As my loyal readers know, I follow the Canadian film industry fairly closely, and as a result, I regularly “discover” other actors of whom I was not previously aware while I am promoting and watching the works of many of my actor friends. I do not know exactly how I happened upon Sharon Taylor, but as I examined her credits, I realized I had seen her in a wide variety of works (including her first movie role). Recently, she agreed to answer a few questions about her experiences in the film industry so far with a heavy concentration on her current (and upcoming) roles, specifically SyFy’s new original series, Ghost Wars.
Photo by Dennys Ilic
RH: Why did you decide to become an actress?
ST: I had wanted to be an actress since I was in high school. I loved being in the school plays, and I had a very inspiring high school teacher who put his heart and soul into mounting a show. I learned early on that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but that the overall reward is so worth it. I then went on to study theatre in university and received my Batchelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre and haven’t looked back!
Photo by Ryan Crocker
Please tell us about your training in acting and martial arts.
After I graduated from theatre school, I studied acting with Warren Robertson for many years, and I really made a push to have a TV and film career. I have also been training in martial arts for over eighteen years, and I now have my second-degree black belt in karate and kickboxing. I’ve also trained in Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
I think your earliest work was in To Have and To Hold. What are your memories of that movie? Any special moments you remember with the cast or while filming?
I played a waitress/bartender named Sally in To Have and To Hold and I had to carry a tray of drinks that I almost dropped! The assistant director looked at me and said, “You must be the only actor I’ve ever met who’s never worked as a server. You’re carrying that tray all wrong.” He was right; I had never worked in the service industry before. I paid my way through university doing secretarial work instead. I can’t carry drinks, but I can type fast and make a mean cup of coffee.
With the cast of Stargate: Atlantis
Smallville
You had recurring roles on Stargate: Atlantis and Smallville. Anything special you want to share about any of these experiences?
Stargate: Atlantis and Smallville were both very special projects for me. I made amazing friends while working on those shows, and we are still friends to this day. And because those two shows had a very popular sci-fi following, I was invited to sci-fi conventions all over the world and have met some incredible fans.
with Jason Bourque and Lochlyn Munro from Meteor Assault
You have worked with Jason Bourque a few times. What was it like working with him on those projects? What do you appreciate about him as a director?
Jason Bourque is one of my favourite directors to work with. I love how he communicates with the actors, and he always stays cool under pressure. When the sun is going down, and the light is fading, he will still get the perfect shot right under the wire. He’s a talented director and an amazing writer as well.
I see you are also on a Canadian show called Bellevue. What can you tell us about your role in that show?
with Anna Paquin from Bellevue
I play Detective Virginia Panamick who is one of the detectives investigating the disappearance of a transgendered teen, alongside Detective Annie Ryder (Anna Paquin). Virginia likes to follow protocol and rules, while Annie acts on instinct and is very impulsive, so the two women complement each other well. It’s a great mystery series with lots of twists and turns! Bellevue starts airing the US on the WGN America channel in January 2018.
You will be on SyFy’s new show Ghost Wars. How did you get involved in that show and what can you tell us about your character?
I auditioned for Ghost Wars and I was so thrilled to learn I’d be working with the show’s creator Simon Barry again. I had worked with him briefly on Continuum and he is such a brilliant and kind person. And then when I found out I would be acting opposite Vincent D’Onofrio, Kim Coates and Meatloaf, I was as excited as a little kid on Christmas! Ghost Wars is about a remote Alaskan town that has been overrun by paranormal forces and the town must work together to save themselves from the mass haunting that’s threatening to destroy them all. I play Sophia Moon, the town mortician, and she has a crazy journey throughout the series. She is one of my most favourite characters that I’ve ever played. Ghost Wars is currently airing on the SyFy channel in the USA and then will be on Netflix in January.
Why do you think people will enjoy Ghost Wars? A lot of people might be turned off by the paranormal aspects. What would you say to convince them to at least try the show?
I think people will enjoy Ghost Wars because the characters are so compelling. The ghosts force people to face their deepest fears and realize that there is more to life than what you can see and touch.
“Slimed”
Ghost Wars
Any behind-the-scenes stories you can share about filming Ghost Wars?
My character gets “slimed” at one point in the series and they literally dumped a bucket of slime on me. It was cold! The slime was actually veterinary obstetrics lube for birthing baby cows and such, so… that was interesting. Ha-ha!
Do you have any aspirations to do writing/directing yourself in the future?
I love to write and I have a bunch of scripts I’m working on. Some big things are happening with a police-drama-thriller I wrote, so hopefully, we can shoot it soon.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I want to do the Camino de Santiago hiking trail in Spain. I like having adventures and meeting interesting people, and having accomplished a walk/hike of 490 miles seems like a great way to grow as a person, both mentally and spiritually.
Photo by Ryan Crocker
While I was virtually unfamiliar with Sharon as a performer and as a person, I found myself incredibly impressed with her soaring accomplishments and vast experience within this ever-changing industry known as show business. Not only is she absolutely drop-dead gorgeous (I truly could not stop staring at her headshot), but she is a strong, pragmatic woman whose versatility and talent is practically limitless. In short, I don’t believe there is any challenge she wouldn’t accept and ultimately conquer. She is tenaciously committed to her chosen career, and it does seem as though her hard work is rewarding her as more prominent and more meaningful roles are sent her way.
I invite all of my readers to tune in Thursday nights to the SyFy Network (if you are in the U.S.) to watch this highly-anticipated new show called Ghost Wars, for Sharon’s role is set to dazzle and entertain as only she can. Moreover, if you are in Canada, be sure to check out her other show, Bellevue. (I cannot tell you how excited I am that this show is coming to the U.S. in January!) Additionally, if you are so inclined, please consider checking out all of her links below and following her where applicable. This gifted actress is well on her way to super stardom as she continues to portray roles that connect with viewers all over the world. However, in spite of any successes Sharon has, there is no doubt in my mind that she will remain as humble, charming and grounded as she is now. And above all else, she will continue to radiate joy and kindness to all who have the honor of working with her, watching her on-screen, and even meeting her!
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