:: Spotlight on International actress Sofia Milos

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

One of the most charismatic, beautiful and talented actresses of the last fifteen years has been Sofia Milos. A star of American and European television, in particular, Sofia has played many varied roles but has been well known for her role opposite David Caruso in CSI: Miami as detective Yelina Salas (from season 1 to season 8 (2003-2010). Her other notable performances have occurred in the international TV drama The Border (2007-2010), and in The Sopranos (playing a mob boss going toe-to-toe with Tony Soprano). These are just a part of an impressive list of credentials.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, to a Greek mother and Italian father, Sofia later moved with her family to Italy and has been living in Los Angeles since 1992. Her family still resides in Rome. Blessed with a variety of international influences, she is fluent in Italian, French, German, English, Greek, Swiss and Spanish. You would have often seen her stylish dress sense at awards ceremonies and many red carpet events.

At the age of fifteen, she began a modelling career which helped pay her way through Business and Economics school in Switzerland. In the years to come her fashion career took her all through Milan, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Munich and Zurich. In 1990, Sofia decided to follow her dream to America, first in New York and then Los Angeles. She enrolled in acting classes at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, led by famed acting coach and director, Milton Katselas, where she studied for ten years. The rest is history as she developed her acting skills throughout the world.

It was therefore an absolute pleasure and privilege to be invited to her gorgeous Los Angeles home to have a chat about her career and the various people and places she has encountered along the way. Her home in the Hollywood Hills is one she designed herself and she has been there for six years. There are glorious photos of Sofia with acclaimed stars such as Christian De Sica, Jaime Fox. John Travolta and many others. We talked over a divine cup of Italian espresso coffee, made from her new Lavazza coffee machine.

She emphasised, “Not many Italian actors have moved to the US. I've been here nearly twenty years. The opportunities were here and you need to seize your dream.” I asked Sofia about making the move and taking on the English language, amongst other changes. "I did English lessons - I practised and practised. I speak seven languages now. Once you learn the basics it's not too difficult. My thought is that it isn't about the words, but the intention to communicate. I cam to America not really knowing how long I would be here, but I met wonderful people in the acting industry and a particularly wonderful person in Milton Katselas.

Carmine: When did it all start to happen for you?

Sofia: In 1993 I had a break on primetime TV through a small comedy on NBC called Cafe Americain. Then I did some theatre. I loved the theatre in this early part of my career, doing shows like Marriage Italian Style. You might remember the famous Italian film with Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren. Then a remake with Mariangela Melato.

Carmine: She was well known for the funny film Swept Away with Giancarlo Giannini…

Sofia: I loved Mariangela and her work. It was sad that they did a remake of that film with Madonna. There are some things you just shouldn't touch, and that film is one.

Carmine: Most people remember you for CSI: Miami. Tell us about that.

Sofia: I had the great fortune of doing seven years of CSI: Miami - four years as a return and three years as a regular. It was seen in 183 countries. It was great to reach that many people and it helped my career greatly. I am very grateful for that experience.

Carmine: When I was in Las Vegas recently, I went to the MGM Hotel where they have the CSI Experience, where you can act as part of the team and solve crimes. Really great fun.

Sofia: I was a guest for that opening. They are opening them up in many places now. I'm going to Budapest to open a new one soon.

Carmine: Tell us about some of your other roles over the years…

Sofia: Passionada is an indie film - a subtle comedy of three generations of Portuguese women. That was a challenge in that I had do to some singing. It was a great role. It captured the Portuguese culture. The songs contained political messages and cries of hope. We had a huge female following. I also did a year and a half of Caroline In The City. Sitcoms are great too, with a real live audience. You feel them all the way. It's a different dynamic. It pumps you up. The Border is a show I worked on for three years. It's on twenty-nine countries, including Australia. In Italy it did quite well, as in Greece.

Carmine: Tell us about The Sopranos, one of the most popular television series of all time?

Sofia: The part that I had in The Sopranos was somewhat of a turning point, away from the comedies I had done by that stage. It was a dramatic role. It was shot in Naples where Tony Soprano was up against my character - a mob boss full of intelligence and courage. Women had a responsibility and they were iconic in this series. I had lost my husband and, even though I was on the wrong side of the law, was a popular and strong character. We had a great time doing that. James Gandolfini was wonderful to work with and we used to sing Neapolitan songs and eat all the great food there. I remember the shoot in Naples well because my jacket was stolen on the first day we were there - typical!

Carmine: What are your thoughts when you get recognised for something you did many years ago?

Sofia: It's still very satisfying to get praise for your work. I get lots of messages of support for CSI and The Sopranos.

Carmine: You should come to Australia, particularly Melbourne where there are many people of Italian and Greek origin. You will have a great time there…

Sofia: Well, I have a reason to come. My mother's sister lives in Melbourne - a place called Mt Evelyn. Maybe I will one day.

Sofia also speaks highly of Toronto where she lived for two years, with one-third of the population being Canadian, one third Calabrese (Italian), and one third Greek. She loves travelling and hopes to do more in the near future.

Sofia's most recent television work has been a German telemovie series called Tatort and there had been some controversy about her involvement in the series. However, the episode with Sofia, starring alongside Stefan Gubser, as homicide detective Abbey Lanning, will premiere on German, Austrian and Swiss television in August. Of course, you can see Sofia in re-runs of The Border in the US.

Carmine: Who are some of your favourite actors/actresses?

Sofia: Sophia Loren, Mariangela Melato, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman and Marcello Mastrioanni. There are so many. Of today's new breed, I would say that Anne Hathaway is an exciting all-round talent who can do almost any role - a real gem amongst today's young stars.

Carmine: Your hair always looks so wonderful and your body is in great shape. Do you have any beauty tips to share?

Sofia: I often get asked about my hair. If you go to “thelook.com” you can find all the products that I use for hair and body - foundation, body cream, scent. mascara. etc.

Carmine: What does the future hold for you?

Sofia: I would like to do something here in the US.There is a possible television show that I am working on - something musical (a flamenco fusion of sorts), along the lines of Gypsy Kings music, with amazing dancers. It would be an audio/visual feast.

Thanks to Sofia for her wonderful hospitality.