INTERVIEW
TIMOTHY
REYNA
“Never give up, get used to hearing “no” because you will hear it a lot.”
Timothy Reyna was born in St Louis Park, MN USA. In 2007 he became a model in NYC and also is an artist and club-kid. He has shown his work at Con Artist Collective art gallery in the lower east side in New York. He has hosted clubs such as Webster Hall for Kayvon Zand and Rumpus Room for Michael Alig. He has been living in Italy for the past 3 years and recently he graduated from THC University and enjoys growing cannabis. Timothy is happily married to Marzia Aloisi since March 2017 and has one son who is 18 years of age Isiah Reyna.
Thank you so much for doing interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the art industry?
I was working in a nightclub in Miami as a go-go dancer and was found by Ford Models. I was signed for a few weeks until they told me that my look was too editorial for Florida. I became frustrated and told them to go F**k themselves and left to NYC with no money and no idea where I was going to go. I had one good friend in Florida — a drag queen named Kitty Meow who helped me find shelter for a week or two with her friend Kevin Crawford. After my time there, I was homeless for some time and sleeping in subways. I eventually signed with an agency Boss Models run by David Bossman who helped me book one of my first runway shows Edwing D’Angelo sponsored by Budweiser Select. At the after party of this show, I met one of my best friends Jose Duran who took me in. I was just a young kid and didn’t know what was I doing. I struggled a lot.
Who are you grateful towards your success and can you share a story about that?
I am grateful to Amanda Lepore. We dated for two years and she is such a kind person. She introduced me to David LaChapelle who photographed me for the “Would-Be Martyr And 72 Virgins” which has been in museums all over the world. Amanda and I met at a party by Susanne Bartsch. She asked me to dance with her and, after we danced for a while, I whispered into her ear and asked her if she gave good head which she replied yes. We stayed together at the Hotel 17 for two years and she gave me many unforgettable memories.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
That is a really tough question, so many interesting things have happened! Towards the beginning of my career, I went to a casting for Markus Klinko and Indrani. It was for a shoot with Kimora Lee Simmons and the Blackbook Magazine at the Waldorf Astoria in a huge suite. This was not like any other casting I ever been to; they immediately told us to stay or go and the shoot started right away. At first, there were about 30 male models who were all completely nude surrounding Kimora. She was also nude and in some shots wearing nothing but a chinchilla coat. As time went on, they kept sending models home gradually. In the end, it was just another male model and me, naked, in a bed with Kimora. The craziest thing we never got to see any of the photos ever!
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What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
Drugs. I have been clean from drugs for quite some time now, but I feel that drugs have hindered me greatly. I realised that drugs made me an ugly person inside and I decided to stop. I did not go to any rehab or recovery meetings — I quit on my own. I do not consider cannabis a drug, it is a medicine.
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What are your “5 things I do to prepare for the job/role” and are you able to share a story or example for each?
1. I smoke some cannabis it helps for anxiety. For example, when I feel stress or social anxiety, it also helps when meeting new people.
2. I usually go early just to make sure I do not get lost, kinda check out the location, especially when I am not familiar with the area. I am a little crazy. I just hate being late.
3. Depending on the job I put together some looks and do my own makeup if that is required or acceptable. For example, when I work in a nightclub or if a photographer likes my style, I will turn a look.
There is no 4 or 5 for me, I like to go with the flow and keep good energy !
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What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?
I do not have any secret method or anything, I just am myself and give positive energy.
Would-Be Martyr And 72 Virgins By David LaChapelle
What are your top 3 tips for actors that are starting out?
1. Never give up, get used to hearing “no” because you will hear it a lot.
2. Do not be a casting couch, if you do not give it up it will keep them wanting you.
3. Do not do drugs.
What has been inspiring you lately?
I am inspired by the world around me.
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What movie would you recommend watching and why?
“Susanne Bartsch: On Top” (Find the Light Productions, dir. Anthony Caronna & Alexander Smith, 2017)on Netflix. Because her parties have had a huge impact on my life and you will see my wife dancing in it.
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What is one message you would give to your fans?
COVID-19 is real, my aunt just died from it; she was 55 years old and without any health problems. Stay indoors and stay healthy, do not be a covidiot.
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Our condolences. Thank you for sharing such honest interview.