This is Me: Katee Sackhoff

Name: Katee Sackhoff Age: 33 | Occupation: Actress, “Longmire”

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Your show "Longmire" (premiering its second season May 27th on A&E) is getting all the raves these days. What can fans expect from the show and your character this season?

I love playing Vic Moretti, she's such a spit fire. Last season we saw Vic struggling with her relationship with her husband and the reasons (some obvious and talked about, others more clandestine and secret)... they moved from Philadelphia to Absoroka County, Wyoming. We will have more of that this season. Also her relationship with Walt is an interesting one. She cares for him and admires him but because of the problems in her marriage she may be reaching out to him. Then of course we have more crime, more shootings, more wild animals, and beautiful scenery. All the things the loyal "Longmire" fan base has come to expect with a lot more personal relationships this season. This character is a lot more like myself than anyone I've portrayed. She's strong and extremely capable but she's flawed and damaged. She's girly with a whole lot of attitude thrown in. I love that about her. She's not as outwardly masculine as quite a few of the characters I've become known for, and she's a whole lot less crazy too!

You have worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Richard Dreyfuss to Kiefer Sutherland and Vin Diesel. Were you ever a bit starstruck walking on to the set?

No, not really. My mom always told me to try to identify with the person sitting across from you, not only to be personable and have something to talk about but to make them seem less daunting. I don't think she ever knew what good that advice would do me in this line of work, but it's allowed me to squash my nerves and have fun. I remember having to read with Richard Dreyfus when I was 20 and instead of focusing on how much I idolized him I just kept saying, he's the guy from "Jaws"...it's one of the first movies my dad ever showed me (I believe my mom had some words with him about that one), but it helped me take him back in years and be more of a peer then the Oscar winner sitting across from me. Little did I know I'd be working with such accomplished actors on that job and jobs to come.

You spent years on the set on the set of "Battlestar Galactica." What was it like to be a part of that project?

Such an honor. I loved every second of that job and while it wasn't my first show it was the one that I have to thank for so much of my current work. The crew and cast were like family and the show was so groundbreaking and relevant. I couldn't have seen that coming nor wished for more. People always say, we want to create something like "Battlestar," what they don't realize is that that takes tremendous balls. Ron Moore and David Eick (and the network) had tremendous trust in the writers, the actors, and the crew. We had freedom to express and make the characters what we wanted. We had input and control over what our characters did. That is not normal in this business. Ron used to say you know this character better than anyone ever will, do what you think is right. What confidence! He's fantastic!

Your new movie "Riddick" is set to release this fall. What can you tell us about the film?

Not much, other than I felt like a kid in a candy store! I've wanted to work with Vin for as long as I can remember and have been such a fan of the Riddick movies I could barely contain myself.

I play Dahl a Nordic bounty hunter, she's crazy tough. I told the director that I was supposed to play this character because my grandmother's maiden name was Dahl and I'm German...it was in my DNA.

Acting alongside Vin Diesel, we must assume the film will be action-packed. How was that experience for you?

I love action movise! Love love love! My dad raised me on science fiction and action, so not only was this a dream for me but my dad too. I did have to call him before I accepted the movie to ask permission, there's nudity and I needed to run it by him first. I'm a daddy's girl at heart and would never want to embarrass my parents. They have always been so supportive and I didn't want to disappoint him, but ultimately he was so proud and excited for me to be a part of this series. I just have to warn him to close his eyes....

My brother (Erick) however says I've ruined it for him! Damn side boob!

I hear that you used to swim competitively, and had dreams of becoming a professional. Has acting always been a passion as well?

I was always a clown running around dancing and singing. I could entertain myself for hours playing make believe. But sports were always my first love.

When you grow up in a small town becoming an actor seems so far fetched! You never hear of someone succeeding and it's so easy to be taken advantage of by all those acting schools and modeling scouts (FYI, if they ask for money from you don't do it!). My parents helped me go to these schools and "they" (the schools),...well let's just say I don't wanna be sued for slander!

Anyway, after I hurt my knees I had to think of something else that inspired me that fueled my competitive nature and acting seemed like the right choice. My mom saw an add in the paper to be Kirsten Dunst's body double for a local movie and I went in for it. I was too tall but the casting agent said 'can you act?' and of course I was like 'um...totally' (lying through my teeth). I went home and my mom helped me memorize the audition and I booked the role. It changed my life...the director Sam Pillsbury convinced my mom to fly to LA with me and he introduced me to my agent (who is now my manager) I have my career to thank to that man and my mom helping me memorize!

When was it that you knew that this could be a lifelong career for you?

When I booked my first series, maybe that was naivety, but I was 18 and called my parents and said, I did it, I made it! Oh, and I won't be finishing my freshman year of college.

Now I realize that the moment was probably after 24 and when I booked "Riddick," and produced my first movie. They all seemed to happen at the same time but during those two years I realized if I chose to do this for the rest of my life I probably could in some capacity.

Portland Speed Industries, your brother’s company, customizes and modifies cars. Has he done any special projects for you?

My brother is my biggest fan and harshest critique, he's loved and hated so much of what I've done. I'm more proud of him every day. My Brudy or Brud as I call him is such a kind soul and smart guy. He and his partner Jason have really done some amazing things over at PSI. (Along with some amazing employees who know way too much about cars! haha ) They built a really cool car for Ryan Turke (Drift racer) and he got 5th in Long Beach. If you can dream it, they can build it!

Are there any words that you live by, whether it be a quote or advice you have been given?

Trust your instincts, always! And... you can't win them all! If you spend your life trying to make everyone happy you lose sight of what you want. When I got sick and had cancer in 2008 I realized I spent so much time trying to be the person people wanted me to be. I never spoke my mind and often didn't say how I felt. When I came out of surgery I looked at my mom and said I will never not say anything anymore, life's too short! Now, I have ruffled many feathers in my day but what you see is what you get and....you can't win em all.

Photographer: Vince Trupsin Makeup by: Colleen Campbell Hair by: Kylee Heath Stylist: Jeff Kim

This is Me: Kandyse McClure

Name: Kandyse McClure Age: 33 | Occupation: Actress, “Hemlock Grove”

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You probably recognize this South African beauty Kandyse McClure from your television screen. She's starred as Anastasia in the long-running show "Battlestar Galactica," appeared in a list of shows and television movies including "The Client List," "Children of the Corn," "Alphas," and more. McClure can currently be seen as Dr. Clementine Chasseur on the Netflix original series Hemlock Grove.

You spent years on the set of "Battlestar Galactica." What was it like being a part of such an exciting project?

At the risk of sounding cliché, it changed my life, both professionally and personally. I can't say enough about the cast and the invaluable lessons I learned from them and the fond memories I will always have of our time together.

Now tell us about your experience on working on Netflix's "Hemlock Grove." Seems like a fun project to be a part of!

On BSG ("Battlestar Galactica") I was one of the younger actors on the set, this time I realized I was one of the adults! I think we fancied ourselves a group of mavericks. There was a sense of wanting to bring something new to an already established genre and of course Netflix is definitely doing something groundbreaking in my opinion.

Was there a transition process from television to working on a Netflix original series?

Not really. In terms of logistics...production is production. However, it did feel like a really collaborative environment. Actors where given time to work, discussion about character and choices was encouraged, and the writers were also available to adapt dialogue.

You’ve worked with some well-known names in Hollywood, from Jennifer Love Hewitt to Hayden Christensen. What was your biggest starstruck moment?

Actually it was working on a short film (that will never see the light of day unfortunately) directed by Paul Hunter and starring Lenny Kravitz. I got to set and the cast chairs said Kandyse and Lenny. I almost fell over.

Since you grew up in South Africa, was there a culture shock for you when entering into the movie business?

As a kid I dreamed of reaching crowds of people, of being on stage, but I never really thought it was an actual career choice for me. I didn't grow up watching a lot of TV or movies. By the time I started acting I had been in North America for a few years. I think I had already experienced the culture shock. My life already felt like a dream, being in the TV business seemed like another chapter on an already fantastical adventure.

What was the deciding factor for you to move to Canada? Was the intention always to pursue acting?

Not at all. My mother brought us here to pursue a better life for us. Living under apartheid in South Africa was not the safest thing for a politically outspoken young single mother and her daughter. She wanted me to have greater freedom and opportunities. My mother made the bravest choice for us. She is the most remarkable person I know.

That's wonderful. We're so impressed, and love what you've achieved. And because we just have to ask...and it's incredibly common in the industry, what made you decide to change the spelling of your first name?

I began spelling my name differently long before I became an actor. Candice was an incredibly common name in South Africa in the 80s. I didn't like being referred to as the girl with the hazel eyes (hazel eyes having somewhat negative mythology in my culture). So I became Kandyse with a K. When started acting I put that down, kind of as a joke! Seriously, I didn't think I would actual BECOME an actor. Now I'm stuck with it! Kandyse is a corporate entity. Candice is who my friends and family know. It helps keep my private life safe.

And a few years ago, you auctioned of the chance to have dinner with you to support Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society. What exactly happened there?

Babz is sorely missed. Anything I could do to contribute to her legacy pales in comparison to the work she did and her unbreakable spirit. The actual dinner was fun - Tahmoh Penikett and I went together. He's such a big brother to me he didn't want me going alone. We had a blast together. Sean Koo has been a long time fan of the show and continues to support both our work.

Lastly, what is a motto that you attempt to live by, whether it be a quote or advice you have been given?

Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack in everything That's how the light gets in - Leonard Cohen

It reminds me that there is beauty and truth in imperfection - to get it done then get it right and to take chances before I may feel ready. To accept the world, flaws and all.

Interview by Kayla Aldecoa

Photographed by Jean-Claude Makeup by Jayme Kavanaugh Styled by Ali Levine

This is Me: Aldis Hodge

Name: Aldis Hodge Age: 26 | Occupation: Actor, “Leverage"

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Although he is best known as Alec Hardison on TNT’s crime series “Leverage" (which sadly ended in December), Aldis Hodge has a mysterious appeal which makes us want to learn more about him. Plus, we already featured his brother who is also an actor!

Are there any characteristics of Alec's that apply to you in real life? Or do you see yourself as a completely different person?

I am very much a completely different person, however Alec and I do share similar taste in sarcasm as well as a knack for wanting to do the right thing for people.

What about the more artistic side of Aldis? What kind of work do you produce as an artist and where do you hope to go with it?

I produce abstract paintings on canvases that I usually build and stretch myself. I hope to have them hanging in a gallery like LACMA or MOCA one day.

Last year we got the wonderful opportunity to also interview your brother, Edwin. Can you tell us, from your perspective, what it’s like being in the same industry as him? Have you two ever worked together, or is there a line between business and family?

We started off working together with print, "Sesame Street," "Showboat" on Broadway, "Die Hard With a Vengeance"... the list goes on. He even did an episode of "Leverage." This business has always been a family affair and will always continue to be.

When you’re not so busy on set, what do you give your time to? Any favorite hobbies or guilty pleasures?

Most of my time is spent designing watches, focusing on building an horology company, or trying to develop new tv or film productions.

If you had one day of complete freedom, what would you choose to do? Where would you go and with whom would you share it with, if anybody?

I get those days pretty often, most of which I simply choose to be lazy. But the other times I just kick it with my lady or my family.

Now we know you dipped your feet into acting since you were very young and have been occupied with that since then, but is there another skill you’ve always wanted to try or pickup?

As far as this industry goes, I've always wanted to be a writer. Now if only I could conquer my procrastination problem I might actually get there.

Because you were involved so early in age, you must have numerous accounts of experiences. Can you recall any that you just absolutely loved, or thought, “Whew, glad that’s over”?

I loved the entire "Leverage" experience, "Showboat," and "Sesame Street" the most because they were all the most fertile teaching grounds for me during a time when I was often oblivious to the lessons until they snuck up on me. On the flip side, I recall a few auditions that I couldn't wait to get done with. Dealing with rude casting directors is such a journey.

Do you see yourself continuing in this field, or do you have other goals you wish to pursue?

I've always said that I'm going to probably die in a director's chair at 105 years old! I will always be in this business, but, that being said, this business is just one small facet of proof of my potential. I am much more beyond just this and I plan to explore as much of myself as possible (e.g. my pursuit of building watches, architecture, car design, jet design, etc...)

Is there any role you dream of playing, whether the role has already been played or is created by yourself?

I've always wanted to play a comic book character, but now that I've shot my new pilot called "The Sixth Gun" based off the graphic novel of the same title I can say that I have. Next thing on my list is to save the world from aliens or terrorists.

If you could go back in time, would you give yourself as a child any piece of advice on what to expect or what not to expect?

Practice patience, finish all of what you start, and keep promises to yourself.

Interview by Stephanie Kim

Photography by Vince Trupsin Grooming by Angie Miller

“This is Me” is a self-styled online editorial featured exclusively on ZooeyMagazine.com