Freya Adams: First-Generation Actress and Storyteller Building Space for Bold Voices in Hollywood
- Tammy Reese
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
By Tammy Reese
Freya Adams is no stranger to risk, resilience, or reinvention. A first-generation Indian American actress, producer, and writer, she has steadily built a career rooted in truth-telling and fearless creativity. Known for her breakout performance in Jennifer Phang’s Advantageous — now streaming on Netflix — Adams has since appeared on major network series like New Amsterdam and The Blacklist, while continuing to expand her reach as a creator behind the camera. With a newly completed pilot, a growing indie studio, and a passion for championing diverse voices, Adams is shaping her path on her own terms. Her journey isn’t just about roles and scripts — it’s about creating a space where bold, overlooked stories finally get the spotlight they deserve.
Congratulations on all of your creative success! What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Honestly? There are so many contenders. There’s the thrill of stepping on set as a lead, seeing a script I wrote come alive, and those small victories — finally nailing a line after three takes, when everything clicks. But the moment that sticks? Realizing people actually care about the stories I want to tell. That’s when it stops feeling like work and starts feeling like magic.
Please tell us about your experience portraying the lead role in Jennifer Phang’s Advantageous.
It was intense, exhilarating, and transformative. The role demanded vulnerability and precision in equal measure, and Jennifer’s direction pushed me to explore emotional depths I hadn’t tapped into before. Every scene challenged me, every take taught me something new about the character — and myself. It was a masterclass in acting disguised as a film set.
Your passion for telling stories is inspiring. What does it mean to you to tell these particular stories?
For me, it’s about truth — messy, funny, and unforgettable truth. I’m drawn to stories that stick with you, that make you pause, laugh, or groan in recognition. If I can make the audience feel something real, that’s the victory.
Founding your own indie studio is a bold step. What gaps in the industry were you hoping to fill, and how does your studio approach storytelling differently?
I wanted to create a space where stories that might otherwise get overlooked get the attention — and care — they deserve. Our studio focuses on strong characters, bold narratives, and cinematic storytelling that feels fully realized. We give the story the respect it deserves while keeping the creative process exciting and challenging for everyone involved.
As someone writing and starring in your own pilot, what excites you most about playing a character you’ve created from scratch?
What excites me most is the discovery process. This pilot hasn’t been picked up yet, but I’m deeply enjoying the process of pitching it and imagining it coming to life with a team of collaborators. Playing a character I’ve created is like opening a door into a world I built — there’s so much to explore, and I love the challenge of making her fully alive and nuanced.
What else would you like our readers to know about you?
I’m an actor first, storyteller second — always thinking about the character, the scene, and the emotion that makes it resonate. I get deeply invested in the
little things: the perfect line, the subtle gestures, the moments that make a performance linger in someone’s mind long after the credits roll.
What advice would you have for independent filmmakers at this time?
Finish something. Anything. The world is full of half-finished brilliance. Perfection is often the enemy of art. And always respect your collaborators — they’re the ones who make the vision come to life when the stakes are high.
Beyond career goals, what do you hope your work contributes to audiences, especially young creatives or first-generation artists watching your journey?
Freya: I hope they see it’s possible to carve your own path and pursue it with curiosity and courage. Creating something meaningful is rarely glamorous, often messy, but always worth it. If I can inspire someone to take a leap, to feel deeply, or to trust their own instincts, then I’ve done my job.
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