A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Actress Torrey DeVitto’s Cruelty-Free Lifestyle

If you’ve tuned into Chicago Med, Vampire Diaries, One Tree Hill,  or Pretty Little Liars, chances are, you’ve seen Torrey DeVitto grace the screen. The incomparable actress makes waves on TV shows and films with her acting chops, but she’s also doing amazing things behind the scenes with her activism work. Aside from advocating for women's rights, DeVitto speaks out for the animals and regularly supports organizations such as PETA and The Humane Society of the United States. She practices alternative medicine, veganism, and holistic wellness. DeVitto’s plant-based lifestyle extends from her plate to the clothes she wears and the beauty products she uses. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at actress Torrey DeVitto’s cruelty-free lifestyle.

VegOut (VO): How long have you been vegan? What first inspired your transition?

Torrey DeVitto (TD): I have been in-between vegan and vegetarianism for the last 13 years. I was inspired toward vegetarianism at first by my love for animals. I realized early in my 20s that I wanted to live a cruelty-free life. I understood why at certain points in time, or in certain locations, the use of animal skin and animal meat for food worked—but living in a modern world with endless possibilities, I didn’t believe that eating meat was necessary anymore and wanted to give that up to live in alignment with my morals and beliefs.

VO: What kind of food do you eat on set? Are there good vegan options or is that something you have to specifically request?

TD: I normally have to specifically request vegan options, but I have started to notice that it is becoming the norm to have those options around. I normally ask for good vegan protein bars, salads, yogurts, or anything vegan. I'm not very picky—so as long as it's vegan, I'll most likely eat it!

VO: Have you ever been asked to eat or drink something that wasn’t vegan on camera? How did you respond?

TD: Yes, all the time. But as I already mentioned, and luckily for me, there are so many options now. I just did a film where I had to eat pancakes and a bunch of different casseroles. [The crew] was able to use vegan meat and vegan products to make all those food items look like meat. I am always so grateful when production is willing to do that extra work for me because eating meat, even for a role, is not an option.

VO: It seems like there are more and more actors and celebrities going vegan. Have you noticed an increase in herbivores on the sets you’ve worked on?

TD: I have noticed that more people are going the vegetarian/vegan route—or at least trying it out! I'd still say it's a 70/30 vibe on most sets—maybe even 80/20. We still have some work to do.

VO: Let’s talk fashion! What are your favorite cruelty-free clothing and accessory brands? What are some of your staple garments?

TD: I love finding new cruelty-free and sustainable brands to support. I mostly live in dresses and cute jackets. Some of my staples are Christy Dawn dresses, Immaculate Vegan faux leather jackets, and Stella McCartney sneakers. I also love a good vegan bag from brands like Matt & Nat and Angela Roi. This winter, I have been looking for good vegan winter jackets and winter boots. Some of my favorite brands for this gear are Save The Duck, Native Shoes, and NOIZE.

VO: Why is it important to you to use all-vegan beauty products? Can you walk us through your current makeup routine?

TD: To me, it is just as important what I put on my body as what I put in my body. It makes my soul feel lighter when I go throughout my day knowing that no living creature was harmed in anything I am wearing or eating. My makeup routine is pretty minimal, however my skin care routine is not! I love skin products. Elina Organics is my favorite. She has so many delicious vegan skin care products that I just absolutely love. If I am going to wear makeup, I will use a Soft Beauty counter blush with some eyeshadow (I like using Jane Iredale’s highlighter as my eyeshadow) and mascara by Elina Organics. And, if I'm getting really crazy, I’ll use a tinted moisturizer by Jane Iredale as well and maybe Elina Organics’ black eyeliner and a lip pencil.

VO: What advice do you have for people wanting to try a vegan lifestyle?

TD: I always tell people to go easy on themselves. I get that it can feel overwhelming [to try veganism], but just like with anything else, once you get into the groove and slowly educate yourself, the easier it gets! Don't be so hard on yourself if you mess up here and there. Just do the best you can and be happy with the changes you did make throughout the day—and maybe try something new that's vegan the next day!

To keep up with Torrey Devitto’s professional projects, activist work, and more, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Photo credit: Collin Stark