About Me:

Photography by Mathew Thomas Scott with YELLOWBELLY

Nebula the blue alien assassin in Marvel Universe Live!

Rivera Reese is a powerhouse performer known for blending her rigorous Meisner training with high-stakes physicality.

Originally from the Canadian Rockies, she has carved out a unique niche in the industry as a "tactical actor"—a reputation cemented by a historic milestone: in the 35-year history of the Law & Order franchise, Rivera is the first top-of-show guest performer ever cleared to perform her own stunts. (Interview.)

This rare distinction was granted during her major recurring role on Law & Order: Organized Crime, where she traded hits with Christopher Meloni. Her career is built on this high-impact edge, from holding Dylan McDermott at gunpoint on FBI: Most Wanted to a physical showdown with Amanda Seyfried in Long Bright River.

From the Stage to the Screen

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Film Acting from Red Deer College in Alberta, she moved to New York City to master the Meisner technique under Barbara Marchant at the prestigious William Esper Studio.

Her versatility as a proficient stage combatant and stunt actor earned her the lead villain role of Nebula in the global tour of Marvel Universe Live!, performing for audiences across the globe.

Awards & Recognition

Beyond her physical prowess, Rivera is an acclaimed presence in the independent film circuit. Her work as both an actor and director has been showcased across North America, earning her several prestigious accolades:

Winner: Best Actress (NOLA Horror Film Festival)
Winner: Best Supporting Actress (NJ Film Awards)
Bi-Coastal Recognition: Holds multiple nominations for both acting and directing, with work showcased in major festivals across North America.

Accolades:

Tallywacker (Feature Film)
“Reese is excellent as the rocker with so many issues it’s dizzying. When she demands Aleister strum something sad on his guitar, it is intense while highlighting her trust in his abilities.”
~Bobby LePire, Film Threat review

Cotton (Short Horror Film) watch a scene
Winner Best Actress NOLA Horror Film Festival, Official Selection: Los Angeles Horror Competition, Cape Fear Independent Film Festival, NOLA Horror Film Festival, Madtown Horror Film Festival New York City Horror Film Festival
“The shorts before it, again were fantastic, especially Cotton”
~ Daniel Torkelof geeksofdoom.com review
Alma Baya (Sci Fi Absurdist Off Off Broadway Play)
“Rivera Reese as a mysterious stranger. The cast performs its job well, with Reese standing out as the stranger, a juicier role that keeps the audience guessing whether she’s good or bad.”
This Week in New York review
“The charismatic Rivera Reese is a feral and poignant Stranger.” ~Darryl Reilly, Critic.
TheatreScene.net review
“Rivera Reese as The Stranger defies description. She is neither an Alma or Baya but a survivalist. She acts human but behaves like an animal with only thoughts of food, comfort, and living.”
Hi Drama review
“Bleak, humor-flecked tale of what happens when Baya lets the stranger in. It’s a furtive, middle-of-the-night- move but it’s hopeful, too - because what if a wild-haired woman, rasping for a drink of water, can help them survive?”
The New York Times review
SUNSPOT (Short Indie Film) watch here
WINNER Best Supporting Actress
Official Selection: The Monkey Bread Tree Film Awards, Indie Eye Film Awards, Direct Monthly Online Film Festival, New York Movie Awards, Lion Film Festival
NAME (Short Horror Film) watch here
WINNER Best Horror Film Award at the Twin Falls Sandwiches Film Festival, 3rd Place in Crypticon Seattle Film Festival 2016, Official Selection: Idaho Horror Film Festival, The Strange Film awards, The Hollywood Sky International Festival, Hollywood Horror Festival of shorts
Bounty (Short Action Film) watch here
“I love those stylish knife tricks! However, I was rooting for the bounty hunter (Rivera Reese)! I love her punk look! She needs to be in her own action film as this character! More Rivera Reese please!”
Girls, Guns, and Zombies review
Becoming (Student Horror Film) watch scene
Alberta Motion Picture Industry Award Nominee for Best Student Film