"NEWS, REVIEWS AND CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS."

P J Soles: Actress

1. Please tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from and what or who inspired you to become an actress? I was born in Germany - my dad was Dutch and my mom is from New Jersey. I moved around a lot growing up since my dad worked for an international company, so besides Germany, I lived in Morocco, Venezuela, and Belgium. I remember seeing "THE DIRTY DOZEN" and thinking that those characters were so real - it is strange to think that particular film had such an impact on me, but it did because I totally believed it.  I loved how films could completely captivate me for two hours. I was fascinated with how deeply I was affected by the story I was watching. My dad would comfort me if I couldn't stop crying over an emotional scene: "Hey, it's just make-believe; the actors are all sitting around laughing and drinking a coca cola right now." I didn't really believe him until I came to Hollywood! 2. Who is your biggest influence as an actress? I think all actors, but mainly the ones that really make you believe you are watching the character not the actor or the star.  3. Tell us about your latest project film “Death by Engagement” Directed by Philip Creager and also starring Sascha Knopf and Aaron MacPherson and many other fine actors. I love Pennie and Phil. They are a great team. I really believe they will have many future successes. They wanted me to be a part of their project from the beginnning, and that meant a lot to me.  Phil created a role just for me - "Mrs. Starkington" - a quirky, spooky lady that just can't let go of her "dead" son, so she keeps him hooked up to an artificial heart machine in his childhood room. The movie is in the "horror" genre, but it has a wit and humor that makes it so much more fun to watch. 4. How did you prepare for your role as Mrs. Starkington. What part of the  character did you identify with? The wardrobe was very important - I don't wear those kinds of dresses. I adopted a very light, but distinct "woman of means" accent, and my attitude was in line with a bizarre concern for the ritual rules for after-life contact. The only part of "Mrs. Starkington" that I identified with was the intense love of her son. 5. You also just finished up working on “Tooth Fairy” with director Chuck  Bowman, can you tell us a little bit about that? It was shot in Vancouver - great city!  Chuck is a veteran director - relaxed, but very precise in his requests. It will be very scary, since films with children are usually just a little bit more intense because children are so vulnerable and helpless. I play the creepy lady next door, who knows all about what is going on with "that house" that this young couple and their daughter are renovating.  I am not "the tooth fairy", but I got to do the voice over for that character since the person that was going to do the session called in sick while I was there looping some of my scenes. It was great, but I lost my voice because it was like creating a film score, using my voice as an instrument for the character - screeching and screaming and laughing throughout the whole film.

6. Of all the films and television that you've done, what would you consider  your most memorable role? RIFF RANDALL - Gabba, Gabba Hey! 7. What aspects of that character do you identify with?  Her energy and her positive attitude. 8. From an actor’s standpoint what is the most important thing a Director  can bring to the set?  Confidence and patience, and the willingness to understand what an actor needs to get beyond what is written on the page to make the scene really ring true on screen. 9. Any future projects in the works? Give us the scoop! A film called "DEAD CALLING" written by Tony Masi and produced by Mike Nichols. We shot a very good trailer in South Hampton, Long Island, and it has an amazing look to it. The cast will include many actors from all the various "HALLOWEEN" films. I am really looking forward to working on it, because Tony and Mike are very talented. 10. Do you have any advice for aspiring actors? Be daring. Usually the best times I have had when I worked on a film is when I felt I had the freedom to bring something "extra" to the character, whether it be wardrobe, an accent, or improvising within a scene. Going beyond the script usually makes for a magical moment. 11. When all is said and done, what 3 things would you like for people to  remember about you? That I love my son and daughter and my family, that I appreciate all my fans , and that I try to be sincere and honest in everything I do. 12. Here's where we give you a word or phrase and you give us the first  thoughts that pop into your mind. Toxic Shock TV (shameless plug): "CARRIE" shower scene Biggest regret: Not dating Cameron Crowe when he asked me out.... but he was too young - it would have been like dating my younger brother! Favorite Genre: EVERYTHING! Biggest prick: Literally...........or? HaHa! Actually I could name names on both counts, but I won't! The funniest thing that has ever happened to you on a set: On the stove with Bill Murray in "STRIPES" - I was having the best time, and he really did turn on the center griddle - my butt was burning! You can only watch three movies for the rest of your life, which three: "THE DIRTY DOZEN", "SPINAL TAP", "WAKING NED DEVINE" You can only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, which three: Beast - "UNCLE TOM",  Al Green - "LET'S STAY TOGETHER", and Jimmy Cliff - "THE HARDER THEY COME"