Marnie Irene Jopp
Actress/Print Model
By Rodney Wayne Branche, Publisher/CEO
Copa Style Magazine's Publisher/CEO
Copa: Where are you from?
Marnie: I'm from Colombia, South America. I was adopted in 1983 and raised in Minnesota. My parents who adopted me didn't speak Spanish. My dad was Swedish and my mom was Polish. So as soon as I started speaking English- I lost my fluent Spanish. - I even failed it in High School- not a proud moment for me.
Copa: When did you start modeling and acting?
Marnie: Growing up I did a lot of sports. I ran track and cross country, joined gymnastics, danced for Larkin Dance Studio for many years-a very prestigious and well known place to dance. I swam after school and was also a figure skater. I'm from Minnesota-everyone takes a shot on the ice at some point-haha. But being in sports was not exciting for me after a while. When I was in High School I started thinking about modeling and acting. My first job was to Model for "Strauss" Skates. I was told I had athletic legs-haha. The photo was cheesy and my hair was so big!! Ironically I moved on to Model for Hair products, the cheesy "Glamour Shots" that every female did at some point, Colgate toothpaste, and I Modeled for Proex Studio. I got into Acting around 1994 for a few years. I was a skater in the "Mighty Ducks" Movie with Emilio Estevez, "Sugar and Spice". "Untamed Heart."- with Christian Slater, and a few other low budget local movies. The pay was terrible, but it was exciting to me.
Marnie: Growing up I did a lot of sports. I ran track and cross country, joined gymnastics, danced for Larkin Dance Studio for many years-a very prestigious and well known place to dance. I swam after school and was also a figure skater. I'm from Minnesota-everyone takes a shot on the ice at some point-haha. But being in sports was not exciting for me after a while. When I was in High School I started thinking about modeling and acting. My first job was to Model for "Strauss" Skates. I was told I had athletic legs-haha. The photo was cheesy and my hair was so big!! Ironically I moved on to Model for Hair products, the cheesy "Glamour Shots" that every female did at some point, Colgate toothpaste, and I Modeled for Proex Studio. I got into Acting around 1994 for a few years. I was a skater in the "Mighty Ducks" Movie with Emilio Estevez, "Sugar and Spice". "Untamed Heart."- with Christian Slater, and a few other low budget local movies. The pay was terrible, but it was exciting to me.
Copa: Was your size ever an issue in any way as an actress or a model? Or was it an asset?
Marnie: Not too many people under 5ft. tall wake up and say they want to be a Model. I had two strikes against me right away. I had an "Athletic build"- the tiny waist, muscular legs, and broad shoulders that weren't your typical "Model" look. And my height. But that didn't stop me. I went to John Casablancas for Modeling school, obviously I couldn't do runway, but I photographed well. The teachers loved my photos and said I could probably go do Print at some point. They said I had expressive eyes, a great smile, and I could pull off different looks. This was proven when in 1997 I had a modeling job and they cut off 12 inches of my hair- I cried for a week straight but the photos were amazing and looked nothing like me.
As far as Acting has been being my height has always been a bonus. I am always up close and can usually be spotted in a scene. The directors have moved me plenty of times so I can be seen, so yes being this height has been an advantage.
Marnie: Not too many people under 5ft. tall wake up and say they want to be a Model. I had two strikes against me right away. I had an "Athletic build"- the tiny waist, muscular legs, and broad shoulders that weren't your typical "Model" look. And my height. But that didn't stop me. I went to John Casablancas for Modeling school, obviously I couldn't do runway, but I photographed well. The teachers loved my photos and said I could probably go do Print at some point. They said I had expressive eyes, a great smile, and I could pull off different looks. This was proven when in 1997 I had a modeling job and they cut off 12 inches of my hair- I cried for a week straight but the photos were amazing and looked nothing like me.
As far as Acting has been being my height has always been a bonus. I am always up close and can usually be spotted in a scene. The directors have moved me plenty of times so I can be seen, so yes being this height has been an advantage.
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Copa: You have been and remain to be an outstanding print model. In your humble opinion would you please reveal to our readers what special formula you use to obtain the spectacular results of your photos in your sessions.
Marnie: Thank you very much!! My photos are not just about me. I would like to give credit to every Photographer, Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, and Wardrobe Stylist who have had a part in every photograph that I have produced. As far as me personally- I love getting into different styles and I think my face is very expressive. I am able to have so many different looks-whether in my eyes, my mouth, or my facial expressions. I don't only do Fashion Print, but also other types of Print work. It could be a photo advertising a Gym or a brochure on the Zika Virus for when people travel, or a Print of me as a nurse to advertise a local Clinic in DC. So I pose in a variety of Print Media.
Marnie: Thank you very much!! My photos are not just about me. I would like to give credit to every Photographer, Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, and Wardrobe Stylist who have had a part in every photograph that I have produced. As far as me personally- I love getting into different styles and I think my face is very expressive. I am able to have so many different looks-whether in my eyes, my mouth, or my facial expressions. I don't only do Fashion Print, but also other types of Print work. It could be a photo advertising a Gym or a brochure on the Zika Virus for when people travel, or a Print of me as a nurse to advertise a local Clinic in DC. So I pose in a variety of Print Media.
Photographer Carlton Hart
Copa: In this article the photos that are featured were taken by Professional Photographer Carlton Hart. Tell us about your experiences with him during this memorable photo-shoot for Copa Style Magazine.
Marnie: Well, working with Mr. Carlton Hart is always a fun experience. He always thinks of every detail. How he had planned it in his head-the concept, the color scheme, the accessories, the lighting, the look, the makeup- he even has had me change my lipstick. He truly took his time with every look I did for these photos. There were times when we shot the same position 20 times, he would look at the photo and say, "no." And would make the slightest change until he liked what he saw. He's extremely serious when he shoots- there is no small talk with him!! Haha. When he first told me about the red backdrop and wanted me to have red on I cringed a little because I'm not a huge fan of red and I thought to myself "Red on Red" is going to be so much but I was wrong- those were my favorite photos!! We spent a lot of time in Georgetown for some of the other looks. He knew exactly which wrought iron gate for me to be at, which street he wanted, and once we got to that location he did his thing!!
Marnie: Well, working with Mr. Carlton Hart is always a fun experience. He always thinks of every detail. How he had planned it in his head-the concept, the color scheme, the accessories, the lighting, the look, the makeup- he even has had me change my lipstick. He truly took his time with every look I did for these photos. There were times when we shot the same position 20 times, he would look at the photo and say, "no." And would make the slightest change until he liked what he saw. He's extremely serious when he shoots- there is no small talk with him!! Haha. When he first told me about the red backdrop and wanted me to have red on I cringed a little because I'm not a huge fan of red and I thought to myself "Red on Red" is going to be so much but I was wrong- those were my favorite photos!! We spent a lot of time in Georgetown for some of the other looks. He knew exactly which wrought iron gate for me to be at, which street he wanted, and once we got to that location he did his thing!!
Copa: Who are your favorite 3 models?
Marnie: Yikes, my favorite 3 Models - that's a Tough one!! Well, I love Iman and Tyra banks. I think they both are absolutely beautiful and successful. For me, Iman was the queen of style. She was the first African-American to make it big in the industry where Caucasian females were mostly represented in the modeling world. She was tall and walked with power!! Her face was on every magazine looking all dark and beautiful. Whenever I watched her on TV she held her head up high with grace and elegance. She's just stunning. As for Miss Tyra Banks I am attracted to not only her beauty, but she is very smart. She is an author, a mentor, a producer, she is such a good example for young girls everywhere. I remember many years ago when photos of her untouched and unedited body were "leaked" out and she got so much hell for her "realness" and she more or less told all the haters to "kiss my big booty." She made an appearance shortly after saying she was not going to apologize for being herself. So yes. She's a wonderful role model!!
And the third Model who I just love is Heidi Klum. She has got brains and beauty!! Not only is she a Designer, Model, Host, Producer, Mother, but she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She has been a part of Charity events, Fundraisers, and is a lot about giving back to the community. I also love her personality. Beauty is sexy, but so is having a sense of humor.
Marnie: Yikes, my favorite 3 Models - that's a Tough one!! Well, I love Iman and Tyra banks. I think they both are absolutely beautiful and successful. For me, Iman was the queen of style. She was the first African-American to make it big in the industry where Caucasian females were mostly represented in the modeling world. She was tall and walked with power!! Her face was on every magazine looking all dark and beautiful. Whenever I watched her on TV she held her head up high with grace and elegance. She's just stunning. As for Miss Tyra Banks I am attracted to not only her beauty, but she is very smart. She is an author, a mentor, a producer, she is such a good example for young girls everywhere. I remember many years ago when photos of her untouched and unedited body were "leaked" out and she got so much hell for her "realness" and she more or less told all the haters to "kiss my big booty." She made an appearance shortly after saying she was not going to apologize for being herself. So yes. She's a wonderful role model!!
And the third Model who I just love is Heidi Klum. She has got brains and beauty!! Not only is she a Designer, Model, Host, Producer, Mother, but she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She has been a part of Charity events, Fundraisers, and is a lot about giving back to the community. I also love her personality. Beauty is sexy, but so is having a sense of humor.
Iman
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Tyra Banks
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Heidi Klum
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Copa: At what time did you develop your interests in Acting?
Marnie: I definitely got bitten by the acting bug about 4 years ago. I remember going online and looking up "acting jobs" and positions for "background actors" popped up for a Political Drama TV Series, "House of Cards."- I remember sending Bill Marinella an email introducing myself telling him I hadn't acted in 18 years. I said I don't have a resume, I don't have proper head shots, but if you give me a chance I'm a very hard worker. I stared at the email and told my oldest daughter "who am I kidding." She kept telling me to send it and I wouldn't so she reached over and hit the send button. She said, "there, it sent I'm hungry." And got off the couch- I was so mad at her. 20 minutes later Bill called me. He had a California number and said that I didn't have much experience but he found my email rather amusing and asked if I wanted to work opposite Frank Underwood the following morning. I said, "Yes, I would love to, but who's that?" And Bill said, "I thought you said you watched the show- it's Kevin Spacey." So I told him I would do it and asked him if I had to come to California and he laughed and said, "no you're going to Maryland." I worked the next day and by the third time I was on set I met Bill and he gave me a reoccurring role where I worked Season 4&5. And the rest is history.
Marnie: I definitely got bitten by the acting bug about 4 years ago. I remember going online and looking up "acting jobs" and positions for "background actors" popped up for a Political Drama TV Series, "House of Cards."- I remember sending Bill Marinella an email introducing myself telling him I hadn't acted in 18 years. I said I don't have a resume, I don't have proper head shots, but if you give me a chance I'm a very hard worker. I stared at the email and told my oldest daughter "who am I kidding." She kept telling me to send it and I wouldn't so she reached over and hit the send button. She said, "there, it sent I'm hungry." And got off the couch- I was so mad at her. 20 minutes later Bill called me. He had a California number and said that I didn't have much experience but he found my email rather amusing and asked if I wanted to work opposite Frank Underwood the following morning. I said, "Yes, I would love to, but who's that?" And Bill said, "I thought you said you watched the show- it's Kevin Spacey." So I told him I would do it and asked him if I had to come to California and he laughed and said, "no you're going to Maryland." I worked the next day and by the third time I was on set I met Bill and he gave me a reoccurring role where I worked Season 4&5. And the rest is history.
Copa: Would you please share the names of some of the production projects you have worked on?
Marnie: I've have the great opportunity to work on "House of Cards," "Scandal," "Homeland," "Veep", and "Jack Ryan." I've also worked on the movie "Imperium" with Daniel Radcliffe playing an FBI agent, A Bollywood Film, worked 7 weeks on the new "Wonder Woman" 1984 movie this summer. I was the lead detective in the short film "Collision Envisage," I worked on a movie in October in Baltimore that Jada Pinkette Smith co-produced, I filmed 2 days of Camp Wilson starring with Cuba Gooding Jr's brother. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch, but I also have made TV Commercials for MGM Casino, VA Lottery, Koons Dealership, Cadilac motors, 3 environmental commercials for Green Peace, I made a CrossFit workout Video for American Family Fitness, T-Mobile commercial starring Bryce Harper, Volkswagen Beetle, Stratford University and national anti-drug commercials, I also made 3 super Bowl commercials two of which aired right after half time two years ago. I have a lot more but I'll spare you for now, haha.
Marnie: I've have the great opportunity to work on "House of Cards," "Scandal," "Homeland," "Veep", and "Jack Ryan." I've also worked on the movie "Imperium" with Daniel Radcliffe playing an FBI agent, A Bollywood Film, worked 7 weeks on the new "Wonder Woman" 1984 movie this summer. I was the lead detective in the short film "Collision Envisage," I worked on a movie in October in Baltimore that Jada Pinkette Smith co-produced, I filmed 2 days of Camp Wilson starring with Cuba Gooding Jr's brother. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch, but I also have made TV Commercials for MGM Casino, VA Lottery, Koons Dealership, Cadilac motors, 3 environmental commercials for Green Peace, I made a CrossFit workout Video for American Family Fitness, T-Mobile commercial starring Bryce Harper, Volkswagen Beetle, Stratford University and national anti-drug commercials, I also made 3 super Bowl commercials two of which aired right after half time two years ago. I have a lot more but I'll spare you for now, haha.
Copa: What does the future hold for Marnie Irene Jopp and her work of modeling and acting?
Marnie: Hmmm, what does the future hold for me? I would like to become a better actress, get bigger roles, play more challenging characters, and although I have been SAG eligible for three years now I would like to join when the time Is right for me. I would like to continue to grow as an Actress, as a Model, as a Friend, as a Mother, and be able to help others out as people have helped me along this journey.
Yes, I believe I will have a wonderful future, afterall, I am the only one who can determine that.
Before I end this interview, I would like to thank my friends for being so supportive and positive and encouraging. This past year was challenging And I know that I could not of gotten through some of my days without them. And to my girls, Who make me laugh and cry and sometimes yell. They are my Number one fans, with their hugs and their high fives and their little notes wishing me good luck. They are the reason that I push myself to keep moving forward. They're my world!!
Marnie: Hmmm, what does the future hold for me? I would like to become a better actress, get bigger roles, play more challenging characters, and although I have been SAG eligible for three years now I would like to join when the time Is right for me. I would like to continue to grow as an Actress, as a Model, as a Friend, as a Mother, and be able to help others out as people have helped me along this journey.
Yes, I believe I will have a wonderful future, afterall, I am the only one who can determine that.
Before I end this interview, I would like to thank my friends for being so supportive and positive and encouraging. This past year was challenging And I know that I could not of gotten through some of my days without them. And to my girls, Who make me laugh and cry and sometimes yell. They are my Number one fans, with their hugs and their high fives and their little notes wishing me good luck. They are the reason that I push myself to keep moving forward. They're my world!!
Please read our previous article on Marnie Irene Jopp
~Copa