KAREN CLICHE
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, actress Karen Cliche stands as a versatile force, seamlessly navigating roles from Adventure Inc. to the upcoming thriller Thanksgiving, helmed by Eli Roth. As we delve into her preparation for Thanksgiving, where she portrays the enigmatic Kathleen, Cliche unveils her commitment to infusing depth into characters, leaving audiences to decipher the complexities of their intentions. The challenges of filming, including a day inside an industrial-sized pizza oven, become badges of honor for Cliche, showcasing her unwavering dedication to her craft. With Eli Roth's support and a collaborative spirit, the team transforms challenges into authentic moments, reflecting the raw intensity of the film's plot set in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Cliche embraces a life of purpose, returning to the industry after a hiatus dedicated to motherhood. Her journey is marked not only by acting prowess but also by a steadfast commitment to advocacy. Cliche delves into her involvement in causes such as Harmony House, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences with domestic abuse. Her support extends to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, reflecting a love for animals that aligns seamlessly with her plant-based diet. As an actress, a mother, and an advocate, Karen Cliche shares insights into her rich, multifaceted life, embodying the essence of resilience and empathy in the world of entertainment.
Now let’s get into your role in Eli Roth’s upcoming thriller "Thanksgiving," can you share how you prepared for your character, especially considering the unique plot set in Plymouth, Massachusetts?
I wanted to be portray Kathleen as a bit of an enigma, and keep people wondering if she was just a gold digger or does she really love her husband, and is just a bit shallow. The relationship between her and her step daughter Jessica is tense and I wanted to play that tension coated with some innocence and let the audience decide what her real intentions are.
What are the challenges that you’ve experienced during this project? How did you rise above the challenges?
I would say being in that real industrial sized pizza oven for a full day was a challenge! I am so glad I am not claustrophobic. But I had to keep myself calm and preserve my energy and voice between takes. I gave it my all each time and loved every moment. Eli Roth was so supportive and collaborative and we really worked as a team to make this insanity as real as possible. There was no comfort there- no soft padding me for to lie on, it was all real grates that I was banging on, and by the end of the day I was covered in bruises. I wore them like a badge of honour haha!
Reflecting on your diverse roles, from "Adventure Inc." to "Thanksgiving," what draws you to certain projects? Are there specific qualities in a script or character that make you say “yes”?
I am always drawn to strong characters. Ok fine, maybe villains too! I like to find the layers in them, to not just present as “bitchy” or “evil”- but to have reasons why they are this way. Maybe some defence mechanism, or some inner conflict. Way more relatable. I would love another experience like Adventure Inc. I absolutely love fight scenes!
My other love is comedy. I started my career doing funny movies and shows and I recently shot a film in Toronto this fall where there was a lot of improv and I couldn’t have been happier. Definitely want more of that in my life!
After taking a break to embrace motherhood, you've returned to the industry. How do you balance your passion for acting with your dedication to advocating against sex trafficking and supporting women's issues?
I took many years off to raise my girl, I wanted to be fully present for her. It gave me the chance to explore other things I was interested in like marketing, branding and advertising. It also allowed me to be able to commit to volunteering here in Ottawa at a women’s shelter where I was on the fundraising committee at first, then helped out with anything else they needed like food bank, and cleaning the empty apartments and making them cozy for the next woman and her kids that were moving in. I stocked the apartment with basic necessities and made it as nice as I could with limited resources, but it was important to me for the woman to feel like this was a new positive beginning for her.
I sponsored a couple of girls from Thailand and the Philippines to ensure their families didn’t have to sell them to traffickers. Even if it was just two girls, I felt like I was doing what I could, one family at a time.
You've been part of shows like "Vampire High," "Mutant X," and "Young Blades," each with its unique challenges. How did you navigate the unexpected turns in your career, both personally and professionally?
I was fortunate early on to get some really unique roles for an actress (playing a girl who disguised as a man to become a musketeer, and learned to sword fight and ride horses), and all the action roles I did- I am so grateful for those experiences. I love a challenge- it’s the best feeling when you push through it.
As an actor you have to be able to ride the waves of unemployment, rejection, disappointment….but the love for what we do is so strong, that we still feel it is worth it. You have to be flexible in life and so do the people around you. Schedules change on a dime, hours are unpredictable, there is travel…but this is a lot of what I love about it!
Every day is different, and you never know what’s in store.
As an actress with an impressive career, could you share some insights into your process when approaching a new role? How do you immerse yourself in a character?
I make sure I understand her, and find things I can relate to. I teach acting here at an academy as well as online private coaching, and I always suggest living a life full of experiences so that they can draw from that. The more you experience and feel, the more you can expand your connection with the characters. So basically what I am saying is that I can justify my crazy full life for the sake of research lol!
Growing up in a non-showbiz family, what was your family's reaction when you expressed your desire to become an actress? Did they fully understand your passion, or did it take time?
My family is mostly from small town Quebec, working class, funny and
humble. So my life is quite different from theirs but that is why I stay grounded, I am just Karen to them. They are proud and supportive, but there is no pressure in any way to be anything but me.
Among the diverse roles you've played, is there one that holds a special place in your heart? What makes that particular role stand out to you?
If I were to choose I would say Mutant X. When I was invited on the show, the fan reaction was pretty harsh. My character Lexa was not the most likeable at first and despite the amazing welcome from my co-stars, I was an outcast as an actor and a character. The fans lashed out and said some mean things about me personally as well, but I had a vision for Lexa and knew that in time the fans would understand why she was the way she was, that it came from pain, and I would win them over. And half way through the season, the fans did a complete turn around and she became a favourite for so many. It took a lot for me to not take this personally and keep true to the role and that taught me a lot. I also adored my co stars like Vicky Pratt, and the crew as well.
Another favourite would have to be Mackenzie from Adventure Inc. I loved her cool, calm attitude and of course, her kicking ass several times an episode!
My most recent favourite set experience was Thanksgiving. Working with Eli Roth and the amazing cast and crew will forever be a pivotal moment in my career.
Your commitment to women's equality and safety is commendable. Can you share how your personal experiences influenced your decision to actively support causes like Harmony House and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
I grew up in a domestic abuse situation, and my mom left my dad with 2 teenage girls and a few hundred dollars to her name and built us a life of peace and stability and I will be forever grateful for that. She worked nights a nurse and had to leave us alone from age 13 onwards, so I grew up seeing how strong and selfless she was. How brave it was to make that decision. It wasn’t easy but my sister and I had jobs 4/5 nights a week during high school and it taught us work ethic and self sufficiency. So when I volunteer for women’s shelter like Harmony House here, I am very aware that it could have been us, and that many women around the world aren’t as lucky. I see it as an honour to help these women start a new life in safety.
My love for animals is huge, and I support various charities, but the Sheldrick Trust Elephant rescue is my favourite. They do amazing work and if you haven’t read Daphne Sheldrick’s autobiography “An African Love Story” on how it all started, you must! You can adopt an elephant for 50$ a year and you get updates monthly. Their instagram is my favourite account of all.
Being in Ottawa for a few years now, what are some of your favorite places to unwind? If you had a day to play tour guide, where would you take someone (and their cheetah)?
Ottawa is a great home base for me. My family lives here and it is between Montreal and Toronto where I work often. It is a beautiful city and I have made great friends here. My go-to vegetarian restaurant is Pure Kitchen, and we are 30 mins away from the gorgeous world renowned Nordic Spa in the Gatineau mountains. Your commitment to vegetarianism aligns with your advocacy for animals. Can you share more about your journey towards a plant-based diet and some of your favorite vegetarian dishes?
My daughter chose to become vegetarian on her own at age 9, and I was vegetarian on and off over the years, and recently started eating meat again, but I am selective about it. My priority is the welfare of animals, but I also listened to what my body wanted and needed and I feel great now mixing it up. I love cooking so this has also expanded my repertoire!
What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?
I learned early on as a kid who changed schools every 2-3 years, that the more experience you have, the more empathy you have towards others. If your world is small, your thoughts will be. I love having an open mind and love when others do too. Again, it all comes down to experiences and growing from them with compassion for yourself and others.
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
I would love to write an autobiography but in the form of short stories ( mostly funny) of all the hilarious and crazy life experiences I have had. I am very candid and unfiltered so it would definitely be an interesting read lol.
