How did your get start in the industry and what was it about acting that motivated you to stay in it?
It was something I knew I loved from a very young age. I think playing Clara in the Nutcracker at school at 7 years of age, was when I first knew that it was something I really enjoyed. And, soon after, I joined a children’s acting agency in North London. I took lessons after school and booked my first small job at age 10 and then, went on to do six years on BBC’s Grange Hill. I grew up in front of the camera, and so in many ways, it became second nature. I really didn’t want to do anything else, but that’s not to say it hasn’t been a challenging road full of ups and downs.
There have been times where I’ve had to dig deep, pick myself up and just keep on going. But, I’m incredibly grateful to have had the experiences I have, because of the industry and to still be working. I feel grateful for every job that I do.
Which actors careers have influenced your body of work the most?
I get inspired and try to learn whenever another actor makes me feel something. That could be an A-lister or it could simply be an actor Ive watched perform in a class I’ve taken, or on a job I’ve done. I try not to emulate any one actor in particular but rather, just watch and learn from performances that move me. However, I remember that Patricia Arquette in True Romance was utterly iconic to me when I was younger. I fell in love with that movie and with her, in that movie. It definitely only reinforced my desire to keep acting. To name a few of many recent performances that affected me – Julianne Moore in Still Alice. Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine. Brie Larson in Room.
You’ve done TV and film projects. What do you appreciate most about each platform?
With a film, you’re given the whole package, the entire story arc is there for you to work within one script. Like a painting or a song, a movie is a piece of art that is a “finished product”, so to speak. A TV series is interesting because for me, when I was on Grange Hill for example, I got to take a journey with the writing and watch my character’s life and story unfold as it was written, over the course of six years! I often didn’t know what was coming next for her and that is exciting in itself, as it allows the character to grow and develop surprisingly and organically. Having been involved mainly in film for the past few years, I would love to do a long running TV show again.
What kind of roles do you tend to gravitate towards?
I love roles where I can find and tap into a territory that exists in me, then bring that part of me to the surface to play and immerse myself in it. I enjoy playing any well-rounded character that embodies a version of all the layers, strengths and flaws that make us human. Playing different characters allows me to discover things about myself. For example, I play a tomboy lesbian in the movie Seeking Dolly Parton and I felt like through my character, I got to genuinely tap into what it’s like to be in love with a woman. Thats just an example of a role that was so interesting for me to explore.
How were you first introduced to the film, Blood Orange, and what was it about the script that made you want to take in on?
I received the script after director Toby Tobias approached me about the role. It was instantly intriguing to me, as it was clearly a highly charged but at the same time very contained thriller. It’s all set in one location and there are only four actors. The premise was interesting and although it contains the thrills of sex and violence, it’s also primarily character-driven and has heart. The character of Isabelle was also incredibly strong, somewhat of a femme fetal, and this was a big draw.
As mentioned, you play the role of Isabelle, the wife of Bill (played by Iggy Pop). What are the good and bad sides of Isabelle?
Isabelle is an interesting woman. She is a juxtaposition of herself. She is hardened and at times, ruthless. And yet, in many ways, she is soft and above all, genuine and always to the point. She is without doubt, a strong, promiscuous, sexual prowess. But, she has a fiercely loyal heart and a devotion to her husband Bill. It was great to play a woman who is unafraid to flaunt her sexuality, to enjoy it and not feel shamed or like a bad person for doing so. For me, she represents that for all women, and that was empowering for me as an actress.
What did you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
Working opposite Iggy Pop was incredibly enjoyable. Playing Isabelle, he made it very easy to be in love with him as Bill, with his charm and his big smile, that is absolutely contagious.
I really enjoyed working with him to show Isabelle’s soft side through her love for his character. My scenes with Antonio Magro and Ben Lamb were where I got to show the contrast of that side of Isabelle, and play with her extremely heightened and powerful sexual nature. She was very fun to play.
Without giving too much away, what can viewers expect to see when they watch Blood Orange?
Sex, guns and rock and roll!
When it comes to fashion, who are your favorite designers and styles that we would find in your closet?
Honestly, I’m a thrift store girl. I live in Los Angeles and you’ll mostly find me shopping at Buffalo Exchange!! But, recently, I wore a beautiful dress from BCBG Max Mara for the UK Blood Orange premiere and got lots of compliments on it, which was lovely.
Congrats on the new film. What other projects do you have coming up?
Thank you! I just finished filming a thriller called 10 Year Reunion. We shot most of the film at the Houdini Mansion in Los Angeles. Myself and Kayla Ewell are the leads. She is awesome to work with. It’s currently in post production and will be out, later this year.
Twitter: @KaceyLClarke
Instagram: @KaceyLouisa
