Daniella
Daniella Down is a British actor, writer, voice-over artist, and mother living in Amsterdam, with roots in Hong Kong whose life and career span continents. Telling untold stories is her biggest motivation. But beyond the roles she plays on screen and in life, Daniella is navigating the complexities of identity, motherhood, and self-worth—learning that vulnerability might just be her greatest strength.
When I Googled your name, I saw your work in Nollywood films pop up. Can you tell me about that chapter of your career?
Daniella: Oh, it was such an interesting time! From 2014 until 2017, I acted in three romantic comedies in Nigeria, including The Wedding Party 1 & 2, which became huge hits in Nollywood. These films explored interracial relationships and the challenges of navigating a culture that isn’t your own. Nollywood — like Bollywood — is so bold and vibrant. Being part of that energy was amazing. At the same time, it came with some unexpected challenges. As the only white actress on set, I stood out, and with that came a lot of attention. I was sometimes asked questions or placed in situations where I felt like I was speaking for a demographic I didn’t entirely represent. It was humbling because I was there to play a character, not to serve as a spokesperson. The whole experience was such a learning curve. It made me reflect deeply on identity, representation, and the nuances of telling stories in a globalized world. I came away with a deeper understanding of my role as a creative and the importance of being intentional about the stories I want to help bring to life.You’ve had such a diverse career and life journey. How has that shaped your sense of identity?
Daniella: It’s funny because, for most of my life, I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. I grew up in Hong Kong, a place bursting with diversity, but my life there mostly took place in the expat bubble. Later, when I moved to the UK to study acting, I thought I’d really feel at home. But instead, I felt even more out of place. At university, the British students saw me as too international—I didn’t get their cultural references or humor. At the same time, the international students didn’t fully see me as one of their own because, well, I was British. I was caught in this liminal space, not fully belonging to either group. That sense of being “in-between” has been a recurring theme in my life, whether I was living in Hong Kong, the UK, or even working in Nigeria.
Do you still experience that “in-between” feeling?
Daniella: At times, I do. But moving to Amsterdam has changed so much for me. There’s an openness here that I hadn’t felt elsewhere. The city’s energy is magical—creative, welcoming, and full of possibility. When I first arrived, I felt at home almost instantly, which was surprising given how disconnected I’d felt in London and the UK.My journey to Amsterdam began in London, where I met my boyfriend, Paul, who’s Dutch and from Amsterdam. He introduced me to the city during King’s Day, and I immediately fell in love with its vibrant energy. After feeling isolated in London, Amsterdam felt like the place I was meant to be. The city’s smaller size and social culture make it so much easier to build connections. I’ve also come to admire the Amsterdam no-nonsense mentality—what people here call branie. That boldness and unapologetic confidence have rubbed off on me in the best way.Of course, I still face challenges, like the language barrier. It’s a reminder that I’m not a native here. But instead of feeling like I don’t belong, I’ve started to see Amsterdam as a place where I can simply be myself. It’s also where we’ve built a family. Raising my daughter Freya here has given me a deeper sense of belonging, and I love that she’s growing up in a city that celebrates creativity, independence, and community.How did becoming a mother influence you?
Daniella: Motherhood has changed me in ways I didn't expect. I'm the eldest of five, so I thought I'd slip into it naturally. But in truth, there were so many moments when I just thought "I'm not cut out for this." Motherhood is wild. It raises a magnifying glass to your inner self, and forces you to face it. There were challenging moments — many nights with no sleep, feeling like I wasn't enough — but in the five years I have now been a mum, I'm learning to let go of perfection. I focus now on being present, showing her resilience and compassion, and teaching her (and myself) that it's ok to make mistakes.
You mentioned challenges in forging a career in the creative industry. How’s that now you’re in Amsterdam?
Daniella: The creative industry is tough, especially when you add motherhood into the mix. When I first moved to Amsterdam, I thought I’d have to leave acting behind. The industry here felt smaller and harder to break into, and I wasn’t sure where I fit. I started focusing more on voiceover work, copywriting, and teaching drama to kids. But deep down, I missed the thrill of creating and performing.During that time, I realized I couldn’t wait for opportunities—I had to create them. That’s how my passion project, Tiny Theatre - Monologues Live!, came to life. It’s a platform where writers and actors collaborate on performances of five-minute monologues. It’s a low-pressure, creative environment where people can experiment and connect, and it’s been a lifeline for me. It reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place: the power of collaboration and the magic of seeing an idea come to life."I used to think strength meant perfection, but now I see it’s about showing up, flaws and all. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s where we find connection, courage, and growth."
