RM: You’re originally from Maryland. When did you decide that you wanted to be in the entertainment industry?
BB: I was a shy child. I had always loved to sing and act, but in the safety of my room, at home. I didn’t realize it was a viable option for me as a profession, until I got involved in pageants. I really needed that experience, and that stage, to find my confidence and begin the discovery of who I am, as an artist.
RM: Is it true that you’re a former Miss New York? Tell us about your experience with that.
BB: True story! Because I had been pretty sheltered as a kid, it’s pretty funny to think that I won Miss Manhattan, only 7 months after having moved to New York City to go to NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts. I then went on to win Miss New York. It was a year of huge growth for me! I traveled the state of New York performing and speaking on behalf of the Miss America Organization.
RM: You’ve done some theater on Broadway. How has this affected your approach to acting for film and television?
BB: The stage was my first love, specifically musicals. I love the interaction with the audience, and also the freedom it gives you as an actor to experiment and play. No show is ever exactly the same from one night to the next, which allows a lot of time to discover things. It really is the actor’s medium. Only the actors on stage truly control what the audience sees and experiences. In film and television, I get to experiment and play, but the ultimate performances seen at home, are the choices made by the editors, the directors, the producers. The fun thing for me about film and television, is that I’m not working on the same material for more than a day, usually.
RM: Currently, you’re on CW’s Hart of Dixie. How did you get introduced to the series and your role?
BB: My role on Hart of Dixie began as just a few lines in one episode, during season one. There was no way of knowing what a big part of my life Dixie would be, and how the series would introduce me to some of my best friends. For that and the surprise of it all, I am truly thankful. It has been fun to see it all unfold and develop in the way that it has.
RM: You play the role of Crickett Watts. What do you enjoy most about playing her on screen?
BB: I love how Crickett tries so genuinely. She acts first and doesn’t exactly think everything through. Her intentions are always good, and she puts effort into everything she does. I’d like to see her succeed a little more, for all of that effort, and heart.
RM: If you could create your own role and have the actors you choose in the film, what would it be and which actors would be on your list?
BB: I love historical fiction! I’d probably pick some kind of old English story like the King Arthur stories, and of course I would want Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Cate Blanchet, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Jennifer Lawrence all of my favorites!
RM: If you weren’t an actress, what career path would you take?
BB: I would be a food critic for the Travel Channel! I also have fantasies of being a lawyer, or in finance, something very “grown up”.
RM: When you’re not on set, what does a day of relaxation and fun look like for you?
BB: When I am not working, I love to be home, and have a day of not checking the time, or sitting in traffic!!! I also like to play tennis, and hike and do Pilates. I am also a sucker for a massage. So, an hour of pampering could be on the schedule!
RM: In regards to fashion, who are some of your fashion designers in your closet?
BB: Valentino, Lanvin, Dior, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, McQueen and Marant. It’s hard to choose just one. I loved playing dress-up as a kid, and I love being playful with fashion.
RM: Thanks so much for chatting with us. What other projects can we look forward to?
BB: I just finished shooting a scene with Salma Hayek for a film called How To Make Love Like An Englishman, and I am also working on an album, which I am very excited about. It has been years in the making!
Twitter: @BrandiBurkhardt
Instagram: @BrandiBurkhardt
Photos: Dimitry Loiseau
Hair & Make-up: Valerie Noble