Kym Johnson Herjavec – The Wedding Planners

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) That was the last thing I did before the quarantine really kicked in. I think it was a couple of weeks before everything really shutdown. That was the last thing I did. Since then, I’ve just been hunkered down at home which is kind of nice spending more time with my husband. He normally travels, so that’s been nice to just have this family time.

Q) How was your character Marci originally described to you?

A) She was described a little over the top and a little jealous of June (Jennifer Mote). She’s an ex-dancer, obviously, and she’s not so happy in her marriage. It was kind of close to home, except for the unhappy marriage. [laughs] She’s a little different to me.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in her initial breakdown?

A) I guess the Australian accent that I have. I think some of the things I say are kind of mean and quite nasty, so I tried to soften it a little because I really do think that we were good friends during our touring days and I do want the best for June. I guess I tried to soften her harshness a little because she is quite blunt.

Q) Will viewers get to see you dance?

A) No, I don’t actually dance. The main characters are dancers. I do have a bit of a dance at the reception, but it’s not anything huge.

Q) Did you and Jennifer spend much time together to develop a bond on screen?

A) that’s the great thing I guess about the production company. They are a family run business and they really incredible to work for. As soon as I got there I was in hair and makeup. June is a dancer as well. We just naturally bonded. Her husband in the show is also a dancer. So, the three of us had a bit of down time in between takes after the first scene. It was just the three of us chatting and we got to bond. I think that does help and it was over three days. So, we all ended up having a really nice time together.

Q) “The Wedding Planners” is a show that is known for mixing heart and humor. How does this episode include those characteristics?

A) I think I’m kind of more the humor. There is sort of jokes at my expense. I’m kind of a little over the top. I do have a heart of gold, but I guess I’m a little bit out there. The wedding planners and June are having a bit of a laugh at my expense in a way. So, I might be the bit of the humor of the episode. Everyone has that annoying bridesmaid who kind of wants to take over. That was me. [laughs]

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming the episode?

A) I loved the set up they had there. They had a really big house. I don’t even know on how many acres. It’s humungous! It’s so amazing the way they have everything set up because it’s an ongoing series. The office for the wedding planners. The suite where the wedding dresses are. They have everything already planned so it was fun going to look into different setups and they have the kitchen downstairs and the lounge room. So, that was really fun seeing the behind the scenes of everything. I really enjoyed it and it was nice that we weren’t jumping from location to location. It was all kind of within the one roof. I think they’ve got this making TV business under their belt. They’re really great at doing it.

Q) What do you think it is about “The Wedding Planners” that has made it a fast fan favorite series?

A) I think that people love weddings. I think the great thing about the show is you get to see a different wedding each week. So, whether you are thinking of getting married or have been married and it just takes you back, it’s just fun to see the different styles of the weddings that they do and the different dramas each wedding has building up to the big day. I think it’s really relatable and you’re seeing a different side. You’re seeing the wedding planning aspect and obviously the couples and the families’ side of planning a wedding, which is a massive moment in someone’s life. Then, obviously the three siblings are cast so well. Just watching them on set they really are like family and siblings. I think they have a great relationship. It’s really heartwarming and it’s a nice story the way that they’ve taken the family business and run with it and are working together. You see the relationships form. I think it’s really nice that you get to see that develop through every episode, but then there is something new with every episode with the weddings.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you going to be sharing some behind the scenes moments from filming?

A) Yeah, definitely! I’ll definitely be sharing some behind the scenes photos. It was so much fun to work on. I’m in LA so I don’t know if I’ll be able to see it. I’m going to try to figure out a way to watch it.

Q) What did you personally take away from your time working on “The Wedding Planners?”

A) I’ve only done acting roles a few times so this is all very new to me. And I believe that it’s good to push yourself and try new things. I think I was just wanting to challenge myself and try something new. I’ve taken away a lot of new friends from it. It was just a great experience. I love spending any time I can in Canada. That was really nice and it was the last thing I got to do before this lockdown. So, it makes you really appreciate working and human contact.