Getting to Know Catherine Mary Stewart.

Actress Catherine Mary Stewart has had a film career that has spanned over 30 years. She has worked with numerous stars in both television and film during her roles in such film as: The Apple, Night of the Comet, The Last Star Fighter, and Weekend at Bernie’s as well as appearing as the original Kayla Brady on Days of Our Lives. I had the opportunity to correspond with Catherine and talk to her about her long and fascinating career in show business.

You’re film debut began with the musical The Apple. What is your background in song in dance? 

I was a dancer before I was an actor.  I performed with a professional company in Canada called Synergy.  When I graduated from high school, I moved to London, England to continue my dance training.   I auditioned for The Apple there as a dancer and ended up with the leading role.  

The cult status for The Apple has grown tremendously as of late. What are your thoughts on this film’s upsurge in popularity?

I think people are entertained by the campiness.  It was created with the idea that it had a good message, great music, and it was a popular genre at the time.  The filmmakers were very serious about making a good movie.   The reaction from the audience is similar to that of Rocky Horror Picture Show.  It is screened all over the country regularly and several times at the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York City. 

When you were Kayla Brady in Days of Our Lives what was it like to be part of such a tight acting schedule? 

Shooting soap operas are the hardest work I've ever done as an actress.  There was a lot of dialogue, pressure to do everything in one take, and a very quick schedule.  It was difficult, but I worked with incredible professionals who were very helpful.

What was the experience of The Last Star Fighter like for you?  

The Last Starfighter was a wonderful experience for me.  It was the first feature film I worked on in the U.S.  Nick Castle was a terrific and supportive director.  This was his baby and it truly was a labor of love.  Lance Guest and I became good friends and remain so to this day.  I think it's a beautiful story.  It's also ground breaking in terms of digital special effects.  Programs that are the foundation of special effects today were created for this movie.

What was the atmosphere of the set of Night of the Comet?  

I remember it being sort of "gorilla" filmmaking.  It was low budget with a crazy schedule.  We shot a lot of nights so places like the shopping mall would be empty.  We also shot during Christmas at a time of day when no one was downtown to create a sense that LA was empty.  I can't imagine that that would be the case today.  The shoot was a lot of fun and a collaborative effort.  We were all in it together.

In Weekend at Bernie’s you are part of the slapstick humor. What was it like to be part of such a zany film?  

It was a lot of fun.  I love physical comedy.  I also get a kick out of the fact that it has such an enduring life.  It's become that sort of genre classic.

The Girl Next Door is a disturbing film that most people would be shocked by. What shocks or scares you?

I'm not one for horror movies.  They really scare me.  I go to movies to be entertained in a happy way.  I also love romance, movies with a resounding message of hope.  I love to cry in movies. 

What was it like to work with Sylvester Stallone as a director?  

I had a very small role in Nighthawks.  It was interesting work opposite Rutger Hauer.  He was very intense and kinda scared me.  I was still pretty new to the biz, so I found it intimidating.  Sylvester Stallone was exactly as you would imagine.  He's quite small, very muscular, and charming.  He let me stand behind the camera with him while they shot the scene where the department store my character worked in, exploded.   That was pretty cool.

What was it like to work with the late Charles Bronson and Christopher Reeve in The Sea Wolf?

I love period pieces.  I did a lot of research about women of that day in preparation for the role.  Charles Bronson had a reputation of being rather stoic and standoffish.  I found him to be a very sweet man under that tough exterior.  It was an honor to work with him.  He and I became good friends until the day he died.  I miss him terribly.  Christopher Reeve was the consummate actor.  He was very serious and I learned a lot from him.  His wife had just given birth to their son and they were both on the set with him.  I know that he endured some sleepless nights during the shoot with such a young baby there with him, but he never let that affect his performance.  For me The Sea Wolf was a privilege.

Do you get recognized often for many of roles you’ve played in your career? If so what would you say is the role you get recognized most for?  

I have die-hard fans for The Last Starfighter, Night of the Comet, Mischief, and Weekend at Bernie’s.  I did a lot of TV mini-series that were pretty popular such as Hollywood Wives, Sins, and of course Days of our Lives.  I'm still doing lots of TV stuff on Lifetime and Hallmark.  I've also made my directing debut, which I LOVE!!! 

After such a successful career in Hollywood, do you have any advice for people who are coming into the business?  

I would say know the business of the business.  There is a good book called Acting as a Business by Brian O'Neil that I think has some useful tips. Stay involved everyday whether it's reading "Backstage Magazine" or taking classes in every area you can think of.  Network, network, network and don't be afraid to ask questions and get advice.  You would be surprised how happy people are there to help you out.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

You have acted in just about every genre of film in your career. Do you have a favorite genre that you feel most in touch with?

One of the best things about this business is getting to live vicariously through the different characters. I love the challenge of discovering who each and every character I play is. It's extremely rewarding. I love the travel. Travel is one of the many fringe benefits of this business.

In another interview you once expressed an interest in directing. What sort of project would you ideally like to work on? 

I have a couple of very good scripts that I am working towards directing.  The script must touch me in a very poignant way.  I must be able to visualize how it plays out in the big picture.  

If you could be involved in any movie throughout film history what would it be and why? 

I love movies from the 30's and 40's.  It was a simpler time in a way, yet the black and white photography was inspiring and the industry was glamorous.  

What are some of your favorite movies?  

I love everything from Bambi to The Sound of Music to Sophie's Choice.   I'm a big fan of foreign films today and/or smaller independent films.  There is a level of intelligence and integrity that seems to be missing from many big blockbuster films today.

What is your latest project that you are currently working on?

  

I am working on a project of my own that I've been developing in hopes to direct.

For more information on Catherine Mary Stewart visit her website at www.catherinemarystewart.com. She can also be found on Twitter @cmsall #CatherineMaryStewart and Facebook: Catherine Mary Stewart.

Katie Parker: A Star On The Rise.

For the past couple years Katie Parker has become a rising star. In 2011 she starred in the hit movie ABSENTIA as Callie, the main character who is battling with addiction in a Lovecraftian story.  Katie played a very challenging role and impressed a great many people, both audience and critic alike. Katie has also appeared in the films THE FAMILY, OCULUS, and ALLEYCAT. She has shown to be a very talented and capable actress. I had the opportunity to correspond with Katie and talk to her about her life and career.

You received a B.A. in Theater from Christopher Newport University. What was one of your favorite plays you were involved with?

When I was a sophomore in college I was cast as Claire in David Auburn’s PROOF. It was a big deal for me because the 3 other actors were seniors. I was so intimidated by the rest of the cast as well as our director who was the head of the theatre department. The rehearsal process and performances were pivotal to my development as an actor. I fell on my face quite a bit but also had a few breakthroughs. Having a breakthrough as an artist feels like winning an award of recognition. You feel yourself growing, thinking beyond yourself and making bold choices. I think every young actor ends up working on PROOF at some point in their career. It’s a great story with lots of dramatic action and interesting characters. PROOF was a very intimate and special experience for me.

What made you decide to go into film acting?

There was no decision, I just went where the work was for me. I had an opportunity to be on The Young and the Restless and the casting director at the time suggested I pursue a career in film. This was 2008. I wanted to move to Chicago or New York City and pursue theatre but once I had the connection in LA I thought, “Well, I should go there!”

What was it like to work with an actress that was pregnant at the time of filming?

Courtney Bell WAS SUCH A TROOPER! I mean, we dragged that woman on the floor! She was just amazing. Courtney’s a phenomenal actress, pregnant or not, but her emotional capacity was extraordinary while she was pregnant. Everything was right on service. She could deliver in every take.

In Absentia you played a character struggling with addiction. What did you do to prepare for the role?

There wasn’t a lot of time to prepare. I have some family members who struggle with addiction so I’m familiar with their journey towards recovery. That helped. I also thought a lot about what she would wear. Baggy clothes. Courtney and I also talked a lot about the back story of Callie and Trisha and their relationship.

What are some of your favorite movies?

This is always so hard to answer but right now:

Old Boy

Tootsie

Singing in the Rain

Tree of Life

When Harry Met Sally

A Muppets Christmas Carol

What are your future show business goals? Would you ever want to write or direct?

I want to work with exceptionally talented people- actors, directors, writers, cinematographers. I want to work with the best people possible. It’s such a lucky thing to be able to work with professionals, masters of their craft. I will only get better if I’m working with people who will push me.

I’ve been working on a script. Not quite sure where it’s going but I’d love to direct it. I directed in college and learned a lot about actors and how important a specific vision is.

Do you have any good stories from the set?

Our DP Rustin picked up a virus from his son who was a toddler at the time. We were shooting on a sound stage in Laguna Beach CA and all of a sudden Rustin became violently ill and vomited everywhere! Naturally, he had to go home and Mike Flanagan took over. Thing was, he didn’t know how to operate the camera! Everyone was a bit freaked out but Mike really took control and figured it out. He had to! The interrogation scenes in Absentia were shot by Mike. I think he did a really nice job!

What was it like to meet Doug Jones?

Doug is like sunshine. He is so charismatic and kind. He’s a true talent and professional. He really took me under his wing while we were filming and gave me some acting for the camera pointers. Absentia was my first film so I really appreciated and needed the advice! He was nurturing to the whole cast and crew.

You have appeared in a number of horror films. What frightens you?

It frightens me that some people don’t believe in Global Warming. This Earth is all we have and we are destroying it everyday. I think a lot of people think they are invincible. Truth is, mother nature is going to kick our ass one day and it’s probably going to be our fault. It frightens me that some people don’t seem to care.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Hiking, reading, yoga, wine, theatre, museums, painting/drawing, dinner with friends!

Show business is incredibly hard to get involved with. Do you have any advice for people attempting to get into the industry?

Make sure you really want it. No, really. You have to want it more than you want anything else in your life. Truly. There is so much personal sacrifice that goes along with this job. That sounds dramatic, but it’s true. You miss stuff. Weddings, funerals, births, relationships, family trips. Especially while you are building your career. I’m sure it gets a bit easier when you have more control. Also, finances are a hit or miss. One year you have no trouble paying your bills, the next.... This industry is all about perseverance. Keep working on your craft, take care of mind and body and just stay in the game.

If you could be involved in any movie throughout the history of film what would it be and why?

This is such a hard question, Ryan! There are too many brilliant films that I would have given my limbs to be a part of! I’ll just say that I think director Steve McQueen is a genius. He understands the human condition, the good, bad, and the ugly. His films are gorgeous and brutally truthful. I want to be a part of work like that. It would be an honor to work with him and act in one of his films.

What are some of your future projects?

I recently wrapped, ALLEYCAT, MOVE ME and had a brief cameo in a short film called TRIBUTE. Projects coming up are, CLOUDLAND, DAISY DELIVERED, SLEEPWALK, SCARE DARES and WHISPERS FROM THE SHADOWS! Lots to look forward to :)