I learned how to do my taxes when I was 12. I had my first kiss on camera. Being a kid actor felt a little like sitting on a phone book in the driver's seat of a semi. For me, anyway.
It was terrifying, exhilarating, bizarre, and totally natural. In that order. The most important line to walk as a director is commanding authority while knowing when to get out of the way.
Directing, releasing an album, acting in TV series that go on for years- those seem like pipe dreams to most people and you have done ALL three. When was a moment when you felt really proud of your career?
Last week, a young actress stayed behind after she wrapped because she wanted to say goodbye and thank me for the day. I thought back to when I was that age and what a major impact seeing a woman lead would have had on me, but I didn’t see a female director until I was almost 20. Making that little girl smile, helping her feel great about the work she had done is why directing is so exciting to me.
The album you’re coming out with is like nothing else coming out lately. The music feels nostalgic and romantic, there's no auto-tune... hahaha! What was the process like, deciding on the type of music you wanted to make?
It was exactly like this: I got hungry. I opened the fridge and saw some things I’d never put together before. The result? Three great tastes that taste great together and also happen to be creatively nourishing. Guitar based French music about horror films. Check please.
Since people recognize your face from TV- What is the most awkward fan experience you have had?
None of the awkward experiences hold a candle to the delight of being seated in a full restaurant in New Orleans at lunch hour with my dad. Thank you, Napoleon House.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to have a career like yours?
Read every play on the shelf at your local library. Read novels, short stories, non-fiction, and the newspaper. Don’t think for a second that being an empty vessel makes you a better vehicle for art. Keep your interests broad and make acquiring new skills your favorite hobby.
Acting. Music. Directing: if you had to pick which would it be?
Music is the big nesting doll that cradles the other two.
Tell me about what's next for you, where do we listen to the new album? What do you want to do next?
Catch my episodes in the new season of Just Roll with It later this year on the Disney Channel. The All of them Witches EP by La Femme Pendu is streaming on all platforms. Follow @lafemmependu on social media for updates on when to pre-order vinyl for the upcoming full-length release, where the next live show is, and what effect the current moon phase is having on my pirouette.
