The Biography

ASTA PAREDES is an award-winning actress and filmmaker celebrated for her fearless approach to genre storytelling. She first captivated audiences as the bold and unapologetic ‘Chrissy’ in Troma Entertainment’s cult classics RETURN TO NUKE ’EM HIGH VOL. 1 & 2, establishing herself as a formidable presence in subversive cinema. Her recent appearances in BLACKOUT and TRAUMA, OR MONSTERS ALL, the latest entries in Larry Fessenden’s “Monsterverse" from Glass Eye Pix, further cemented her reputation for embracing the darker, edgier side of film. ​Her other on screen credits include THE CREEPER’S CURSE, EROS POINT, THE SHADOW SCARF, SOCIOPATHIA and NBC's "SHADES OF BLUE." On stage, she’s taken on roles including the legendary ‘Joan Baez’ in the folk musical BOB MEETS BOB, and the enigmatic ‘Ursa Minor’ in the dark comedy TINY DISASTERS. Asta honed her craft at the University of Minnesota / Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program, refining her skills further at the Globe Theatre, the London International School for Performing Arts, and Upright Citizens Brigade. As a producer, she co-founded Abandoned House Productions with her husband and frequent collaborator Clay von Carlowitz. Her creative practice is complemented by a profound dedication to cultural equity and narrative integrity. She has worked with The Turnaway Project to elevate reproductive justice narratives and now continues this advocacy through her work with Justice for Migrant Women to fight for advancement in equal pay for Latinas, and Latinas Acting Up, the movement founded by Diana Maria Riva and Lisa Vidal to help expand authentic Latina representation across Hollywood. Together, these endeavors reflect a through line in her artistry: a commitment to elevating voices and narratives that push the cultural conversation forward. Asta is currently based in New York City, where she resides with her husband and their pet bunnies.