I’m so much more aware of
eating for energy and
the importance of prayer
and meditation to
realign my internal space.
Do you approach research for roles
the same way you would a news
story?
It depends. Some roles I understand
right away and I just play the scene.
Other times, I don’t relate to a character so I research any and all clues
about their circumstance to understand the stakes of their situation. I’ll
read articles, watch documentaries,
make calls, etc. I know I’ve done
enough research when I start to deeply empathize with the character and
understand how I’d fight for what
they’re fighting for if it were me in
their shoes.
him, the crowd went bananas. I just
remember how awestruck I felt. Later
I was deeply moved to learn about his
pivotal role in the civil rights movement through his HBO documentary
“Sing Your Song”. His artistry helped
him transcend hate and earned him
such a powerful voice as an advocate.
To me, Harry Belafonte represents
the importance of what artists can
do for society. I’m excited to see him
again at his inaugural Many Rivers to
Cross Social Justice Music and Arts
Festival. It will be the first time I’ve
seen him in concert since I saw him
with my parents.
Do you remember a particular
book, song, concert, poem or memory that you now see as a turning
point or epic moment in your life?
My parents took me to see Harry
Belafonte in concert when I was
little. Usually I hated everything they
exposed me to and would just go to
sleep but I was electrified by Harry
Belafonte. He was funny, engaging,
and charismatic. Even as a kid I
recognized I was in the presence of a
phenomenal talent. When he belted
“Day-O!” and the lights lit up around
If you had to choose ONE what is
your favourite album from beginning to end? (Yes, just ONE, it’s
supposed to be a hard question ;)
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill! I’ve
seen her in concert now three times
in Honolulu, LA and Toronto.
What role does health and wellness
play in your life?
Health and wellness play a big role
in my life now. My schedule and all
the traveling I do can take a lot out of
me. I’m so much more aware now of
eating for energy and the importance
of prayer and meditation to realign
my internal space. I’m even starting
to question a lot of products I use in
my home and on my body. What’s in
that stuff? Seriously.
Who do you keep in your circle
around you? Do you have a handful
of close friends? Lots of friends and
acquaintances?
Time and energy are my greatest currency now and I save most of that for
my inner circle of close friends. Don’t
get me wrong, I like a lot of people
and can engage with just about anyone, but I think part of growing up is
learning who to invest in and who to
let go of.
In one word – what is the most
important thing to you?
Family.