QQ) What are the current projects that you are working on?
A) As you know, I am in "Flash Gordon," which is the television series based on the old comic book. I also just wrapped up the movieAlien vs. Predator: 2. I'm in the feature film The Christmas Cottage. I've been very busy!
Q) Please tell us the premise for the show "Flash Gordon" and about your character Dale Arden.
A) "Flash Gordon" is a modern version of the old comic book. It started in the 1930's and it is a great adventure fun exciting Sci Fi series. It is all about Flash who is an ordinary guy in extraordinary circumstances. It's a classic story of people banding together and using friendship to get through crazy situations. We end up traveling to planet Mongo through these inter-dimensional rifts and having all sorts of adventures along the way. It's a great exciting fun show with a lot of heart and some great characters. My character, Dale Arden, is a wonderful strong focused female character who has a huge history with Flash. We grew up together and were very much in love with each other, but circumstances didn't allow us to be together. We are really close and I am helping him find his father who went missing thirteen years ago. We have a great time and there is some emotions mixed up in there. There are some funny characters jumbled in there, like Baylin (played by Karen Cliche), who is an alien bounty hunter who ends up on Earth. Zarkov (played by Jody Racicot) is the classic scientist character and has all this knowledge of technology that we need him for. It's this big fun mix of characters and adventures all based off the comic book. So, it's really exciting!
Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?
A) It was a mix of knowing the history. A lot of people said they never read comic books and know nothing about Sci Fi. Me, on the other hand, am a huge Sci Fi fan. I grew up with a brother who was really into comic books and all of that sort of thing. So, I knew what Flash Gordon was and had been exposed to it early on. When I heard about it, I thought, "What a cool project!" Then, they were searching and searching for the character Dale. I was busy shooting another series called "Blood Ties" so my schedule just didn't allow me to go in initially for the auditions. It just worked out in my favor because they couldn't find what they were looking for and kept casting. Long story short, I ended up getting the role, but I was just interested because of the name. I thought it would be a lot of fun and I love the genre. The more imagination I can use in my acting, the better. We get a lot of green screen and a lot of stunts. We get all of those kind of things and that's what I embrace. It's really exciting!
Q) What about your role do you find challenging?
A) On the emotional side, the challenge for Dale is that she is much more modern than she was in the earlier version. She was kind of a damsel in distress a little before, which is fine. At that time, it was very appropriate and she was a very strong character. Obviously, women these days kick butt and there is a lot more that we do. She is very focused, career driven and independent. The challenge comes in because she's human. She has a huge heart and she does have to balance the personal side of things, as well. That is a really nice struggle to have going on for myself, as an actor, at all times so it's not this easy one note role. She's actually a human being just like us and she's real. I love that challenge because it is never going to be easy to play her because she's complex and I love that. She's a modern woman and that takes a lot of work on my part as the actor to honor that. Even though it is a fun, adventurous show and it is definitely light with humor, but there still has to be the stakes that are really high. The stakes are high. With Ming, Flash's father missing and all of these things going on. So, that challenge is wonderful.
Q) How do you feel being a part of such an iconic show?
A) I'm so excited! It's amazing because the fans are so behind us. It's just really neat! I've obviously been researching a lot for the role and we went to Comic-Con. Seeing all of these comic books with Dale Arden and then going, "Whoa! That's me! I'm now a part of this whole thing!" It's very thrilling and humbling! I am just so grateful to be a part of it because it is exactly where I want to be. I just feel so lucky!
Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming "Flash Gordon?"
A) There are so many! It's been so much fun! I am so in love with the character Rankol. He works with Ming and he's this phenomenal character who is sort of robot-man. I'm such a fan of his; just running around set, sneaking peeks of him working. I am just a crazy fan like the rest of you fans! I'm giggling and asking for an autograph! For me, it's just all the fun we're having. We're having such a great time and those memories are so amazing! There are so many more to come and I can't imagine what else going to be around the corner. For me, it's just been working with the cast and working every day. It's just so special so that's just got to be it!
Q) Why should people take the time to tune in to see the show?
A) I would love if they did because it is a really great hour of adventure, fun and heart. I think if they tune in they'll have a really great time. They'll get to see some exciting special effects and some really great characters. I would just love for them to join us along because we're having such a great time. I know that they will, too!
Q) You are working to create an online support group for bullied teen girls. Why is this cause so important to you?
A) That is important to me. I am still working on it. I think growing up and being a bit different, I was always a little different so I didn't have too many role models in my life. Aside from my mother (who is amazing and the best), I want to give back to young girls. It's hard getting through high school and getting through being bullied. I know what that is like and have been there. I remember there were a couple of people that helped me. It made a huge difference in my life. Some of the women who helped me and were role models for me, I'll never forget. If I can give that back to young women, I would be so happy because it takes just one person to make a difference in your life. I had that person so aside from my mom I did have great support. I think it is really important because I've been there and know what it is like. I think it is great to give back and I really hope I can do this.
Q) What do you do in your spare time?
A) Aside from getting into the volunteer work that I'd like to, I am very active. I love being outdoors. I am really into snowboarding, being really fit and active. That's what I love to do. In my spare time (believe it or not), when I am not on set, I like to study acting. I study in theater so I get in and hang out with my peers, work scenes and have a great time. I am kind of a normal gal.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I want to say thank you so much for supporting me. It is a dream come true and I always consider my fans when I am doing projects and picking roles. I really hope they enjoy everything I'm doing. I am just real and a fan like everyone else. I am right there with them along for the ride and I'm enjoying it. I really hope they are, too! I love them so much! Thank you!
