She never planned to conquer Hollywood. She didn’t stand in front of a mirror reciting monologues, nor did she dream of red carpets. It all began with a random casting notice on social media. Today, Diana Domna – the stage name of Ukrainian-born Diana Dudko – is appearing on screens across the U.S., starring in films like Stairway to the 80s, Royal Heir Breaks My Heart in a Warzone, and Baby Bump to Billionaire’s Wife (all set for 2025). But her story isn’t one of instant fame – it’s a story of genuine curiosity, bold first steps, and learning by doing.
It All Started as a Childhood Game
As a child, Diana was fascinated by the camera. She would record herself, try on different characters, play with emotions in front of the lens. It was never a plan – just a game. But one that left a warm imprint in her heart.
Years later, she found herself in California – a new city, a new life. Among dozens of transitions and changes, she stumbled upon a casting call for background actors in a vertical series. No expectations, no pressure. Just a form – and the “submit” button. A few days later, she received a confirmation email. She was on set.
Lights, Camera, and That First Taste of Magic
“My first day on set felt like a first date with the profession. Everything was new, a little scary, but utterly magical,” Diana recalls.
Her first gigs were in vertical series – the fast-paced, mobile-native format popular on platforms like TikTok and across Chinese streaming services. Soon, she was working on bigger productions as a background actress, often standing just meters away from major Hollywood stars. She had no formal acting training, but the set became her classroom.
She absorbed everything: how actors moved, how directors built scenes, how the entire crew worked together like a single, living organism. Diana wasn’t just present – she was paying attention.
Her First Lines – and First True Role
Two months in, she gathered the courage to audition for a speaking role. And landed a part in a short film. That’s when she felt it for the first time: “I’m not just part of the background – I belong here.”
“It was a small role, but emotionally deep. For the first time, I could express something real – not just with gestures, but with voice, with breath, with a look,” she shares.
That experience changed everything.
Stairway to the 80s: A Debut That Changed the Game
Her real breakthrough came with Stairway in the 80s. She landed one of the lead roles – and her character was featured on the official movie poster. A surreal, symbolic moment.
“When I saw myself on that poster, it felt like a sign. I wasn’t just experimenting anymore – I was on my way,” Diana says.
Interestingly, before that film, she had told a friend about her dream role: a fierce, charismatic warrior woman – something in the spirit of Lara Croft. That’s exactly what she ended up playing. Strong, but not invulnerable. Powerful, but with depth and vulnerability.
Not Perfect – But Real
Her acting style rejects glamorized clichés. She’s drawn to the truth. Her characters are allowed to cry, to fall, to make mistakes. But they always get back up.
“Being strong doesn’t mean being flawless. It means moving forward, even when you’re scared,” she says.
That idea has become her creative mantra. She doesn’t “play” roles – she lives them. What inspires her most is the authenticity of her colleagues, the human energy on set, and the understanding that every project is a whole new world to explore.
Still at the Beginning – But Already Making Waves
In 2025, Diana Domna is still in the early chapters of her film career. She’s not waiting for the perfect role or a grand offer – she’s building, learning, showing up.
This is not a tale of overnight success. It’s a story of steady growth. Of a girl who once clicked “submit” on a random casting call. And opened the door to an entirely different world.
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