IN CONVERSATION WITH LAYSLA DE OLIVEIRA

Brazilian-Canadian actress and model Laysla De Oliveira has become one of the breakout stars of Lioness, where she plays Cruz Manuelos opposite Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman. Originally written as a one-season character, Cruz proved so compelling that Laysla returned for subsequent seasons, cementing her place at the heart of one of Paramount+’s biggest global hits. Beyond her acclaimed screen performances, she is also making a name for herself in fashion, with a distinctive personal style that has earned attention from luxury houses and front-row invitations at international fashion weeks. As Lioness enters its next chapter, Laysla reflects on career-defining roles, resilience, and embracing new opportunities on and off screen.

Cruz has become one of Lioness’s most compelling characters. What first drew you to the role?
Well, initially what drew me the most were, obviously, the people attached. You have the biggest names in Hollywood, with a writer like Taylor Sheridan, so you know it’s going to be big and fantastic.

But when I read the script and I read Cruz, my heart just stopped. I was so taken by her journey, her strength, her history, and her personality. I just feel so honored that I got to play her.

When people ask me this question, what I really love is that Cruz led me to artistic expansion. So when I look at roles now, I hope for the same thing. It’s not the only thing that I consider, but if I can experience the same artistic expansion that I got from this character, I value it tremendously.

earrings MISHO
dress VIVETTA
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Your character was originally intended for just one season. What was your reaction when you learned Cruz’s story would continue?
I was in complete and utter shock because just six weeks prior, I had learned that that wasn’t going to be the case. So I was processing a lot of deep emotions. Acting is such a rollercoaster because you really experience both extremes, extreme highs and extreme lows. I think that’s one of the most challenging things,  being able to center yourself and keep moving forward even when you’re experiencing a really big low.

When the call came in, I was not expecting it. Like I said, it was a six-week change. And not to quote my favorite Nicole Kidman line from the AMC commercial, but that’s really what it was. It was that indescribable feeling, a core memory, a movie moment.

I’m driving in my car, I see Taylor Sheridan’s name pop up on my GPS screen, and I pull over to the side of the road. He tells me I’m coming back. Tears. Emotion. It was my birthday, so I genuinely thought he was just calling to check in on me and see if I was okay. It ended up being the best-case scenario.

That day, I celebrated the fact that I had the opportunity to work with people I’ve admired and studied my entire career, but also that the character I played made enough of an impact to change the original course of the story.

Another thing I was celebrating, and what I’m most thankful for, was realizing how special my friends are. They were the avengers of my heart when I wasn’t coming back to the show. That has been the greatest gift of all, seeing how the people around me support me and realizing how surrounded by love I am.

earrings MISHO
jacket ZUT
pants HENNE
glasses PRADA

How has Cruz evolved since audiences first met her, and how has that evolution challenged you as an actor?
Cruz is a lot more confident. She’s less reactive. I would say she assesses situations much better. She’s really matured in a beautiful way.

For me, it’s been less of a challenge and more of a gift because, as Cruz gains these qualities through her challenges and transformations, I do too. I end up gaining all the things she’s learned every season, and that’s something I really cherish and bring into my personal life.

Lioness combines emotional storytelling with intense action. How do you prepare for the physical and psychological demands of the role?
It’s a very physically and emotionally demanding show. The positive of returning is that I know what I’m getting into, so I have a little more space to prepare myself. The reality is that you’re really working all year round because you have to keep your physicality at a certain baseline. Once you find out you’re coming back for another season, then you up everything. You raise the ante—longer workouts, heavier weights, more protein, more salt baths, more infrared sauna.

Emotionally, I really have to give credit to my therapist because we do a lot of the work together once the season is done. I’m a big believer in therapy. It keeps me centered, especially when I have to explore such dark material.

What I try to do while I’m shooting, which makes things easier once I’m done, is make time for things that spark joy for Laysla, not just Cruz. I spend so much time being Cruz, and she lives a much grittier life than I do, so I really try to connect with my husband, my dog, my friends, my family — even though I might not get to see them as much as I’d like while I’m shooting — and just stay centered through all of it. I remind myself that I play Cruz, but I am Laysla.

earrings MISHO
dress EPUZER
heels BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
hat VINTAGE

The series explores themes of loyalty, identity and sacrifice. Which of those resonates with you most personally?
Loyalty. I am loyal to a fault.

I don’t know if you’re into astrology. I’ve always been curious, and I’ve really been getting into it recently. I’m a Capricorn, and they’re known for their loyalty. I’d definitely say I’m a very loyal person.

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full look CULT GAIA

You’ve worked across film, streaming and television. How do you approach choosing your projects?
I think it really depends, and it changes. I look for different things. Who’s involved? Do I want to work with these people? What’s the script like? I might not be head over heels for the character, but I love the script overall and I want to work with these people.

What’s the character like? If I like the character, then it’s game over. I’m all in.

Generally, though, the first thing my mind goes to is, “Is this different?”

I like to do different things. I like to explore opposite ends of the spectrum. So if I’ve just done something and I’m presented with something entirely different, I’m more inclined to consider it because it piques my interest. But if it’s something similar and it’s with an actor or director I’ve been dying to work with, I’ll be there.

jewelry MISHO
jacket LEO SEASON
heels YSL
pants HENNE
bra VINTAGE

Your style has attracted growing attention within the fashion world. How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
I’d say my day-to-day aesthetic is very androgynous. I love oversized pieces. I love suits. I love blazers. I have a more minimalistic approach to how I dress.

When I go out, I really love to flirt with my femininity. So I’d say I’m feminine, but not girly. I like the clothes to do the talking.

You’ve recently attended major fashion events, including the Versace show in Milan. What do you enjoy most about the relationship between fashion and acting?

First of all, regarding the Versace show in Milan, I just want to say Dario’s collection was absolutely phenomenal. For me, it was a trip of a lifetime. It was right up there with booking Lioness because I’ve been such a lover of fashion for so long.

I started off modeling, so being able to return to this world that I love so much, and to return to it as an actress, is so beautiful. What I love about these two worlds merging is that they’re both ways to express yourself, and I really relish embracing both together.

jewelry MISHO
jacket LEO SEASON
bra VINTAGE

Social media offers fans a glimpse into your life beyond the screen. How do you balance authenticity with privacy?
That’s a really great question, and one that, frankly, I’m still trying to figure out. I became a lot more active on TikTok after season one came out and during the strike because I wanted to share my true self with the world. People didn’t really know me or my personality back then, so it was something I chose to engage in because it’s fun for me and it brings me joy.

One thing I also love about social media is that we have the ability to connect with anybody in the world and feel that human connection we so long for. Now, that’s not to say it can’t also be a very toxic place. Many times I’ve stepped away and taken breaks.

Right now, my rule of thumb is that if it pertains to work, or if it’s something that I feel will help people feel more connected, then I’m more inclined to share it. 

When I got married, for example, I wanted to savor that moment with my husband before sharing it with the world, because everyone also wanted to celebrate with us. There are moments in my life that I’d rather keep a little more personal before putting them out into the ocean of social media. But again, I’m just taking it day by day and seeing what feels right.

jewelry MISHO
jacket LEO SEASON
heels YSL
pants HENNE
bra VINTAGE

Outside of acting, what inspires you busy, grounded and creatively inspired?
Vacationing. Honestly, we don’t give enough credit to resting and doing nothing. That is the most creatively fulfilling thing one can possibly do, especially when working on a show that is so go, go, go.

If I’m on vacation, I have a glass of wine that I really like, I’m sitting by a pool, and I’m reading one of my favorite romantic novels. I really got into it over the last couple of years. I started with Fourth Wing, and I’m obsessed.

I’m with my husband, or with family, or with friends. I also watch shows and movies that inspire me, whether they’re new or older. That, for me, is the most creatively fulfilling thing I can do. It really fills my tank, if you will.

TEAM CREDITS :

talent LAYSLA DE OLIVEIRA
photography DYLAN PERLOT at Anomalous Agency
styling MAREN TAYLOR at The Wall Group
makeup LEAH DARCY at A-Frame Agency
hair JERROD ROBERTS at The Wall Group
styling assistant CAROLINE CELIA
location THE EXPO LA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA