Amy Laughlin – Big Day

Q) What are the current projects that you are working on?

A) Right now, I just wrapped working on the show “Big Day.” Also, I do a recurring role on “CSI: Miami” playing Erica Sikes who is the evil news reporter.

Q) Please tell us the premise for your show “Big Day” and your character Shampagne.

A) The show is basically done in the style of “24,” where each episode is a half an hour to an hour on the day of Danny (played by Josh Cooke) and Alice (played by Marla Sokoloff) characters’ wedding. I play a stripper that Marla’s father picks up at a club to make his wife jealous in order to reignite the flame in their marriage. The show is, basically, about relationships and all of the problems that go along with it.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I just love having a job! Actually, I was really excited to do it because the director, Michael Spiller, had worked with me on his last show “Jake In Progress” (that was the John Stamos show that was on ABC for a while). I loved working with him and it was a lot of the same crew and producers on this show. They are just a lot of fun to work with and it’s fun to be the goofy character. It’s fun to play comedy instead of the straight characters, which most women get to do.

Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming?

A) Where do I start? The first episode that I did took place in a strip club and a lot of the extras were real exotic dancers. It’s very interesting being up there in a school girl’s uniform dancing on a pole, knowing that you are so not limber or ready to do this. You gain a lot of respect for those girls! I think it was pretty awkward. I know how difficult it is for those girls to do it now.

Q) Why should viewers tune in to the show?

A) I think it’s great for everyone out there to know that pretty much every wedding is the same, no matter how big or small. I am, actually, in the midst of planning my wedding right now. There is always drama that goes with it and I think a lot of people can gain comfort that relationships, wedding days and marriages aren’t supposed to be perfect. They are supposed to have their problems because that’s what kind of makes them fun. That’s what makes you learn, grow and it’s what makes you laugh at yourself a bit and not take yourself too seriously. Also, I think the cast is so great. Wendie Malick, who was on “Just Shoot Me,” is such a great comedian. She’s a great singer, too! Kurt Fuller is wonderful and so are Miriam Shor, Josh Cooke and Marla Sokoloff. I think a lot of people will get comfort knowing that other people’s weddings have been a little bit more dramatic than theirs was.

Q) You are also on the show “CSI: Miami.” What’s new about your character?

A) I have to say, every time I read a new script I find I am becoming more and more evil. I am kind of getting in the way of things. It’s pretty interesting to watch, especially with my character, because it’s so difficult for people to get anything done in terms of solving crimes, having relationships or anonymity. Reporters tend to get in the way and make the most out of the situation. They want to get more viewers so the way they dramatize things can really hinder the crime solving experience. I think that’s been fun since it is a wonderful obstacle for all of them as time has gone on. I am scared to see what I might do next!

Q) What is it like working with such an amazing cast?

A) It’s wonderful! I wish I was there more often because they are such great actors and such great down to Earth people. They really get along and they are so much fun to be around. As serious as that set is, they are all really goofy and funny. You kind of want to party with them! It makes it so much easier because you can go to so many sets and there are a lot of people that can become divas, who want all of the attention and want everything to revolve around them. They are really so welcoming and warm there. It’s really inspiring and it makes you want to be a better actor and a better person.

Q) What is it about the show that continues to draw in viewers?

A) I think that it makes the viewer a part of the show. It kind of makes the viewer a crime solver and gives them the chance to feel like you have something to do with it. If you solve the crime before the end of the show you feel like you could be one of them. I think the biggest star of the show is the crime and that’s what’s so wonderful to watch because you are not trying to live up to anyone or be anyone. You are a part of it. I think it makes it a lot of fun. It also is very flashy and dramatic since it’s Miami. Anything can happen in Miami! For an hour you get to be a voyeur of sorts.

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) Right now I am planning my wedding so I’m doing that in my spare. I do a lot of yoga and pray to get asked back on “CSI: Miami” or “Big Day.”

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A)  I would say thank you so much for even knowing who I am! I hope that you keep watching and I think you’re all pretty awesome! It’s a tough business to be involved in and I think it’s amazing just to get recognized at all! We’re all just hard workers trying to make it through the day and I think it’s amazing that people keep tuning in and watching.