How did the role on Passions come about for you?I auditioned in Miami on tape and sent it out here. My second audition was also on tape and then the third audition was a screen-test out here. I had two screen-tests. I tested with Molly both times. The second time they had me stand next to Jesse so they could see how our heights matched up. How did you get into acting? I started acting seriously about two years ago. I started with modeling and I’d done commercials since I was twelve. I decided I didn’t want to model anymore. My commercial agent called and said they had a casting session I’d be great for—it was acting, but they were going to send me anyway. I went and ended up getting four call- backs. I didn’t even have headshots at that point. It was between one other girl and me. They wound up booking the other girl because of the height difference. I was disappointed but it got me started on the acting track. I started taking classes and got my headshots. During pilot season of ’99, I booked Manchester Prep. We filmed the pilot in Toronto. It got picked up but then it was cancelled because it was too racy. What was your reaction when you found out you got the role on Passions? I screamed and then started crying when my agent told me! I called my dad first. My mom put me on speakerphone and told me to tell her entire office. They all screamed and celebrated. I called my best friend at work and she was really excited. How does it feel to be taking over the role of Kay? I was a little nervous about it before I started, but when I got here I realized there was nothing to be nervous about. Even though it’s an already-existing character, I can still take it and make it my own. I know I can never do it how Taylor or Gina did it, because people have different acting styles. I didn’t know how everyone would accept me, but everyone here just welcomed me with open arms. It made it very easy. What was your first day like? I auditioned on Monday, found out Tuesday, and my call time was 6am Wednesday! I had a blast on the first day. I made sure I was really prepared. I spent the whole night before in my hotel room studying. I didn’t think I was nervous, but now looking back, I realize I was nervous. My first scene was with Jesse, Molly, and Lena. I was telling Lena that this was my first real job! And she was so laid-back and nonchalant about it. It put me at ease. Was there anyone particularly welcoming on your first day? Out of everybody, I’d have to say Molly. I screen-tested with her. On the first screen-test I did, they asked me to change my clothes. I freaked because I was thinking I must not look good in what I was wearing. I didn’t flub any lines before that, and then after I changed I had to ask for my line twice. I was like, “Oh my God,” and Molly just told me to calm down and that it was okay. I told her they made me change clothes. When the stage manager came over she told him they made me nervous when they asked me to change! She totally took charge and stood up for me. When I got the job she came over and gave me a big hug and welcomed me. What’s your favorite thing so far about being on Passions? Wow. I can’t really say. I love everything about it. Acting is what I’ve wanted to do. I’m just so happy that I’m here. Everybody is amazingly nice. I’ve hung out with a lot of people—James and his wife, Bruce and his girlfriend, and Jesse. Lena and I went to Universal City. It’s a whole new set of friends and a family atmosphere. It’s great to be here. How do you like playing a character that’s so devious? It’s a lot of fun! It’s not something I do on a normal basis! I get to say and do things that I normally wouldn’t do and I get away with it. Nobody gets mad at me because it’s just my character. Were you overwhelmed when you first started, since Kay is part of a big storyline? The day before I started, I went up to Jackie Briskey’s (Passions’ casting director) office and she handed me six scripts! She said she was sorry they were doing that to me. But I told her that I do things by jumping in head first. I don’t test the water. I’m “all or nothing” with everything I do. It fit right into the way that I work. If I had two lines here and there to start with, I would’ve wanted more! What would be your ideal storyline for Kay? I think she should just get over Miguel! She’s done everything possible and thrown herself into so many impossible situations just to say “I love you” and he’s just not getting it! But at the same time, I kind of wish that Miguel would realize how she feels, because she wishes it so much. And I think she should be nicer to Reese because he’s just a genuinely good guy and she’s awful to him. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like horses. I love grooming them because I think the relationship with a horse is phenomenal. They’re very gentle, very amazing animals. I love to read. I write poetry. I like to sing, but I’m not very good at it! I cheered for a long time--from when I was eight until I was seventeen. Where do you see yourself in the future? I see myself in California, hopefully still acting. I’d like to do movies, but I want to wait until I have more experience. Film is where you get the most exposure and if you do one and you’re not good, you’ll have a really hard time getting back into it. I’d love to do theater. I’ve heard theater is the hardest kind of acting, and I just really want to try it. What three words would you use to describe yourself? Sensitive, caring, and serious. Other Passions Interviews: Jade Harlow Natalie Zea Jim Reilly #1 Jim Reilly #2 Jim Reilly #3 |
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