How did you get your start in acting?
My career first started in high school. I made sure that I was in every play, from grade 8 all the way until grade 12, which is when I began being cast as leads. I then pursued acting further in university, where I majored in theatre performance at Simon Fraser University and graduated with a BFA.
Who have been some of your influences in your acting career?
I’m definitely influenced by all of my peers and friends, especially the ones that aren’t even in the industry (you all know who you are, THANK YOU). Their work ethic just astounds me every day and motivates me to keep going. I know that we all want to live out our dreams together and celebrate our successes, together. Watching one of my best friends Shannon Mitchell achieve her dreams daily, has been a huge influence as well.
As for influencers that I don’t personally know, there are definitely a few actresses that stand out the most. Amy Schumer is one of them for sure. Her humor and the way that she attacks issues with her work, is so uplifting and riveting. I would love to meet her, work with her and spend time bonding with her, about the raw topics she constantly explores. Her humor and mindset definitely align with mine. I also really love the work that Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet, and Cate Blanchette are currently doing in their projects. Jodi Foster is also a major influencer, she found her true self behind the camera and has been capable to maintain a healthy career of over four decades. And, of course, one of my favorites, Meryl Streep.
You’ve been involved in various projects for film and television. Which platform do you prefer?
Right now, my focus is to indulge in whatever platform is coming my way. At the moment, it’s the film platform. I’m really looking forward to the creative process that is going to be behind me creating a character, working at for a few weeks and then, letting it go. You exercise a different muscle that way and I’m coming off of the series “Arrow”, so think it’s going to be a fun challenge for me. I wish I could say I have a favorite, but I truly find joy in every avenue of what I do, because each time I step into a role, it’s a new experience. I think that’s what I love most about my work.
What types of roles do you gravitate to?
I remember growing up as a child, I was up totally into watching action movies with my dad. So, I think that’s what I am drawn to now, especially at this point in my career. I love utilizing my body to it’s fullest potential and transforming to tell the story. Playing strong women is always fun, but I am always excited to take on a challenging role. I’m really looking forward to the day when I can transform myself physically for the role, like cut my hair or change the color for a huge film or lead on a series… That’s my dream right there!
Speaking of roles, let’s talk about the your role on CW’s Arrow. How were you first introduced to the show and what made you decide to take it on?
Working on “Arrow” has been on my list for many years. So, when the audition presented itself and I got the call that I had booked the role, it was a no-brainer to say yes! The casting office that gave me the audition is the same office that helped launch my career when I tested for the show 90210 back in 2008, when I started professionally acting. So, saying yes to Arrow was a dream come true.
On the show, your character is Taiana. What do you enjoy most about bringing her to life?
I really love that I get to utilize one of my biggest skills as an actor, which is playing a character with an accent. Playing Taiana has been exciting for me because it’s pushed me to explore the Russian culture. It’s pushed me to try making new friends and learn a bit of a new language. Taiana is a fighter. If you’ve been watching the show, I’m sure you seen can see she’s a badass and can shoot a gun pretty damn well!
As the season comes closer to the finish line, what we expect to see from Taiana and the rest of the cast?
As a season comes to an end, all I can say is that Taiana and Oliver Queen definitely hit a rough patch in the relationship. Things get crazy with Baron Reiter, also with magic and the idol. There are some interesting events that the viewers are gonna love.
If you weren’t working as an actress, what type of job or career would you most likely have?
If I wasn’t an actress, I would most likely be either a doctor or healer of some sort. I studied traditional Chinese medicine up until last year, so I’ve always had this desire to be able to help people and have the knowledge and skill set to do so.
Who are some of your favorite fashion designers and styles
Stuart Weitzman, Dior , Nicole Miller , Obakki, YSL and Giuseppe Zanotti.
We look forward to seeing how things end up on Arrow. What other projects do you have coming up?
Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing the finale as well. As for projects, I just wrapped up a horror neo-noir film called “Residue”, playing a character named Monica. I also have a few voice-over projects that I’m about to hop in the booth for, but I can’t talk about them just yet. I’m also about to start shooting a new web-series called “Reapers”. My production partner Stephen Sawchuck and I are in pre-production for our next project which follows our short film “FWD” and there is talk of me doing other projects as well. So, things are looking good and the stars are aligning for me!
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Photo Credit: Farrah Aviva