Member Since: 2014
What has been your favourite role?
My favourite role has been Brenda (who made wearing a mask a thing before wearing a mask was a thing) in the 2015 web series ‘Word of Mouth’. It was a wonderfully fun experience made so by the multi-talented Calgary based cast and crew. My other favourite roles have happened behind the scenes as a stand-in for both Olivia Wilde and Sigourney Weaver in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and for Julianne Nicholson in Togo (2019).
What do you do when you are not performing?
When I’m not performing I like to keep physically active, so depending on the day, you’ll find me either walking or jogging or in a spin class and working out with weights or doing yoga. I also enjoy singing – whether it’s at Holy Spirit Parish with the choir or at home while practicing the ukulele. In my spare time, I like baking brownies (they often find their way to set and workshops) and chocolate chip cookies. I’m an avid reader. Currently, I’m in the process of trying to publish my first novel, ‘Leila’s Life’, which is a work of historical fiction inspired by my maternal grandmother’s extraordinary life. (Trying to find a publisher is proving to be much more challenging than the writing ever was!)
What organization/activity are you involved with or passionate about that people would find interesting?
As someone with a huge soft spot for animals – both domestic and wild – I’m a keen supporter of the Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, the Meow Foundation and the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.
What director would you like to work with?
Being an advocate of Alberta’s film and tv industry, and having heard rave reviews from actors who’ve worked with these local directors, I’d love to work with Julian Black Antelope and Jayson Therrien. On a broader scope, I’d like to work with Taika Waititi, Greta Gerwig and Olivia Wilde.
What is your favourite movie and/or tv show?
My favourite movies are: The Sound of Music, Home Alone, About A Boy, Love Actually, Me Before You and Belfast.
My favourite tv shows are: Stranger Things, The Handmaid’s Tale and Heartland (Yay to 16 seasons! Fun Facts: I’ve seen every single episode of the series – having watched all of them as they aired on Sundays at 7:00 pm on CBC. I’ve also been lucky enough to be in each season at least once as Background or Stand-in).
As a performer, what is one thing you wish you would have known sooner?
After 15 years as a performer – primarily BG and SI – I wish I’d known sooner not to put expectations on my day on set, that expectations not met can be a source of disappointment and/or frustration. Only in the last few months have I truly embraced the importance of going to set with no expectations (but always going prepared and professional). I’ve found that by going with an open mind, a grateful heart and a willingness to let the hours unfold as they’re presented to me leads to a much richer and more fulfilling experience at the end of the day.