Anime, Action, and Advocacy: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Reina Hardesty

From Cinematographer to Screen Queen: 10 Surprising Facts About Reina Hardesty's Journey

Okay, here’s the thing: Reina Hardesty might just be one of the coolest stars you don’t know enough about yet. You’ve seen her in The Flash, heard her in Far Cry New Dawn, and if you’ve been paying attention, you know she’s about to blow up in the spy thriller Butterfly. But her story? That’s the real tea.

Before she was stealing scenes, Reina was literally behind the camera as a cinematographer, crafting stories before stepping into the spotlight. Add in her anime obsession, her passion for mental health awareness, and her ability to play everything from quirky party girls to stone-cold assassins, and you’ve got a Gen Z icon in the making.

Reina’s not just acting—she’s shaping Hollywood, one powerful role at a time. So, if you’re not already stanning her, let me catch you up with 10 facts that’ll have you hitting “follow” faster than you can say “multitalented queen.”

1. She Started Behind the Camera

Before Reina Hardesty was lighting up our screens as an actress, she was busy learning the ropes behind the camera. In 2015, she worked as a cinematographer on several short films, bringing her creative eye to the art of storytelling. This wasn’t just a casual side gig—it was a chance for Reina to immerse herself in the visual language of film, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to tell a story.

Her hands-on experience gave her a unique perspective when she stepped in front of the camera. Unlike many actors who focus solely on their craft, Reina understands the intricate dance between actors, directors, and cinematographers. It’s like she’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers—she knows the moves two steps ahead.

When asked about her early work, Reina has said that her time as a cinematographer taught her the value of patience and collaboration. And honestly? It shows in every role she takes on today.

2. Multicultural Roots

Reina Hardesty’s heritage is a beautiful blend of cultures that shapes who she is both on and off the screen. Born on January 4, 1996, in Orange County, California, Reina is of Japanese descent through her mother, Manako Ihaya, and has American roots from her father, Greg Hardesty. This mix gives her a unique perspective and helps her bring authenticity to her diverse roles.

Reina has often spoken about how her multicultural upbringing has enriched her life, from learning about Japanese traditions to embracing the American values of individuality and ambition. It’s this blend that makes her so relatable and captivating as an actress. She’s not just representing one culture—she’s representing the power of diversity and intersectionality.

As someone navigating two worlds, Reina strives to use her platform to tell stories that highlight underrepresented voices. Whether on-screen or off, she carries her heritage with pride, inspiring others to embrace their own unique identities.

3. A Family of Storytellers

Storytelling runs in Reina Hardesty’s blood. Her father, Greg Hardesty, is a seasoned journalist and currently a senior staff writer at UC Irvine. Growing up with a journalist as a dad meant Reina was constantly surrounded by stories—real-life ones that mattered. This storytelling environment naturally sparked her passion for the craft, whether it was through cinematography or acting.

Her family’s influence taught her to see stories as more than just entertainment—they’re a way to connect, educate, and inspire. Reina often credits her dad for teaching her the value of honesty and depth in storytelling, qualities that shine through in her performances.

Her dad’s work ethic and ability to craft meaningful narratives clearly left an impression. Reina’s career is essentially an extension of that legacy, proving that while her dad tells stories with a pen, she tells them with her performances. Together, they’re a storytelling dream team, each making their mark in their own way.

4. Breakthrough Role in 'StartUp'

Reina’s big break came when she landed the role of Stella Namura in the hit series StartUp (2017–2018). Playing a tech-savvy and fiercely independent character, Reina showcased her ability to tackle complex roles that required intelligence and emotional depth. Her performance wasn’t just convincing—it was magnetic.

What set Stella apart was her relatability. Reina managed to make a tech genius with a criminal edge feel human and multidimensional. Fans couldn’t get enough of her on-screen chemistry with the cast, and critics took notice of her talent.

For Reina, StartUp wasn’t just another gig—it was the opportunity to prove herself in a competitive industry. And she didn’t just rise to the occasion—she owned it. The series opened doors for her, setting the stage for more diverse roles and solidifying her place as a rising star. StartUp may have ended, but Reina’s career trajectory? Definitely still on the rise.

5. Weather Witch in the Arrowverse

If you’re a superhero fan, you probably remember Reina Hardesty’s electrifying role as Joss Mardon, aka Weather Witch, in The Flash. Appearing in the Arrowverse from 2018 to 2019, Reina played a character who could literally control the weather—and she did it with style.

Weather Witch wasn’t your typical villain. Sure, she had her share of dramatic moments and powerful scenes, but Reina brought a unique depth to the role, making Joss more than just another supervillain. She was relatable, layered, and, at times, surprisingly vulnerable.

The Arrowverse gave Reina the chance to flex her skills in the sci-fi and action genres, adding another dimension to her resume. Plus, fans loved her so much that her character quickly became a standout in the series. Even though her stint in The Flash was brief, it left a lasting impression, cementing her as an actress who can shine in any universe.

6. Voice Acting in Video Games

Reina Hardesty isn’t just a star on-screen—she’s also made her mark in the world of gaming. In 2019, she lent her voice to Carmina Rye, a major character in Far Cry New Dawn. For gamers, this was a big deal, as Carmina’s story brought emotional depth and relatable struggles to the post-apocalyptic world.

Voice acting is no joke—it’s not just about reading lines; it’s about breathing life into a character without relying on facial expressions or body language. Reina nailed it, delivering a performance that resonated with players and added another layer of versatility to her already impressive resume.

What’s even cooler is how Reina embraced the gaming community, interacting with fans online and geeking out about the industry. For someone who started as a cinematographer and actress, adding video game voice work to her portfolio shows just how multi-talented she is. Plus, it’s a flex not many actors can claim.

7. Leading Role in 'It's What's Inside'

In 2024, Reina took on a career-defining role as Brooke in Netflix’s dark comedy It’s What’s Inside. The film, which dives into body-swapping antics with a twist, allowed Reina to showcase her acting range like never before. She didn’t just play one character—she embodied multiple personalities, all while keeping audiences laughing and engaged.

Critics praised her performance, calling it a standout that carried the film’s quirky yet heartfelt narrative. For Reina, the project was a chance to prove that she’s more than just a supporting actress—she’s a leading lady capable of anchoring complex, character-driven stories.

Fans loved the way Reina balanced humor with vulnerability, making It’s What’s Inside a hit on streaming charts. Whether it’s playing a tech prodigy, a superhero, or an eccentric party girl, Reina keeps showing us she’s got the chops for any genre—and we’re obsessed.

8. Upcoming Spy Thriller 'Butterfly'

Reina is about to take espionage to the next level in the highly anticipated Prime Video series Butterfly, set to release in 2024. Starring alongside Daniel Dae Kim, Reina plays Rebecca, a charismatic yet unpredictable assassin navigating the murky world of spy games.

This role is a huge milestone for Reina. Not only does it give her a chance to tackle high-stakes drama, but it also places her alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Fans are already buzzing about the show’s action-packed premise, and Reina’s character is expected to be a major highlight.

For Reina, Butterfly is another opportunity to push boundaries and explore a new side of her acting range. Whether she’s fighting villains or outsmarting her enemies, we know she’ll bring the same energy and charisma that’s made her a star. Bookmark this one—it’s going to be huge.

9. Passion for Diverse Storytelling

Reina Hardesty isn’t just an actress; she’s a storyteller with a mission. Growing up in a multicultural household, Reina learned the importance of representation early on. Now, she actively seeks out roles that challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices in the industry.

Her approach to storytelling is as authentic as it gets. Whether she’s portraying a complex villain, a relatable tech genius, or a quirky party girl, Reina brings a fresh perspective to the table. She’s passionate about creating space for diverse characters and proving that representation isn’t just important—it’s essential.

Fans admire how Reina uses her platform to advocate for meaningful change, both in front of and behind the camera. She’s not just building a career; she’s helping redefine what Hollywood can be. And with every role she takes, she’s showing the world that authentic, inclusive storytelling is here to stay.

10. Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

Reina doesn’t just captivate us on-screen—she’s also using her platform to talk about things that matter. Mental health is a cause close to her heart, and she’s been vocal about the importance of self-care, therapy, and normalizing conversations around mental well-being.

Through social media and interviews, Reina shares candid insights about her own struggles and the ways she prioritizes her mental health. Fans love how open and relatable she is, proving that even rising stars face challenges—and that it’s okay to ask for help.

Her advocacy extends beyond words. Reina has partnered with organizations that promote mental health resources, making sure her impact reaches beyond her fan base. In an industry that often prioritizes perfection over authenticity, Reina’s honesty is a breath of fresh air, and her efforts are helping create a healthier, more supportive culture.

Reina Hardesty is living proof that you can do it all—and do it well. From her behind-the-scenes beginnings to her star-making turns on-screen, she’s built a career that’s as inspiring as it is unique. What makes her shine isn’t just her talent (though, duh, she’s got that for days)—it’s her authenticity, her drive to tell diverse stories, and her ability to make us laugh, cry, and cheer her on all at once.

Whether she’s dominating Netflix in It’s What’s Inside or gearing up for action in Butterfly, Reina is bringing fresh energy to Hollywood, and honestly, we’re obsessed. She’s not just a rising star; she’s setting the bar for what it means to be a true Gen Z icon.

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more stories about the creatives who inspire us to dream big, break barriers, and, like Reina, always keep it real.

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