Victoria G Interviews Jane Edwina Seymour

Victoria G: What inspired you to become an actress?

Jane Edwina Seymour: I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be in the performing arts... dancing, acting, singing, playing around... it was all the same to me. As a kid, I was always playing dress-ups with my Mum's clothes, shoes and jewelry pretending to be 'Cleopatra' or some such character, or running around being a Fairy or heavenly Spirit in the backyard. I spent a lot of time on my own as a kid as my siblings were older and at school. I loved it. I never really stopped doing that, I just got older and more evolved in my approach and methodologies.

VG: Who are your acting inspirations?

JES: I draw acting inspiration and stimulus from not just 'who' but an eclectic bunch of people/places/things... disabled people who never gave/give up, natural world 'warriors' like Dr. Jane Goodall, everyday heroes like paramedics/firefighters/nurses, too many actors to name but Colleen Dewhurst, Judy Davis, Richard Burton and Vanessa Redgrave top that list, lots of fine art forms such as ceramics/painting/sculpture/photography, architecture, garden design, Asian culture, many many writers, music... I could go on and on.

VG: What is your favorite thing about acting?

JES: Acting motivates me to be the best I can be, contribute the best I've got to offer, keep improving on that, bring my A+ work ethic, be ready to work; and it brings out the best of who I am as a person. Even when I'm under enormous pressure, and/or not feeling confident or grounded.

VG: What was your first acting job?

JES: We have to go back to the late 70's... early 80's... in Australia, it was a commercial for Colombian Coffee: I was a Greek Statue that came to life when I smelled the "...wonderful fragrance of brewing Colombian Coffee." Lots of amazing plaster-cast prosthetics, painted skin and draping fabric stiffened by glue to resemble marble.

VG: What is your favorite project you have ever done?

JES: Oh gosh, that's a hard one but three stand out as projects I adored working on all for different reasons: in Australia 2004/2005, a feminist version of Shakespeare's KING LEAR in which I had the privilege to play Lear over a two year period. And in 2022 in America, I worked on STAR WARS: Ahsoka season 1, I can not say anything about it but I loved working on it, for many many reasons. And STAR TREK: Picard the final season, inhabiting the final incantation of the BORG Queen. An honor to play such a role, a career highlight to work with (Sir) Patrick Stewart, and a joy and privilege to work with the best prosthetic and makeup artists in the business.

VG: What are some qualities you look for in a project?

JES: Solid script. Articulate production and direction vision. Decent challenging role. Proper contract/deal memo and remuneration.

VG: Which character that you have played so far has been the most similar to you?

JES: I don't really work that way per say. I've come to appreciate that there is a piece of me in every character I play, some more similar to me than others. Developing empathy for the character, especially if the character is the antithesis to me, enables me to create the life of the character, not just the similarities we have in common. I, Jane Edwina, can be appalled by my character, their actions and attitudes. Yet as the actor, I seek empathy to 'stand in their shoes' and gain an understanding of why they are so appalling. That's very enabling for me and pays huge dividends when I bring that character to any project I work on.

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

JES: Dedicated. Self-respectful. Loyal.

VG: What are your social media handles?

JES: I don't know what that means?... I'm not very good at social media... I'm getting better.

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

JES: Maintaining an acting career if I'm still offered work; living at home in Australia close to the ocean, with two Maine Coon kitties, a couple of citrus trees and a veggie garden in the backyard.

VG: What are three qualities every actor should have?

JES: I don't like to tell other actors what they should have. But for me, the three qualities I continue to build on, and respect in others, are solid work ethic/preparation, spontaneity and authenticity.

VG: Do you have any advice for an aspiring actor?

JES: Go after your dream by training with good teachers, getting out there and auditioning for work, do as many jobs that come your way and constantly hone your work ethics and craft. We can do that our whole working lives in this profession... isn't that amazing!

VG: What's next for you?

JES: I'm not allowed to say.

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Who is a director you would love to work with?

JES: Can I have two, actually three... The Coen Brothers and Guillermo del Toro.

VG: What is something you can't live without?

JES: Fresh brewed coffee with lots of milk.

VG: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JES: When someone leaves their laundry in the washing machine and/or laundry room for days and days and days.

VG: Do you have any hidden talents?

JES: Sewing...I love it.

VG: Do you play any instruments?

JES: No

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

JES: Cooking

VG: Do you have any pets?

JES: No unfortunately.

VG: What is your biggest fear?

JES: Being trapped in a huge over-crowded room or venue.

VG: What is your favorite film genre?

JES: Science Fiction