Inbar Lavi On Her Career, The Success of 'Lucifer', Discovering New Passions Unexpectedly and Her New Music Single 'Puppet Master'
Photography and makeup by Josephine Wissenberg at Crosby Carter; Styling by Lisa Cera at Crosby Carter Management; Assisted by Brianna Urbizio; Hair by Richard Collins at TMG-LA; Interview by Alison Engstrom
Inbar is wearing a Lela Rose pantsuit; Ruthie Davis platforms; Rings by Djula (right hand), Le Vian (left hand)
You are a woman of many talents! When you first moved to LA in 2008 from Israel, was it your dream to act, dance or sing or all of the above?
Aw thanks! I actually moved to the states to become an actress. Never in a million years did I think I’d be making music to share with the world.
Was there an opportunity that opened the flood gates for you?
I defiantly think Imposters was my first ‘Big Break’, it was a dream role, once in a lifetime.
What have you found is the easiest and the hardest part to navigate in your career and industry?
The easiest has always been after I hear "ACTION'. I've never had a hard time in front of the camera. The hardest part is getting to that point and understanding you're not always going to get the job.
Congratulations on the success of Lucifer. During quarantine, it was the show to binge on Netflix! What can viewers expect from the newest season and from your character Eve.
Thanks! It’s kinda wild how many people love the show. It really blows my mind. Season 5 had a lot of unexpected twists! I loved being able to do stunts this season. It’s one of my favorite things to do on set and I hadn’t done action in a while so it was defiantly a fun twist!
How would you describe her and what do you like most about playing her?
I’d describe Eve as the ultimate empath. That’s what the writers used to call her and I’ve become quit fond of that. That’s probably my favorite part of her, that she is so incredible sensitive to everything and everyone around her. She is able to feel so deeply for all.
The countdown is on for your new music single, Puppet Master, which is released Today, June 25th. Can you talk more about the sound and the inspiration behind it?
I can’t believe it’s actually happening! Puppet Master came out of frustration really. I certainly felt like a puppet in someone else’s show on more than one occasion. It’s about taking your power back and realizing the only one who ever really controls you, is you.
Inbar is wearing an Alexis top; King & Tuckfield pants
Can you talk more about how you came into your own from a singing perspective?
I’ve been singing my whole life, and writing songs for myself. I never intended for a release or a career in any way. My dear friend Sharona Nomder recognized that spark in me, and insisted we follow it. She said “I’m gonna just throw you in a studio and see what happens”. I thought she was kidding, But then she followed through and the instant I walked in the studio, I was home.
There have been many negative outcomes due to the pandemic, especially with small business, which I am, and it’s been real. I love how you created the brand LAVI where all proceeds go to female-owned businesses. Can you talk about what inspired this and the brands you created?
Dude, it’s been a wacky year. And I’m proud of you for adjusting to the new curve, it’s the only way to survive. But the truth is so many out there, haven’t been as lucky , and so many are still struggling to keep their heads up. Quarantine opened a window of time for me like many others and I used it to start my own brand which was something I’ve always wanted to do, but very quickly I was called back to the Lucifer set and was back to filming. I decided to donate all the LAVI proceeds to female owned businesses who haven’t been as lucky to get back to work. Basically strong, boss babes who worked their butts off to create their own business and had to shut down or experienced significant loss due to COVID19 regulations. At a time like this, it’s important we stick together and show support.
Do you hope to continue this as we continue to move to the other side?
Absolutely! LAVI won’t be non-profit forever, but we will always donate at least 10% to those in need. I grew up on the values of measer (giving back). In the Jewish culture ‘measer’ stands for 10% of your income, going to those less fortunate. If everyone lived by this role, I believe we’d have a better chance for so many out there.
Ring by Le Vian
You also are involved in a lot of charitable work, you are an ambassador of The Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and The Make-a-Wish Israel Foundation and also Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles. Can you share why it’s so important for you to give back in these ways?
I just love people and I care for people. There is so much injustice in the world. I just try to do my best to help, even just by making someone smile.
How do you get inspired for your creative pursuits?
Anything can inspire me. A song, a city, the sound of the rain…
If you feel stuck, how do you move through it?
I guess it changes all the time. Some days I’ll distract myself with something else to yank me out of it, some days I’ll just sink deeper into it. Sometimes it takes a while to unstuck yourself, and that’s okay, but more often than not, I’ll hang onto my people, my family, my friends, they’re the ones who keep me steady.
What is inspiring you right now?
Right now I’m in the midst of filming a very cool movie, It’s been incredibly inspiring to say the least. Also, my music; my next single, a music video that’s about to drop. For LAVI, I just partnered with an incredible copilot to really expand, and my wedding in Israel later this year- Getting to go back to home and see my family, people. So life I guess. Life inspires me right now.