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rom Broadway to the TV Screen you have done a lot, more than most people your age. We see that you started acting at a young age. What inspired you to pursue your career so early? I actually never intended to end up in this industry. I was a dancer, but I never imagined a career as a performer. As a kid, math was my favorite subject and I wanted to pursue a career in economics. I happened to run into a family friend who was directing a community theater production and needed a dancer. I was the kid who would try anything - so I did. I instantly fell in love with the process and the community. I remember walking on stage on opening night, and something hit me like a brick wall - this is what I was put on this Earth to do. I knew in that moment with absolute clarity that this is what I have to do for the rest of my life. How do you think you’ve evolved in the industry since you were a teen? Entirely and completely! I have been fortunate enough to work with some incredible artists in front of and behind the camera who have taught me so much. I am a perpetual student - constantly trying to pick up and absorb anything I can from those I work with and respect. That is something I love most about being an actor. I am constantly learning and growing personally and professionally and the possibilities are endless.
How was it playing Mia Smoak on “Arrow” and appearing on other DC shows? It was overwhelmingly wonderful! When I first auditioned, I had no idea that the role was to play Oliver and Felicity’s daughter - when that was revealed to me, I knew I had my work cut out for me given that they were such a beloved couple on the show. I watched the entire series (then 6 seasons) before I started and tried to glean as much as I could mannerisms, character traits, little easter eggs I could bring in to make Mia a true amalgamation of their characters. Once I got to set, I was so thrilled to be instantly welcomed into the Arrowverse both on and off-screen. The writers did such a beautiful job of laying out Mia’s story, it was a pleasure to collaborate with them. On top of that, the cast and crew of Arrow and all the DC shows - are so lovely.
“I watched the entire series (Arrow) before I started and tried to glean as much as I could”
What advice would you give to any kids that want to get into acting? My biggest advice to anyone considering the pursuit in an all-encompassing career such as entertainment is to make sure you really love it. This life is not always as glamorous as it seems. It takes hard work, dedication, and a thick skin. However, if the passion for it makes you excited to jump out of bed in the morning, it will all be worth it in the end. If there is anything I have learned, it is that those with tenacity and passion that make it in the end - no matter the industry. Were there any actresses that inspired you to go into acting growing up? I grew up watching old Hollywood films mostly so I
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was continually inspired by the work of actresses such as Rita Hayworth and Audrey Hepburn. I gained a whole slew of influences as my film consumption expanded, but these legends gave me the bug to start.
What was it like working on “The Stand”? “The Stand” was the most creatively fulfilling roller coaster ride I have experienced in a long time. Everyone involved in the production really put their all into bringing the story to life in its fullest capacity. As a Stephen King fan myself, it was so thrilling to step into this world, especially when people are creating with such passion from all sides. Julie is basically the personification of hedonism and narcissism so I had a lot of fun bringing her to life. It was a true pleasure to join such an incredible company - I can’t wait for folks to see it. How did it feel wrapping up "Shadowhunters" last year after three years together? In a word - strange. When you work on a show like "Shadowhunters" where you are living in a different country for the majority of the year, building a show from the ground up, with an amazing cast and crew who become like family to you, it can be all-encompassing in the best possible way.
QP