Rachel Ashley Johnson
Internationally Published Model & Award-Winning Actress
Beyond the Spotlight
Rachel Ashley Johnson has built an impressive career in the entertainment industry as an internationally published model and actress. From her beginnings in film to achieving numerous magazine features, covers, and professional recognitions, Rachel continues to pursue her ambitions with determination, resilience, and passion. In this exclusive interview with Dimitrios Kannavos, she reflects on her journey, her experiences behind the camera, the realities of working in Hollywood, and her aspirations for the future.
Your Journey to Success
Dimitrios Kannavos Rachel, you have built an impressive career as an internationally published model and actress. How did your journey begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
Thank you so much! I appreciate it! While I was attending college 10 years ago, I came across a casting call on Facebook. It was for a horror film. I submitted for it and booked it. I was truly inspired to enter the entertainment industry growing up watching films.
Life Behind the Camera
Dimitrios Kannavos You have appeared in hundreds of magazine features, covers, and film productions. What has been your most memorable professional experience so far, and why does it stand out to you?
My most memorable experience was my first Playboy publication in September 2018. It was always my dream to be published in Playboy, and now I've been published 12 times.
From Modeling to Acting
Dimitrios Kannavos Modeling and acting require different skills and creative approaches. How have these two careers influenced each other, and which one challenges you the most?
I decided to pursue both modeling and acting professionally, since I often saw both acting and modeling simultaneously on the casting sites. Acting is definitely more involved since it requires memorizing and rehearsing lines. Additionally, auditioning and self-taping is more time-consuming compared to booking modeling shoots.
The Reality of Hollywood
Dimitrios Kannavos Hollywood is known for its competitiveness and constant pressure. What have been the biggest challenges you have faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
I would say my biggest challenge in the entertainment industry is being overbooked and having to manage multiple bookings all at the same time. I'm just more selective now, and when I book a role, I consider whether it will benefit my career or not. Also, heavy traffic in LA and driving to up to three shoots in a day can be strenuous.
Recognition and Achievement
Dimitrios Kannavos In 2025, you received the Chaarmz People's Choice Award at the Chief Awards in support of the Toronto International Film Festival. What did this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
It meant for me personally and professionally that I was noticed and recognized for my achievements in the entertainment industry. It can be exhausting to go from shoot to shoot, and sometimes I feel as though people don't notice or acknowledge how much actually goes into my work.
Hard Work and Dedication
Dimitrios Kannavos You have spoken about maintaining a very busy professional schedule. How do you balance your work commitments with your personal life, and what keeps you motivated during demanding periods?
For me, work comes first above anything else in my life. I have not married or had children because I am so focused on my career. I just keep persisting relentlessly during demanding periods.
Confidence and Personal Growth
Dimitrios Kannavos As a model and actress working in an image-conscious industry, how important are self-confidence, authenticity, and personal growth in building a lasting career?
It is imperative for a model or actress to be positive and optimistic. Positive thoughts equate to a positive life.
The Power of Social Media
Dimitrios Kannavos Social media has transformed the entertainment industry, giving artists new opportunities to connect directly with audiences. How has it influenced your career, and what advice would you give emerging models and actors who want to build their own platforms?
Social media is how I got started in my career. I booked my first film from a Facebook casting. I frequently still book many shoots from Instagram and Facebook. I would recommend to models and actresses to post every day on social media and be a part of the Facebook and Instagram casting groups and casting account pages. Network as often as you can. Your network is your net worth.
Future Projects and Ambitions
Dimitrios Kannavos Looking ahead, what new projects or creative opportunities are you most excited about? Are there particular roles, genres, or international collaborations you would love to explore?
I am most excited about booking lead and supporting roles. It's just more exposure and more of a challenge for me as an actress. I have multiple photo shoots coming up, which will be more covers and features. I just keep on working and making my dreams and ambitions into reality. I am relentless and never give up, even when I have days where I'm not as motivated. Just keep on striving.
A Message to Your Audience
Dimitrios Kannavos Finally, what message would you like to share with your fans and with young people around the world who dream of pursuing a career in modeling or acting but may be afraid to take the first step?
You don't know unless you try. You regret in life the chances that you don't take. I would recommend just giving it a try and giving it your best effort. Best wishes to all!
You don't know unless you try. You regret in life the chances that you don't take.