was younger, my older brother would teach me self defense and martial arts techniques. It wasn’t until later when I realized he was just practicing on me! But I think secretly that inspired my interest in Martial Arts.
OC: I’ve never tried Martial Arts, what is one thing about Martial Arts that would surprise me if I tried it?
OF: How easy and graceful it looks, but it’s actually very difficult!
OC: When you were modeling what was your favorite city to work in?
OF: Osaka, Japan. I love Japan! I love Japanese culture. I had an amazing time there. I would love to return someday soon.
OC: What would you do in your downtime?
OF: Explore the city, eat great food, and visit the local spas. Also visited all the tourist attractions and sang my heart out at the karaoke places (have I mentioned that I am the worst singer?!)
OC: What is the first thing you do when arriving in a hotel room?
OF: Jump on the bed! And check out the bath tub and amenities.
OC: Agent X is filmed in Los Angeles, top three favorite restaurants in LA?
OF: Pace on Laurel Canyon, The Sunset in Point Dume, and Pedalers Fork in Calabasas.
OC: You’re from Russia and studied in Moscow. What are three things no visitor to that city should miss?
OF: There are so many beautiful places to see, but if I had to choose I would say: The Red Square, the State Tretyakov Gallery, and of course, Moscow Metro.
OC: What is the the most common question people ask when they find out you are from Russia?
OF: Where is your accent from? :-)
OC: You’re newly married, what is your favorite place for a romantic get-away?
OF: My husband and I like to hop on our motorcycle and take off on the open road. We usually don’t plan our destination. We just end up somewhere! And no matter where we stop, we always make the best of it.
OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without:
OF: A good attitude and a smile.
OC: Do you like vacations that are fast-paced and active or do you prefer down-time and maybe a spa activity or two?
OF: I am a firm believer of a healthy balance. I usually start my vacations with activities, and when I feel like I have worn myself out I finish the trip at the spa.
OC: One thing nobody in the world knew about me until right now is:
OF: I once won first place in the ping pong tournament at summer camp (I don’t remember my competition being that strong though).
Olga Fonda, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!
Photos credit Dorit Thies.
