Catching Up With Canadian Cutie Laura Vandervoort. The bitten actress talks with CSL about her new show, her love for Vancouver and her travel must haves.
WHY DO YOU THINK WEREWOLF PLOTLINES HAVE SURGED IN POPULARITY?
I play Elena Michaels [on bitten], the only female werewolf in the world. She’s layered, strong and flawed. There were so many things that drew me to Elena, and the fact that she’s a werewolf certainly added to the intrigue for me. As a fan of sci-fi I’ve become very aware that the most dominant, strong and empowered
leading women are often found in this genre. I’m drawn to the challenge. Sci-fi lends a hand to stretching the imagination. It allows for an escape for the audience and the ability to go outside of the usual plot box on television. I think audiences love that and are drawn to it.
WHY IS BEING AN ACTRESS FULFILLING?
It is something I’ve been doing since I was 13–something I started doing to try it out– and wound up falling in love with the art. I find it fulfilling for many reasons: to explore my emotions; to transform into another character (generally someone very different from myself); to test my boundaries and scare myself on a daily basis. On top of all of this, I’ve found a surprisingly fulfilling side to this career—the fans, meeting young women who find escape in my character and little girls who look up to me as (somewhat) of a role model. Supergirl has been wonderful in that sense. I meet so many young girls who admire Supergirl. That
means so much to me.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS.
I love animals. I work consistently with pETA because of this – doing their exotic skins campaign and blackfish campaign to free Orcas from captivity. In addition, when I was born, I contracted meningitis. The hospital that saved my life at a rather young age, North york General Hospital, has wonderful programs for donations. Donating to their neonatal unit and spreading the word was a way for me to give back. World Vision is also a wonderful organization I’ve been working
with for a few years. Sponsoring two kids through World Vision was something that was important to me.
FAVOURITE CANADIAN CITY?
Vancouver. It has just been such a positive place for me. I’malways there working, spent my first time away from my family as an adult in Vancouver. Struggled
there. blossomed there. And I love the vibe, pace and energy. people are just happy and healthy. The air is clean and there are so many different areas to explore whether it’s whistler, yaletown, Gastown, Granville island, Stanley park…It has it all.
WHAT THREE ITEMS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR LUGGAGE AND WHAT BRAND OF LUGGAGE DO YOU ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH?
Three items… Hmmm. Always have my snack bars (kind bars, Lärabar), my heels and a comfy tshirt. I have many different brands of luggage that I’ve collected along the way. I couldn’t possibly be that person who has a matching set. I just can’t throw old luggage away!
MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL MOMENT?
Seeing large pods of dolphins swimming beside our boat every morning at sunrise and every night at sunset while shooting in Hawaii! They were beautiful and free.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH AND AT WHICH RESTAURANT?
I’ve had amazing sushi in London at Zuma Sushi and incredible everything in Vancouver at blue Water Cafe in yaletown. Incredible bread and wine at Manon
restaurant in NyC!
FAVOURITE HOTEL IN THE WORLD?
Don’t think I’ve found my favorite yet. I look forward to more exploring more in the next few years.
This tour guide article first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of City Style and Living Magazine
