One of the joys of representing FIRST COMICS NEWS is being able to spotlight some of the best and brightest. I absolutely adore this young actress. She was a highlight of the indie film, PURGATORY ROAD, which I reviewed. She was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Enjoy!
WHEN WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO ACTING PROFESSIONALLY?
I lived with my Aunt for a year, in Pittsburgh. She was a stage actor there and I started doing plays with her and quickly realized I was hooked!
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HORROR THAT DRAWS YOU TO IT – ITS POLARIZING AND NOT FOR ALL ACTRESSES…
I grew up watching horror with my Dad. It is very close to my heart and I associate it with that innocent time in my life. Just being a kid on the couch, bonding with my Dad over cool stuff. The best!
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEAL DREAM ROLE?
I just want to keep playing a huge range of roles. My current dream role is usually whatever is most different from my last, which brings us to your next question..
I HEAR YOU ARE NOW WORKING ON A WESTERN – HOW IS THAT?
Indeed, I am! I appreciate you keeping abreast of my work! Thank you. We have not started shooting yet, so I will have to update you. But I am so excited and daunted and it is like nothing I have ever done before!
I BECAME A FAN OF YOURS WITH PURGATORY ROAD WHAT WAS THE PROCESS LIKE FOR THAT PICTURE?
Thank you so much! Mark and I had worked together previously and he kindly offered me the role of Mary Francis. We developed her character together, based on the script that he had co-written with Tom Parnell. We shot it in Mississippi in about 20-25 days. There were tornadoes! It was wild! Production was delayed due to the inclement weather and I spent the extra time in my hotel room watching docs about female serial killers. I think the inconvenience actually wound up informing my character.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SECRET NERD INTERESTS?
Well, it is no secret that I am a huge horror nerd. Out and proud! It used to be a secret though. When I studied acting at a conservatory in NYC, horror was not taken seriously and I was embarrassed about my proclivity. But upon moving to L.A. I discovered a huge community of passionate horror nerds. Also, does being obsessed with how cute and perfect my cats are count as a nerdy interest?
HAVE YOU ATTENDED A COMIC CON YET OR HORROR CONVENTION?
I have not been to Comic Con but I have attended Stan Lee’s Comikaze because my film The Human Race screened there. I also regularly hit all of the horror cons around LA and I went to the last Mad Monster Party in Arizona to promote a book I contributed to called My Favorite Horror Movie. It is a a book of 48 essays by 48 creators on their favorite horror films, curated by Christian Ackerman. Additionally I attend as many haunts and immersive shows as I can.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I work very hard and feel very grateful. Thank you for reading!
YOU HAVE A UNIQUE VOICE – HAVE YOU DONE ANY VOICE WORK EITHER IN CARTOONS OR NARRATION?
Thank you! I sometimes feel self conscious about my voice. I have done one animated pilot and would love to do more voice over work and narration!
*****
I recommend catching her whenever she’s appearing in a film or on stage. She’s going places!
About Author
