Leven Rambin’s roots are deep Texan. She was born in Houston to parents who owned a real estate company there and her grandfather was the president of of Texaco (formerly The Texas Company). But at just 13 Leven knew she wanted to be an actress, got an agent and landed her first audition - playing look-alike half-sisters on All My Children. Her mom moved to New York City with her for the role she thought would be six months. It was four years.
Leven, who many know as District 1 tribute Glimmer in The Hunger Games, has also played the lead of a hot-tempered demigod in Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and a Guardian Angel turned Angel of Darkness in a recurring role on Wizards of Waverly Place, she was the sister of Rachel McAdams character on the second season of True Detective and more, but tells us she’s most often recognized for her role of Sloan Riley, the teenage daughter of Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on Grey’s Anatomy. “Definitely Grey’s Anatomy,” she says, “It’s one of those timeless classic shows that is re-watched again and again by all generations.” Currently, she’s playing Aubrey James on Fire Country on CBS.
We spent a day with Leven at the Austin ranch she shares with her fiance Dawson Smith – a photographer who took the photos for this feature – as well as dogs Eric and Lola, a cat named Sid and two mini donkeys, Pablo Picasso and Jack Dawson, that she got on Craigslist!
Here's more from our chat on the origin of her original name, moving back to Texas and finding a home in Austin, what she’s working on next with her music, how she met her soon-to-be husband and more.
Leven is a unique name, is there a story behind it?
My name is actually very special to me and my family. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer when my mom was pregnant with me and the doctors gave him a slim chance to survive surgery. He told my mom to go to the library and choose a name that means ‘life’ as good luck. She chose Lev. It’s the Dutch word for life. He survived the surgery and I have always felt grateful for this meaningful name
When did you know you wanted to be an actress?
I knew from a very young age, probably 12 or 13, that I wanted to be an actress. It didn’t feel like something that was very achievable for me growing up in Houston, Texas. It felt kind of far-fetched. But I looked up to other young actresses like Hilary Duff, and when I found out she was from Houston, it made the dream feel more attainable.
And All My Children was your first audition?
Yes.
How did that come about?
At 13, a small agent I sent an audition tape to decided to represent me. All My Children was a soap that I watched with my mom and grandmother every day after school. When I received my first audition from the agent, it was for All My Children and my mom, grandmother and I were so excited.
Were your parents supportive of you acting as a teenager?
Yes, absolutely. My parents were very supportive and open-minded, considering I grew up in a pretty conservative part of Texas. I’m so grateful they allowed me to pursue my dream from a young age.
You’ve done all types of roles from a soap opera to fantasy, mystery, thrillers. Which roles have you enjoyed the most?
I enjoy dipping my toes in all genres. But, I feel particularly drawn to more physically demanding or dramatic roles.
What are you enjoying most about your role on Fire Country?
I love Audrey’s backstory, her grit and determination to become a firefighter and rise up the ranks. I love her sassy sense of humor, her competitive side, and her soulful vulnerable side when she finally lets her guard down with Bode and sings on the show.
You sing on Fire Country – and you have an have an album out?
Yes, I have an album out now on Spotify and all streaming platforms, but I will be recording a new country-style album in Nashville this summer. Stay tuned.
How often do you write music and where do you like to write?
I love writing music. I can’t say how often I really do that but when inspiration strikes I love to write and when I have a deadline for recording, I somehow can bang out 2345 songs at a time.
Do you play guitar?
No, I wish I had the patience!
You came out with a memoir last year too! How long did that take you to write?
I worked on my mini-memoir Glimmer‘s Game for a year. Once I started writing, I gained a lot of respect for authors because it definitely takes a big time commitment, editing, rewriting and structuring.
What was the most challenging part about writing the book?
I think structuring it in choosing which personal stories to share. It was daunting to be so vulnerable and honest!
What inspired you to write a book?
It was the actor strike. I’ve always wanted to share my thoughts and experiences as an actor, especially to help other young, aspiring actors find their way and learn lessons from me.
You seem to always be multi-tasking, do you have any other projects percolating?
I’m going to Nashville to record some country albums. I definitely have a lot of interests, but at the moment I’m focusing on loving my fiancé and my pets and enjoying being home.
How long have you lived in Austin?
Almost 2 years.
What made you decide to move to Austin rather than back to Houston?
When I left LA after Covid, I moved home to Houston for a while to try to find where my soul was calling me next. I was definitely lost for a while. But I would come up to Austin on the weekends and found myself feeling really drawn to it. I decided to take the plunge in July 2023 and I met my fiancé a few weeks later.
How did you meet?
We actually met on bumble!
Wedding planning?
It’s coming along…
What do you love about living in Austin?
I love how much space there is, I love that people are more easy-going and inviting and warm. I love that the city is not based around the entertainment industry and doesn’t feel like it’s full of sharks. I feel like I’m meant to be here, I don’t know how to explain it.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love meeting new people and continuing to grow my horizons in Austin. There are so many great people and opportunities here, things to see and explore. I love finding new restaurants. I love tending to my animals and I enjoy walks around the lake. And like you said, I always have some other project going so I enjoy working on my acting, my singing, writing.
QUICK FIRE
Dream role I’ll know it when I see it
Dream costar(s)Gary Oldman - which I accomplished when I worked with him in Mank, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal
If you could have one superpower Flying!!
Favorite Austin restaurant ATX Cocina right now
Last show you binged A Teacher with Kate Mara. I’m a sucker for incredible female performances
Favorite musician It changes but I’m a longtime Lana del Rey fan
Favorite quote “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” —Maya Angelou