MUSE: GRACE KENNEDY-PIEHL
Actress & Model, Grace Kennedy-Piehl spent a lovely afternoon with me at Cottage Bleu in Venice where we spilled her bag contents, got tips on becoming an actor, what it's like to be on set and more..
South African-American actress and model Grace Kennedy-Piehl made her professional debut in David Fincher's critically acclaimed film, Mank. Grace has also since appeared in major films like Licorice Pizza and Babylon. When she’s not gracing the silver screen or walking the red carpet at movie premieres, Grace is collaborating with iconic brands such as CHANEL, Rodarte, and Dôen, to name a few. She is old Hollywood glamour personified, in her spare time you can find her frolicking in the corridors of The Beverly Hills Hotel, or indulging in a staycation in one of the bungalows at Chateau Marmont. Read below to get to know more of Grace in her own words.
LPR: What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
GKP: Growing up, my parents encouraged me to watch the classics, often turning to Turner Classic Movies. I was captivated by the timeless beauty of the actresses and the way the films showcased them. For a long time, I admired them from a distance, not realizing that acting could be something for me. I thought it was a world frozen in time, reserved for an earlier era. It wasn't until later that I realized acting was not just something to admire from afar but something I could pursue myself.
LPR: You’ve been on some incredible sets, Mank, Licorice Pizza, Babylon, what was it like?
GKP: I’ve been incredibly fortunate to step into the entertainment world with some of the best directors, costume designers, and creatives in the industry. I was 19 when my modeling agency sent me to audition for Mank, which was looking for faces from another time. I’ll never forget my first day on set—I was completely blown away and overwhelmed by the gravity of how special movie making is. I truly felt transported to another era. There’s this sense of magic when everything around you looks and feels like it’s from the past, and it really helps immerse you in your role. Babylon was similar in that the scale of the production was massive, and the attention to detail and opulence were everywhere, honoring that bygone era of Los Angeles. LA has such a rich history that’s always fascinated me, and the three films you mentioned feel like love letters to both the city and the art of filmmaking which I really admired.
LPR: What are some challenging moments you’ve had in your modeling or acting career and how did you handle them?
GKP: I started modeling at a young age, and it definitely took a toll on my mental health. I remember attending an acting class that my manager had sent me to, and in that moment, I just knew I wanted to be there. Acting felt much more freeing to me. With modeling, so much of the judgment is placed on you because it’s just you in front of the camera, whereas acting gives you the opportunity to step into different roles, which felt safer in a way. Growing up in modeling also forced me to learn to love myself faster as a teenager. It could have been easy to criticize myself constantly, but I had to let go of control and be kinder to myself in the process.
LPR: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into acting or modeling?
GKP: The best advice I ever received came from my late manager when I realized I wanted to pursue this career. He told me, 'You have to love it like breathing. It has to be all-encompassing, and you can't live without it.' It's true—you have to fully devote yourself to it. There will be times when you feel like you're not doing enough, but in acting, the career itself is the whole process. It's about watching movies, reading scripts, auditioning, and facing rejection. But you love it so much that even the rejection doesn’t feel like failure—it becomes part of the journey.
LPR: What is your dream role?
GKP: If I had to choose, I’d love to do a biopic about Bette Davis and her brilliant legacy. I’m going to try to manifest that now because it would truly be a dream come true.
LPR: We share a love for old Hollywood, for those who share the same interest, what are some of your old Hollywood movie recommendations or old Hollywood restaurants you love?
GKP: Yes, we both love old Hollywood architecture and discovering hidden gems around LA. I’m such a sucker for old house tours and the rich history behind them. I’ve also been really enjoying Karina Longworth's You Must Remember This podcast. She dives deep into Hollywood’s history, the filmmakers, and actors from the Golden Age, and I could listen to her for hours. I’ve learned so much about Hollywood's past through her. I love when historical homes offer tours. Recently, I went to the Hollyhock House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and it was incredible. And, of course, I adore places like Musso & Frank, such an iconic institution, The Tower Bar, and the Fountain Coffee Room…These spots are so full of history and character.
LPR: Living in Los Angeles and working in the movie business can be quite tricky when cultivating friendships, do you have any advice for anyone who might feel a bit discouraged in that department?
GKP: Honestly, making friends, no matter where you are, can be really difficult. I’m an introvert, so I’ve always found it intimidating to cultivate friendships. I’m so lucky to have met you, and I truly cherish our friendship. I believe the friendships that are meant to last and be a part of your life kind of find you. I mean, I have maybe five close friends, including my mom, who’s my best friend. I think you’ll naturally meet people who share similar interests, and that’s when the best genuine connections happen.
LPR: Where does your confidence come from?
GKP: I get my confidence from my mom. She’s always been my biggest supporter and advocate. I think of her as my lighthouse—always there for me, no matter what, guiding me with her unwavering support. I’ve been lucky to be raised by both my parents, who have always uplifted and encouraged me through my highs and lows. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength and confidence.
LPR: What is one thing that you must always carry with you in your bag?
GKP: My bag is a collection of small mementos. There’s usually a tin of ginger chews and my favorite chanel lipstick in 'Boy'—a simple yet essential item I never leave home without. I also carry a small bottle of Santa Maria Novella's Tobacco Toscano perfume, which reminds me of my grandfather and always brings me a sense of comfort.
LPR: Who is your muse or artistic influence?
GKP: I have so many muses that inspire me daily, often on a whim. I keep a Pinterest board dedicated to all of them. But if I had to choose one, it would always and forever be Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Her elegance, grace, and understated style continue to inspire me in so many ways.
View the full “What’s in My Bag” video HERE.
Follow more of Grace Kennedy-Piehl Via Instagram, and TikTok.
Listen to the OFFICIAL MUSES playlist in collaboration with Grace HERE:
Till next time!
X, LPR
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