Bernadette Beck – Riverdale

By starrymag | March 27, 2019

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) What can you tell us about your character Peaches ‘N Cream on “Riverdale?” 

A) Peaches was introduced to the show in episode 312. She’s a bubblegum chewing bruiser-type, who emanates both power and sass. Peaches likes to keep things a little glamorous with her manicured nails and iconic dark lipstick, yet she’s fierce enough to get her knuckles scuffed. Diving deeper into the character… Peaches is navigating through her troubled past with the help of the Pretty Poisons. She’s really finding her purpose through the gang.

 

Q) Talk about your audition process for the role. 

A) When I walked into the auditioning room, I completely brought this sassy brass-knuckled goddess to life. I surprised casting and even surprised myself. I guess I threw all preconceived notions away and made the character who I saw fit to be… I had fun with the character and used the audition as an opportunity to perform, instead of worrying whether I was right for the role or even good enough. I think that’s key as a performer because everything we do starts in our head. If my head is right, I’m right and therefore the character is right. Within hours I got that life-changing call.

 

Q) We will definitely get to see your character in the upcoming musical episode. What can you tease from that episode for our fellow readers?

A) Generally speaking, the feedback has been that Heathers outperformed Carrie – which only makes sense since Carrie was the show’s first musical. Heathers ties in so nicely with “Riverdale’s” story plot. If you’re a “Choni” shipper there are moments when you want to scream, cry and smile – all in one scene. There are a lot of precious moments involving the core and supporting cast. It’s definitely an episode to remember!

 

Q) Will we ever learn Peaches’ real name? 

A) At the moment, Peaches ‘N Cream is the name we’re going with… Sweet Pea (Jordan Connor) and I are anxiously waiting to see if the writers unfold our real names at some point in the story.

 

Q) Since Peaches ‘N Cream is not only in the musical but also Toni and Cheryl’s new all-girl gang The Pretty Poisons, what can you tell us about this new gang? 

A) The Pretty Poisons have been rumored as a gang that brings a form of representation to the LGBTQIA community. And I’m more than okay with that. The writers are also really pushing for strong female and POC (people of color), representation on the show. Film and TV are supposed to portray real life with real people, so it’s exciting to finally see those elements come to light.

 

Q) You have been Tweeting quite a bit about “Riverdale” recently. If you had to pick, would you want to be Betty, Veronica or Cheryl? 

A) Definitely, Cheryl. She has some of the best lines on the show. She really shines and promotes a positive image for the LGBTQIA community.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Riverdale” that you can share? 

A) Some of the most memorable moments occurred during the musical episode. “Candy Store” had some of the most intricate choreography, incredible lyrics, all while showcasing the underlying dynamics between the characters.

 

Q) What did you take away from your time on the series? 

A) I have a greater understanding of the type of dedication involved with a show like “Riverdale.” I get to go home and be with my family at the end of a workday… but a lot of the cast doesn’t. Those closest to them are often far away – as in a completely different country. I really respect those that can pull through for eight months straight of solid filming.

 

Q) Seeing as your character will be involved in the Heathers musical, you also have a background in music with piano, violin, and vocals, even going so far as touring as a violinist. What drew you to music performance?

A) I was given a toy piano when I was three years old and let’s just say I rocked it. I loved dancing and performing in front of my family… My mother really pushed me in that direction. I still play the piano today. The violin I dropped. And when I was fifteen years old I swapped vocals for acting as my main focus. The musical episode really brought out that skill though. I’m not a professional singer but whatever I had become extremely useful.

 

Q) You have had quite a few different roles. How do you prepare for each role you take on? 

A) I do two things – reference my own experiences and those of others, which involves a bit of research. For roles where I’m needing to portray a scenario I’ve never experienced, I ask myself what emotions I need to expose. Then, I reach into my past for strong memories or sometimes reach into the future for strong fears that allow me to bring up raw emotion. The best actors have truly lived life with its ups and downs. It makes our performances real instead of just acting them out. Viewers can tell. When you’re affected watching someone act. It’s real. Trust me.

 

Q) Aside from acting roles, you also have experience as a stunt woman. How has that experience shaped the way you view acting roles? 

A) It hasn’t changed my perception much. I suppose acting becomes less scary. I’d rather deal with a director’s criticism, instead of the internal battle moments before jumping off a great height.

 

Q) I read that you founded a coffee and tea company in Canada called Teagosa. What inspired you to start it? 

A) I actually took a break from acting a couple of years ago. I went backpacking in Central America and eventually settled in Nicaragua. I had some money saved up and I guess I was looking for a passion outside of acting. I’ve always loved coffee so I did an insane thing and loaded a shipping container full of organic and fairtrade coffee beans. Long story short, we got our coffee and teas sold across Canada. We were met with the usual challenges that any start-up would be…So, we decided to change direction and go with a rebrand. I haven’t talked about my business a lot on my personal social media accounts, but I’m going to start documenting the process of creating a new product from start to finish. Whoever’s interested can tune in.

 

Q) What inspired you to pursue acting? 

A) I always felt super comfortable being goofy and just generally performing around family members and close friends. I started noticing a pattern where I wouldn’t be able to express myself around people I didn’t know very well. I got stuck in my head and was worried about people’s judgements. Looking back, I wish I could have relaxed a bit more. But I did the right thing by getting into acting. I did it so I could force myself to express myself in front of millions of people I didn’t know. When an introverted-extrovert does that, it changes everything. Nothing becomes a challenge at that point.

 

Q) What advice would you offer up and coming actors and actresses? 

A) At least finish high-school. Your best opportunities often come in your 20’s-40’s, so no rush. If you need to, move to a city with a thriving film industry. Start classes and get advice from your coaches and working actors. Doing theatre makes you a better film and television actor. If you can conquer performing live you can handle a cut and starting again. And finally, gain as much life experience as possible. You become an outstanding actor when your performances are real rather than mimicked.