The Days of Our Lives star tells us about her career and how it all started. We learned more about her recent awards and nominations, the challenges she has faced as a soap actress and some of the highlights of her career, as well as her current projects. We got to know Victoria better and be charmed by the talented Soap Hub Awards’ Favorite Actress winner.

Victoria, we would love to know how it all began. When and how did you know that acting was what you wanted to do?

I was lucky enough to know at the very young age of seven years old that acting was my true love. I was in attendance at an off-Broadway production of the Hobbit. The moment I saw that playing pretend was something I could do professionally, there was no going back. I identified with the theatre so much. I ended up joining that very same production company called “The Brooklyn Heights Players” and stayed with them for roughly six years. Then I went on to study drama in middle school and was accepted to a professional performing arts high school. I was enveloped in theatre and film. Every move I made growing up was strategically made to give me the education and practice I needed to become a professional actress when I grew up. Of course, I took academia seriously, but the arts took precedence over everything for me.

What is it like to be part of such a great soap opera like “Days of Our Lives”? What is the most amazing thing about participating in it?

It is an absolute honour to be a part of such an iconic show. Truly, every now and again when I realize it with a fresh set of eyes it gives me the same butterflies as when I first got the call. The most amazing thing, at least for me is working alongside so many iconic actresses/actors. I learn so much just by watching them work. They never cease to amaze me.

Working on a soap opera is probably very challenging, especially when it comes to schedules and shooting. What’s the most challenging thing about it? How do you manage to memorize the script of all the episodes you shoot in a week?

It’s for sure challenging, but I LOVE being challenged. It’s an opportunity to grow and get better. If the show has taught me anything it’s exactly that. The most challenging part was balancing the workload with self-care. It’s essentially a 24/7 gig minus a couple of weeks that we went on a hiatus during the year. After two years, it can be quite draining to balance taking care of yourself. Not that I’m complaining, I love a hard workday because it means I gave it my all, however, I will say I wish I was better at giving myself time to relax and refuel. I’m an all or nothing type of person, so when I’m focusing on the show I find it hard to focus on other things.

Tell us about your character, Ciara Brady. How does it feel like to interpret a fierce young woman like her? Do you identify in any way with Ciara?

It feels incredible to play such a strong and confident young woman. I do identify with her greatly, and I think it’s because over time my personality influenced my choices in terms of character development. The writers noticed the attitude and energy I was bringing, so they started catering to that since it was so natural for me to play her that way. She is always written to be a badass like her family members, but over time I felt more comfortable bringing more of myself into the role. She is one fierce individual, and I am deeply proud of her and the woman she turned out to be. She’s almost like my little child. I have such an emotional connection to that character because I have played her for so long and got the luxury of getting to know her well.

We saw the incredible pictures featured on the cover of CVLUX Magazine! What is it like to be interviewed for and see yourself on the cover of a magazine?

Firstly, thank you so much! I appreciate it. Secondly, let me tell you, the little girl in me absolutely freaked out. It was surreal, seeing myself on the cover of an actual magazine. That was a dream of mine as a child that I didn’t even think was realistically attainable. It’s not like I was striving for it either, over time it sort of happened. I shot for it and knew it was a cover, but truthfully didn’t believe it until I saw it. It was a big step in my career for sure. Shout out to my CVLUX fam!

What are some other projects that you have worked on? Do you have any favourites?

I’ve worked on a few wonderful things, which as a creative I am so thankful for. I had one episode on Modern Family which was an absolute pleasure to shoot. In terms of creative fulfillment though, I’d say the first film I ever shot takes the cake. It has yet to come out, but I got to play the psychotic antagonist. I was the lead, and being that it was my first booking ever, I was over the moon. There’s an allure for me when it comes to playing the villain. I really get to play with my tools as an actress, experiment with my limits, and have fun.

Congratulations on your 2019 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series! How did you feel about this first nomination?

Thank you very much! It was overwhelming honestly. I remember the day it was announced being one of the best days of my life. It was one of those days where everything is just… magical, you know? The air was fresher and the colours seemed brighter. I was riding on some kind of emotional high for sure. My best friend was also nominated in the same category so we spent the entire day celebrating. It rained in Los Angeles that day, which it rarely does, and a giant rainbow overtook the sky right as the sunset. It was an iconic day overall. It was also a really grounding moment for me. To reflect on how hard I’ve worked and to see how far I’ve come. I was overwhelmed with appreciation and cried many happy tears that day. (Side note: as I’m writing this I’m getting a notification from “The Pattern” app on my phone asking me the question “what is one of the most defining moments in your life? Do you reflect on it often?” What a funny coincidence.)

This year you also won Favorite Actress at the Soap Hub Awards. You have been greatly recognized by critics and been voted by fans as the #1 Soap Actress for multiple consecutive weeks. Is there anything you would like to say about this award and recognition? 

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to say something because I never got the chance to on account of COVID-19 and whatnot. It is my absolute pleasure to be considered your “favourite actress.” I want to thank you all at Soap Hub from the bottom of my heart for even considering me as a contender. I’m grateful and humbled. Stay safe out there, I’m sending you all lots of love.

Finally, we would love to know what’s next for Victoria Konefal. Where and when are we going to see you next?

I’ve taken up guitar as a quarantine project and I find I’ve gotten quite obsessed with it. I’m writing a couple of rock-influenced songs and actually have moves put in place to get recording in motion! I’m thinking musical advances may be in my future. As far as acting goes, shooting is limited on account of COVID-19 so my team and I are patiently waiting for opportunities to arise. In the meantime, I’m just working on myself and using my free time to love those around me. That’s all we’ve got as human beings at the end of the day, and it’d be a shame not to acknowledge it.

To keep up with Victoria, follow her Instagram:

@victoriakonefal