A Woman You Should Meet: Skyler Shaye

As far as Hollywood royalty goes, Skyler Shaye has ties to a great dynasty: the 28-year-old actress is Jon Voight‘s goddaughter. The two will act alongside each other in the upcoming third season of Ray Donovan. In recent years, Skyler Shaye has seamlessly moved from teen movies to her most provocative role yet. We tried to get her to spill as much about the secretive season as she could.

Photographer: Gilles Toucas
Stylist: Adena Rohatiner
Makeup: Anthony Merante
Hair: Hailey Adickes

I’ve been told that you have to be quite secretive about your part on Ray Donovan. What’s that like?

You know, that’s a good question because it’s the first time that I’ve had to be secretive about a role. It’s exhilarating in a way. You have to kind of run around the questions that are being asked, but it’s fun because I think secrets are good because, once you see it, it’s kind of worthwhile. “Oh, okay… That’s what she was hiding!”

Is there anything you can tell us?

I can’t give away the story line of it, but I play a hooker. Not too long ago I tweeted a picture of me in character with a black eye…but I can’t tell you who gave me that black eye!

You work with Jon Voight on Ray Donovan now and he’s your godfather. That’s so cool. You’ve worked together before, right?

It’s the first time in my adult-years, but it’s not the first time that we’ve worked together. We were together in Bratz: The Movie but this is the first time with me as an adult.

Has he been able to give you any tips throughout your career?

He always gives me acting tips. Like: always watch different people and learn from their characteristics and how you can take that person’s characteristics and put it into your character.

The show itself can get kind of intense. What’s the vibe like on set?

It’s a great set. Everybody is like a big family and they’re all so kind, and fun-loving. I’ve come in on the third season, but everybody has been so welcoming; it’s a very happy environment.

Do your costars stay in character between scenes? Or is it the exact opposite with everyone is laughing it up?

Pooch Hall is on the show, he plays Daryll Donovan. He’s SUCH a character. In between takes he acts up and gets everybody to laugh. He’s the one. So funny.

How was the transition from teen movies to a wickedly grown up role like a hooker on Ray Donovan?

I think it’s just a matter of growing up. I now use my life experiences for my character and for Ray. And, you know, you just transition as you get older, in general.