Daphne Joy was born and raised in the heart of Olongapo, Philippines. And although her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was just 7 years old, she was able to retain and relay her experiences of her Filipino culture and upbringing. Upon moving to the US, Daphne Joy was able to adjust to her surroundings quite well. While attending elementary through high school, Daphne became intrigued and inspired by American pop culture, which in turn sparked her interest in entertainment. She excelled in all facets, be it dance groups, choir, cheerleading or talent shows. At the age of 18 Daphne was able to officially pursue her passion for working in front of the camera and was quickly embraced and adored by the film industry, landing roles on hit shows such as CSI: Las Vegas, Criminal Minds and Curb Your Enthusiasm, along with popular, hit TV Show MTV’s WildnOUt with Nick Cannon. Not only can you see her on the small screen, music videos and magazine covers, but her most current achievement in her film career is her debut in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, starring Johnny Depp, where she plays the role of the principal Mermaid. Daphne Joy continues to hone and develop her her acting skills in hopes of landing major roles for television and feature films.
1.What’s your Ethnicity?
I’m Filipino and Puerto Rican. My dad is Puerto Rican and my mom is Filipino.
2.What’s your zodiac sign?
Aquarius.
3.Where are you from originally?
I was born in Olongapo, Philippines, and at the age of 7 came here to California and have lived here ever since.
4.What did you like most about growing up in the Philippines?
The best thing I could say about growing up in the Philippines is having an appreciation for my culture, family values, and especially, all the amazing food. My favorite food has always been Filipino food. I loved growing up as an islander because, although I am a girly girl, I’m the type who can scrape up her elbows and get a little dirty without freaking out.
5.What kind of mischief did you get into growing up?
I was an only child at one point in my life, before my little sister came along, but everyone always spoiled me. So no matter how much I would terrorize and pick on my cousins, my playmates, or even if I misbehaved in school, I never ever got in trouble for it. But I don’t think I was ever “that” bad! I was just a silly kid and liked to play jokes on everyone. As a teenager I think the only times I ever really rebelled was when I didn’t have my drivers license yet. I would sneak and use my mom’s car to go to the movies or pick up my friends. Other than that, I was always an angel. [laugh]
6.What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
To be perfectly honest, I still yet have to find the perfect answer for that question. I wouldn’t say I’m too much of a wild or rambunctious person. I’m pretty low key. I’m afraid of heights, so rollercoasters, skydiving or anything like that is completely out of the question for me. But I think one day I’d love to learn how to fly a plane and get over that fear and maybe go skydiving one day!
7.What’s your favorite hobby and why?
I have a couple favorite hobbies: First, I have a love affair with food. I find so much joy in cooking and cooking for others. From the time I’m rinsing the vegetables and meats, down to plating and preparing. I love culinary art and I absolutely love to eat and explore new spices, flavors and foods from all different cultures. My second favorite hobby would be shopping (of course), haven’t you ever heard of “retail therapy”? Well, I’ve been doing a lot of that therapy lately, and it helps. [laugh]
8.What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure? Hmm…a big homemade, warm chocolate chip cookie with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. [laugh] I say this because I normally try and eat healthy and workout frequently, so indulging in sweets is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine.
9.Who do you admire?
I admire my mother because she is the epitome of what being an “independent woman” is. I feel like she is the perfect example of “hard working,” and in some ways has really experienced a rags-to-riches life story. I feel so proud of her. Being inspired by her has given me the right attitude towards going forth with my own career.
10.What’s one of your personal goals?
Well, everyday I try and set a personal goal for myself—small ones—so when I accomplish them before my day ends, I feel really great. One of the goals I set for myself last year was that I was going to land a role in a big summer movie. I kept saying that to myself over and over again. To my luck, I was cast in this summer’s blockbuster hit Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, as a role of a mermaid. Not only that, but I got to work with Johnny Depp. My future personal goals are to continue challenging myself and hopefully work more in entertainment all around.
11.What do guys compliment you on the most?
Oddly enough, I get a lot of compliments from men and women about my skin and my cheekbones. [laugh] I guess the second most frequent compliment would be about my legs. I have a naturally athletic shape, so I guess that stands out the most? [smile] It varies really. But the compliment I love to receive the most is when they compliment my eyes and only a few special people have complimented me on that.
12.What’s your favorite body part on yourself?
I would say my favorite is my stomach. I always thank God for all the blessings he’s given me, and I always say, “thank you for my fast metabolism, amen.” [laugh] Because for how much I eat, I definitely should be at least 20 pounds heavier.
13.What’s your least favorite body part on yourself?
I don’t want say because then my fans will tease me!
14.What do you look for in a guy?
I’ve never “looked” for a guy, per se, but I can definitely appreciate a man who is masculine, exudes confidence and is charming. For example, a guy can be in great shape physically, but if I notice he’s got some insecurities, I immediately get turned off. Being a “show-off” and being confident are two totally different things as well. Your confidence should speak for itself, not the other way around. A guy who is charming and can make me laugh is always a plus, because I love, love, love to laugh—who doesn’t?
15.What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?
His personality; then his physical appearance.
16.What’s your ideal first date?
Something out of the ordinary; it’s kind of hard to surprise me, so I love things that are unexpected. Surprise me!
17.What turns you on?
When I can sense that the guy I am with is someone nobody wants to mess with. Masculinity, muscles and muscles…did I say muscles? And definitely No “bitch-ass-ness,” please! [laugh]
18.What turns you off?
Guys who gossip as much as women do. That is such a turn off. If I want to hear gossip I will call one of my girlfriends. A show-off; rude and mean attributes in people are turn offs. My motto is: “Be nice or go home!”
19.What’s your biggest pet peeve?
When people sneeze and don’t cover their mouths and when people touch their eyes. I don’t know why that has always bothered me. [laugh]
20.Who’s your celebrity pass?
That always changes for me, but the flavor of the month for me is Taylor Lautner. I’m definitely Team Wolf!
STATS:
Birthday: February 8
Height: 5′ 5″
Weight: 120 lb.
Measurements: 34C-23-36