A Day with Christoph Sanders

For us, we still see Christoph Sanders as the young Ned Banks in Jennifer Love Hewitt's past hit "Ghost Whisperer." It's not a bad thing, surely, because Sanders is a cool guy with the sweetest heart around. This 25-year-old actor now seen on "Last Man Standing," let us take a tour of his pad (which has a very grounded, natural vibe) in Los Angeles, which we happily invaded to say the least.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? Working on "Last Man Standing" (as Kyle Anderson), I feel like almost every job I've had has been a step up, no more so than "Last Man Standing." I'm looking forward to getting back to work on [the show] in August. 

Tell me one thing that most people don’t know about you. I enjoy baking, but not eating what I make. I end up giving away almost everything I make.    What is your biggest guilty pleasure? Television, I end up watching way to much TV when I have stuff I should be getting done. 

Your house seems very secluded and very natural - what made you decide to live there instead of living in the midst of LA's urban life?  Because I get best of both worlds, I'm a short drive into the city and everything I love about Los Angeles, but when I get home it feels like I'm a hundred miles away.

Do you have any pet peeves?  Bullying, I can't stand a bully. 

Who is the one person that you would be starstruck when meeting? Daniel Day Lewis, mostly because I have no idea what I would talk to him about.

What made you want to become an actor? How it made me feel. I really love to act, and with most things i can get bored pretty quick, but with acting you're never done learning. 

So I know that you obtained rank of Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts of America. Getting to such a high rank must have been an amazing accomplishment! Tell me something else that is on your bucket list. I've always wanted to live in another country and learn the language.

What are some of the lessons learned (through Boy Scouts) that remain with you today? How important it is to respect one another.

Is there a particular quote or life lesson that you live by? Be as honest to others as you expect them to be to you. 

Interviewed by Kayla Aldecoa

Photographed by Vince Trupsin Groomed by Amber Bruehl

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