About Chiara
Chiara (Russi) McCarty is an award-winning actress and producer, and director.
She was born in the scenic coastal town of Ortona, Italy, but at the age of eight, she swapped gelato for California sunshine. Her passion for acting was ignited in a high school drama class, where she quickly realized that playing pretend was way more fun than algebra. After a brief stint at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA), Chiara took a year-long detour, trying to escape the allure of the stage— spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
She found her way back to the theater, enrolling in the Theatre Academy at Los Angeles City College (LACC), where her love for acting blossomed.
Chiara’s talent and dedication took her to UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Comparative Literature (because who doesn’t love Shakespeare and Dante?). Fluent in Italian, Chiara brings a touch of European flair to all her roles.
Always learning and growing, Chiara hones her craft under the guidance of Benjamin Mathes at Crash Studios. She’s passionate about storytelling— especially stories that inspire, bring hope, and amplify voices that need to be heard.
When she's not acting, you'll find her perfecting her pasta-making skills or embarking on yet another epic Lord of the Rings marathon, quoting Gandalf like it's her day job. In everything she does, Chiara strives to bring a little magic, a little heart, and a lot of light to the world.
Awards
Nominations
Austin Comedy Film Festival 2025
Best Romantic Comedy Series - New Me (web series)
WIFT Austin Member Showcase 2025
Audience Choice Award
Austin Spotlight Film Festival 2023
Best Actress - Vivían (short)
Austin Revolution Film Festival 2023
Texas Produced Script - Shame Full (short)
'Allison Wood' Texas Actress (Giselle De La Rosa)- Shame Full (short)
Austin Comedy Short Film Festival 2020
Best Ensemble Cast - No Soliciting (short)
Hollywood Fringe Festival 2016
Encore Award - Kill All Politicians
Women in Film & TV Austin Stars at Night Celebration 2025
"Cast" Awardee
Austin Revolution Film Festival 2023
"Texas Drama Short" - Shame Full (short)
Best Writer/Director (Andee Kinzy) - Shame Full (short)
Austin After Dark Film Festival 2022
Best Acting Performance - Vivían (short)