1. What was the most difficult part of playing a character much loved and idolized by Anne of Green Gables fans? Thank you for bringing such a wonderful story to life.
I did the first 'Anne' right at the end of my last year in high school. Professionally, it was an honour to receive the role and allowed me to get my foot into an industry that can be very difficult to enter. It opened a lot of doors for me. At that point, however, I was all set to attend university, and I subsequently decided to put off my academic career and delve more into this 'acting' thing--a decision I've never regretted. (It took me about 10 more years of part-time studies and I finally managed to get my university degree).
2. What was your favorite scene to play in Anne 1, Anne 2 and Anne 3?
There are so many wonderful moments I remember from each of the 'Anne' films. I don't know if I can say these are my absolute FAVOURITES, but here's a few I remember fondly:
Anne 1: I remember being kind of nervous when Megan was first going to hit me with the slate. We had a rehearsal and she smashed it over my head--it felt like nothing, no pain at all. After a few takes, I actually started to enjoy doing it (don't worry, I'm not weird). The director finally told me "You have to make it at least LOOK like it's hurting you!"
Anne 2: Megan and I had a great time doing the bike race. We knew we had to keep up the energy, spirit and fun of it through each of the takes, so we just kept teasing each other and cracking each other up the whole afternoon. A little exhausting, but a lot of fun.
Anne 3: I really liked the wedding waltz. Megan and I were both aware what a poignant and bittersweet moment it was. Here we were, finally, finally married, and knowing we were also going to have to say goodbye. It was a very silent, emotional moment between Anne and Gilbert, and I enjoyed playing it very much. (Thank goodness we had both taken waltz lessons and I didn't have to worry about that during the scene!).
3. Which of the cast members of AofGG have you kept in touch with the most?
At various times I've reconnected with many of the cast members (and crew), whether it be on a professional level or simply socially. Since I've been in New York, I haven't seen Megan for a while. I did get to see her perform in a 'Soulpepper' show not too long ago and she was (as always) marvelous.
4. What is your favourite book? Favourite play? Favourite movie?
I get asked these "What's Your Favourite..." questions a lot and always enjoy answering. So, for the record-
My favourite book: The Dubliners by James Joyce--not the 'funnest' read, but wonderfully absorbing. Whenever I go on one of my back-packing trips I always take it along.
My favourite movie(s): I love Duck Soup, Taxi Driver, Love Me Tonight (a great old musical) and almost anything with Walter Matthau.
My favourite play: A tough one--there are so many wonderful plays that have had both good and not-so-good productions. I think I fall for the production more than the actual play. (Sorry, bit of a cop-out answer).
5. Do you prefer the theatre's immediate reaction with the crowd, or the wider reach of the television?
There are so many things I love about doing film, television AND theatre. Each offers its own discipline, rewards, and frustrations. I do confess, I have found myself following the theatre route a little more. I love the process of rehearsal, the fact that every night offers a new insight and experience, and the sense of community a theatre company offers.
However, I'm not saying this DOESN'T exist in film or TV---as a matter of fact, I remember quite fondly the camaraderie and sense of 'play' that we had on the 'Anne' sets, but sometimes it can be rare.



