Currently, one of my favorite film series is Flower Shop Mystery which has aired a total of three films this year on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network.  One of the benefits of this series is that since they always employ top notch actors, I have come in contact with some of the finest in the business, and this now includes a lovely young actress named Kimberly-Sue Murray. Recently, I was able to ask Kimberly-Sue a few questions about how she began acting and some of the memorable moments in her career thus far.

RH: What inspired you to become an actor? What kind of training have you received?

KSM: When we were nine, my cousin and I were playing with the tire swing in her backyard. I’m not sure how the conversation started, but she told me that those people we watch on TV are actually actors, whose job it is to pretend. I had an “Ah-ha!” moment and that’s when it all began. I’m from a very small town in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. There aren’t many options for nine-year-old aspiring actresses. My poor mom, she kept my dream alive until I was old enough to leave home for college at seventeen. She used to drive me to Quebec City and Montreal for open casting calls for roles on French television. I had her call an LA agent on my behalf when I was eleven because I wanted to be a Hollywood star. Little did I know, that nothing happens overnight. Like I said, I left my hometown at seventeen to study professional theatre at Dawson College in Montreal, also known as the Dome Theatre. I must have been the cockiest, ballsiest and most naïve seventeen-year-old student they’ve ever had. Montreal was just a pit stop for me. I then pursued my acting career in Toronto where I attended the Canadian Film Centre Actors Conservatory. That’s where I received my most valuable training. I owe a lot to Larissa Giroux and the CFC.

Please tell us about your first professional job–how you got it, the experience, whatever else you want to say about it.

My first professional gig was a Lifetime movie of the week called The Perfect Teacher. I was their second choice. A few days before the start of production they had to recast the part and I ended up getting the role. It was a Friday night. My mom was in town visiting, which happens maybe once a year if I’m lucky. I got the phone call and they asked if I could travel the next morning. It was the fastest turnaround. I packed my bags and off I went. See you in a year, Mom! I didn’t even have the script. Fun fact: I bit my nails my entire life until the make-up artist on set grabbed my hands, looked at them in disgust and said “and you want to be an actress!” And that was that; I never bit my nails again.

You had a small role in Mirror Mirror.  What was that experience like especially as compared to your TV work? 

It was my first time on a big budget “Hollywood” film – they come to Montreal a lot, by the way. I flew in from Toronto to meet with one of the producers, Bernie Goldmann. We sat in his office, read my three lines, and then chatted about whales. I told him about the Gaspé and being French Canadian and how Americans love visiting because of the humpback whales and our famous rock. I booked the part the next day (hahahaha). I like to think I charmed him with my East Coast stories. Being on set was a dream come true. Literally, a dream. We’re talking about Snow White, Prince Effing Charmer, the seven dwarfs, Julia Roberts, huge elaborate dresses and sets, horses….. and…. and… wait for it…. SEAN BEAN! OH. MY. GOSH. I have had a serious crush on Sean Bean since The Lord of the Rings. He’s by far my favourite tragic hero. And don’t get me started on Game of Thrones. Let’s just say that I had trouble breathing in that corset.

You guest-starred on Murdoch Mysteries.  Please tell us about that experience. 

Murdoch Mysteries was fun. Yannick Bisson and I totally hit it off. We’re both French Canadian. We just brushed up on our French our entire time on set. P.S. As much as I love period pieces, I don’t think the hairstyle suits me. I remember thinking I had a bird nest on my head.

I noticed you guest-starred on Killjoys. How did you get that role, and were there any memorable moments? 

Jeff Renfroe was directing that episode and he and I worked together on The Colony, so when I walked into the audition room, it was a very pleasant surprise. I play Pawter’s younger sister, Louella, who has a pretty snobby air about her… until she gets fogbite. Working with Aaron Ashmore and Sarah Power was my favourite; they made me feel at home. We’re also all very chatty!

You were also on Rookie Blue.  What was it like working with the cast of that show?

It was pretty special being a part of a series finale. At the table read, everyone was there–the cast, creatives and executives. Tears in their eyes as they read through the last script. I teared up too. They’re a real tight family. So much love. I definitely felt like a rookie, a “didn’t belong,” but it was the right energy for my character. Travis {Milne} is a sweetheart, by the way.

How was your experience with Flower Shop Mystery: Dearly Depotted?

I have a funny story about Dearly Depotted. I caught a nasty bug on set and was so sick, violently ill, that they had to cut me out of a scene. They had a gastroenterologist come to set to hook me up on IV. I was completely out of it. The AD who was taking care of me was hit with the same bug the next day. I felt so awful. Flash forward six months. I’m on set shooting an episode of CBC’s new show Kim’s Convenience and who do I run into…. that same AD. She was like, “you look so healthy!”

Any special memories from the cast of that film?

Brooke Shields and I, between set-ups, would get crafty in the greenroom. She would knit and I would weave. She’s the coolest.

Any other upcoming works you can mention? 

Right now, I’m focusing on producing my own work. I have a short film in post-production called She Came Knocking. It’s great to be creating again, from start to finish. We’re hoping it’s going to have a good festival run in 2017. I’m also in pre-production for another project that’s slated to start shooting early October. It’s a very personal piece, one I’ve written, a reflection on mental health, loss and love.

Any plans to eventually write and/or direct?

Heck yeah! I am waaaay to opinionated to not write/direct.

What is your favorite genre to watch? To act in?

I think I have a split personality. Part of me adores watching dramas like Bloodline and The Fall, even though it gives me an insane amount of anxiety. The other part of me is a total geek. Lord  of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter 1-2-3-4-5-6-7a-7b & 8 (have you read Harry Porter & The Cursed Child yet?!) and Star WHATEVER….. anything Sci-fi, magical, impossible, or in space. Swords, aliens, broomsticks…. bring it ON! I’m obsessed with Once Upon a Time right now. I can’t help it. I’ll alternate though, one night Miss Swan and the Evil Queen and the next icy Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan as a creepy serial killer. Thank God for Netflix.

I honestly find Kimberly-Sue a refreshing change of pace in the entertainment world. She is an independent thinker who doesn’t mind detailing exactly what she means in no uncertain terms while still having a wild and sometimes wicked sense of humor about it. Don’t get me wrong–I don’t mean that women in the business today are typically mealy-mouthed, spineless nothings who keep to themselves and only speak phrases that are ladylike and proper. For the most part, those days are done, and I couldn’t be happier. But with Kimberly-Sue, she is one with spunk, tenacity, enthusiasm, and something tells me that she could hold her own in a room of foul-mouthed men who wish to prove their “masculinity” by attempting to put the “gentler” sex down. Yep, Kimberly-Sue could easily put them all in their place, and I, for one, find that image quite worthy of a big smile and thunderous applause. But on the flip side, Kimberly-Sue is still sweet, charming, and congenial in her dealings with the people in this business and doesn’t necessarily go out of her way causing waves–unless it is called-for. That is the secret for this vivaciously stunning and stalwart woman–she will stand up for herself when it is necessary and appropriate and of course, in her own unique way. Be certain that you are following this talented and spirited actress at the links provided below because after all, we know this woman is going to produce some “kick ass” projects in the near future, and you don’t want to be the one who misses out!

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