IN CONVERSATION WITH ARIELLE KEBBEL

interview by ARIELLE KEBBEL

Arielle Kebbel has quietly built one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile careers. Known for her magnetic screen presence and chameleon-like range, she moves effortlessly between blockbuster films, prestige television, and beloved cult favorites. In 2026, she steps into a new chapter with a standout slate that includes I Can Only Imagine 2 opposite Milo Ventimiglia, and the Tyler Sheridan–produced series Marshals, which just premiered. From The Vampire Diaries and UnREAL to the After franchise and beyond, Arielle’s body of work reflects a performer who continues to evolve, choosing roles that balance heart, strength, and emotional depth.

You’ve worked consistently across film and television for years. How do you feel your relationship with the industry has changed over time?

I’ve learned to shift and grow with the industry flow. I’ve also learned how important it is to commit to my personal growth and to change above all else. If the industry doesn’t accept it right away, I keep going until we’re aligned again in a new way. 

2026 is shaping up to be a major year for you. What excited you most about this current slate of projects?

It’s the first time in my career that I feel my personal and professional worlds are blending, and it deeply excites me. My passions for horses, country music, and spirituality are expanding into my work world.  

dress FRANCESCA SALIS
jewellery ALEXIS BITTAR

I Can Only Imagine 2 carries a lot of emotional weight. What drew you to the story and your character?

I love who Hilary and Tim Timmons are in real life. I am so inspired by his mantra of holding grief and gratitude in the same breath, and it’s changed the way I look at my own life. We have all become a giant family, and I hope our sweet group text chain never ends. It’s a real heart opener for me to be part of this group in both personal and professional ways. Plus, I love being a part of a film that is intertwined with music as music is a universal language. I would love to do more music centered projects in the future. 

Working within the Tyler Sheridan universe on Marshals is very specific tonally. What was that experience like?

I felt the responsibility to honor the Yellowstone legacy every day I walked on set, while also making sure I was bringing my own character traits to Belle. I wanted to pay homage without imitating existing characters. I was constantly checking in to make sure the character I was building fit into this universe and was honest to who Belle is at her core. 

full look VOLKOV NYC
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR

What can you tease with us about Marshals and your role in it?

She does it all. Her background is ATF, so she’s very comfortable going undercover. We’ll see her do that in an episode this season. She’s skilled on horseback and comes from a family of cutting horses, a similar background to the Duttons. This also means she carries many secrets. Some of them we reveal this season, some we just scratch the surface of. She’s an adrenaline junkie, yet she puts her son first and sometimes struggles with the weight of being a marshal.  She is caught in a delicate balancing act, chasing bad guys in her backyard while also protecting her family. 

You move easily between genres, from drama and romance to thrillers and holiday films. How do you choose what to say yes to?

The truth is, I don’t think about it that way. I check inwards to find where my next creative pull is. If I’ve spent the last several months doing an action-heavy role, I walk away and go, “Ok, that was fun. Now let’s go find a comedy and give stunts a break." It’s all about balance, for both my physical body as well as my mental stamina.   

dress PONO
cuff ALEXIS BITTAR
brooch VINTAGE

You’ve portrayed everything from cult-favorite characters to morally complex roles like Britney on UnREAL. Which performances challenged you the most?

Britney was definitely a challenge. I’ll always remember prepping for her line, “I am lovable,” and breaking down on-camera after. It hit a chord in me with some of my own personal demons. Acting is a beautiful gift that way. Art is so healing when you let it be. 

coat ELLIOT HX JIA
jewellery ALEXIS BITTAR

Looking back, how did playing Lexi on The Vampire Diaries shape your career, and your connection with fans?

Long live Lexi. I had no idea she would be beloved the way she has been by TVD fans. Every day that someone tells me a story about how Lexi inspired them in X Y Z places in their life, my heart smiles. I’ll never be able to fully put into words how special that is to me. I really love you all for loving Lexi the way you do.  

How do you protect your sense of self in an industry that’s constantly changing?

It has ups and downs, just like anything else. Sometimes I feel empowered and driven, and nothing can knock me. Other times, I can feel broken down. I try to use it as an opportunity to see what cracks open during quiet times.  

earrings ALEXIS BITTAR

What keeps you fulfilled outside of acting?

Horses, horses, and horses. I’m kidding, but only slightly. I have a wild mustang who was rescued the night before slaughter. She is from the horse rescue organization I serve as a board member on, Skydog Sanctuary. I would go to visit her in between scenes while filming Marshals. Her wild spirit teaches me something new every single day. A lot of people don’t know what’s happening to our wild horses, how they’re rounded up by helicopter, with our tax dollars, and shipped off to slaughter. I do what I can to raise awareness around the issue whenever I can. Other things I love are dance, aerial training, yoga, and spending time in nature. Right now, I’ve been staying out in the desert for a change, and it has been so healing. Whenever I’m away, I can’t wait to get back. 

What is coming up next for you that you can share with us about?

I’ve been producing. I’m working on a few projects I’m very passionate about. Until I can share more, check out the novel Moonlight Healers by Elizabeth Becker.  I’m also in an upcoming documentary, Blue Zeus, about a very special wild stallion that is currently doing the festival circuits.

jewellery ALEXIS BITTAR

TEAM CREDITS

talent ARIELLE KEBBEL
photography MADISON AYCOTH
creative direction MADISON AYCOTH and ROWAINE GRANT
styling ROWAINE GRANT
makeup GITA BASS at The Wall Group
hair TIMOTHY ALYWARD at The Wall Group
production MADISON AYCOTH
styling assistants JAFAR ELIE and MEKHI JARVIS
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA