We are so excited to have been able to catch up with the incredibly busy and talented Laura Vandervoort. For those of you who don’t know who Laura is we will give you a moment to climb out from under your rock.
Laura is a seasoned veteran and has been in everything from Road to Avonlea to The CW’s Smallville where she played Kara Kent / Supergirl. As of late, she has been working along side Seth McFarlane and Mark Whalberg in the new movie “Ted”. If her impressive resume wasn’t enough to make you envious, her down to earth personality and jaw-dropping beauty should do the trick.
Born and raised in Toronto, Laura now calls LA her home away from home – but she will never stray too far from her Canadian roots.
Here you have it! Our interview with Laura.
This Needs to Stop: In 1997 we were reading Goosebumps but you were hard at work on set of the TV show. How did you end up in the business at such a young age?
Laura Vandervoort: Well its really not an exciting story. The earliest memory I have of wanting to be an actor was when I was about seven years old. The movie ‘My Girl’ came out. It was the first time I had seen a movie at that age that had so much depth and emotion. It affected me. First time I ever cried during a movie. It made me want to explore that world. Provoke emotions. I was shy, a tomboy and always silly so it seemed like an odd choice but why not. I got into the business around the age of 13 with no knowledge of how it worked and started doing background work on Canadian series and then a few commercials. To help, I took some scene study classes and trained outside of school between classes and martial arts training. Suddenly I got my first speaking role on the TV shows Goosebumps and Are You Afraid Of The Dark. Eventually I found myself on a Canadian series for 4 years. Some Disney movies and guest star roles on TV shows came along and then things started to finally ‘take off’ as I was cast in Smallville. It’s been a long journey and I have seen myself make many errors on camera….but its the best way to learn and grow. I continue to want to challenge myself with roles people wouldn’t expect from me.
TNTS: After Goosebumps you moved onto the popular show Are You Afraid of the Dark? Rumour had it they would put out the fire at the end of the show with blood. Any truth to this?
LV: Hahahah, no idea. That sounds to me like a tale to scare us little Canadian kids.
TNTS: You had a great run as Kara aka Supergirl on Smallville. What was the best part about playing a Superhero?
LV: Kara Kent/Supergirl was and still is very close to my heart. That role really allowed me to explore my fears on camera and try new things. It was terrifying stepping onto that set and into those red boots and miniskirt. I had grown up watching it on and off and was intimidated enough working with Tom, let alone playing an iconic superhero. I still remember my first day onset. Four producers stood around me in the hair and makeup trailer examining the hair, makeup and wardrobe. I was terrified. The best part would have to be the fans that I made during my time as Kara. Scifi fans are incredible. Attending Comi Con and other scifi conventions allowed me to meet them and talk to them. The feedback they gave would always be helpful. And the great thing is when i moved on to other movies or TV series they seemed to stick with me. I really do appreciate their support in what I do.
TNTS: Going to Comic-Con is a given when you work on a show like Smallville. What was the best pick-up line ever used on you there? (We can only assume there have been some gems)
LV: There haven’t been any pickup lines. But there have been a few tattoos. lol.
TNTS: You have not only been in several episodes of Family Guy, but now have been cast in Seth McFarlane’s new movie “Ted”. What does it feel like to be hand picked by one of the funniest guys in TV, and what has it been like working with him?
LV: Yes I was lucky enough to do three episodes of the Family Guy. Smaller characters but still a lot of fun to go into the booth and work with Seth. ‘Ted’ has wrapped now but was amazing to work on. I play “Tanya” one of Mark Wahlbergs co-workers at a car rental shop. The movie also has Patrick Warburton, John Veiner and Mila Kunis. The entire cast was fantastic and again I couldn’t believe I was truly working with them
TNTS: Who have you met that has left you the most starstruck?
LV: I’m really still getting used to seeing some of these actors in person. Mark Wahlberg was my first real crush hahaha. Had his poster in my room. So that was pretty cool for me. Also working with McG and Tom Hardy in “This Means War” was amazing. I had just seen Tom in the movie ‘Bronson.’ He is really such a talented actor. McG has done some really great films and was such a great energy as a director on the set. Also I worked with Ray Liotta on a film recently called ‘The Entitled.” That as you can expect was incredible. He is so intense when he is onscreen. Amazing to work with.
TNTS: We get the feeling (and maybe it’s just wishful thinking) that Canadian actors working in LA are all friends with each other. Is this true?
LV: Well not that far off to be honest. I’ve realized LA is a very small place when your in this industry…sometimes too small. Its not always healthy how small it is. I do know several Canadian actors and we all seem to share this ‘Canadian-Bond’ but its not like I’m hanging with Pam Anderson or Mike Myers. There are a few Canadians I wouldn’t mind knowing hahaha but perhaps one day.
TNTS: Which Canadian actor/actress would you like to work with?
LV: Rachel McAdams!!!!
TNTS: Which awards show has been the most fun to attend?
LV: Hmmm, I recently was able to attend the “Green Lantern” premiere. That was an experience. A big event plus another Canadian superhero there to support. I went with a friend of mine so that made it a lot of fun.
TNTS: What is your all time favourite movie?
LV: Wow. Hard to really pick one. Im a fan of the Tim Burton-esque style movies. I love dark-humoured or just horror films in general. “Death Becomes Her” is a classic. But on the other side of the spectrum I also love “Tootsie” and “Kramer Vs. Kramer.”
TNTS: What is playing on your iPod right now?!
LV: Lately i’m listening to the “Moonlight Mile” Soundtrack. I have “Love Will Come Through” by Travis and “I’ll be your lover” by Van Morrison on high rotation. Incredibly moving and romantic songs. Sad….but romantic.
TNTS: You were living in Vancouver but now you spend your time between Toronto and LA. What do you think is The Bees Knees in both of those cities?
LV: I finally settled into a place here in LA. I had been avoiding committing to LA for a while. But I finally bought furniture….just wanting a dog. Badly. A husky! I travel between Toronto and LA now. Not so much Vancouver. Smallville and ‘V’ were both shot in Vancouver. Now that they are both over i just jump between LA and Toronto to see my family…lately Boston too for ‘Ted.’ I’m still trying to find what it is about LA that’s the “Bees Knees” but i have to say i have discovered a few hikes (Runyon Excluded) that take me out of the city and make things simple and quiet. Allow me to sit with my own thoughts. Thats fantastic and needed here in LA. Toronto obviously is home. My family and good friends whom have all started their lives live in Toronto, (Lindsay and Dave i’m so excited for you guys.) It will always be home. So thats the ‘Bees Knees’ for Toronto.
Source: http://thisneedstostop.com/2011/07/25/laura-vandervoort-the-bees-knees/