I hope that all of you were able to watch and enjoy the stunning film that premiered earlier this year on the Hallmark Channel entitled True Love Blooms. Touted as the brainchild of the lead actress Sara Rue, this was a memorable movie for a wide variety of reasons, including the introduction of the actress Andi Matheny, who played Audrey, to the Hallmark community. This summer, I reached out to Andi for an interview, and I am pleased to share her responses with my readers today!
Photo by Michele Yeager Photography
RH: How/why did you decide to pursue a career as an actress? What kind of training have you had?
Photo by Chris Cavalier
AM: I’ve wanted to be an actress since I was very young. I always loved movies and performing – I used to create plays with my grammar school girlfriend in her backyard after school.
My training has oddly been rather minimal, but I did have excellent teachers – starting with Roy London for about a year and then Ivana Chubbuck for a little over a year. Since then, I’ve learned by experience, doing comedy improv, stand-up comedy, live theatre, and figuring out how to book jobs on TV and film. I’ve also developed my own method that I, in turn, am teaching my acting students in St. Petersburg.
What was your first professional on-screen job and what are your memories of that job?
My very first on-screen job was a campy show called Madame’s Place. I was right out of college and I was hanging out with a group of comedians who were getting their first jobs on the show. All I had to do was come up with a silly act, which I can do in my sleep. That’s how I got my union card. All I remember was being very nervous and in the video, I was blinking a lot – which was a bad habit I had early on.
In the 1980s and 1990s, you were involved with some incredible shows. Which ones stand out the most and why?
Actually, in the 1990s, I had basically quit acting and fell into hosting shows. I had four shows that were aired nationally. My favorite of those was Essentials, which was a magazine-style show on TLC focused on health, beauty and fashion. I got to interview Michael Kors before he became a household name. We also did a lot of quirky segments; sometimes it was more like a comedy show. I loved that job and if that opportunity came up again, I’d probably jump at it.
This streak continued into the 2000s. With the exception of the past year or so, what guest star spots stand out to you and why?
The Resident
My favorite guest spot was on Zoey 101. I loved the character I played Miss Dangl, the wacky psychology teacher. Some of my students were very little when that aired and are now in my adult classes!
You have had a recurring role on The Resident. Please tell us what is so special/memorable about being a part of that show.
The Resident is a very smartly written and acted show and I’m proud to have been a part of it. I used to joke about playing a doctor on TV; now I’ve done it!
True Love Blooms
This year, Hallmark viewers saw you in True Love Blooms. What did you know about Hallmark before booking that role?
I knew about Hallmark movies because I know so many rabid fans, my niece being one. And of course, the name Hallmark is ingrained in our lives. As a side note, I’m still old school – whenever possible, I make the effort to send paper cards for special occasions, not email.
What did you appreciate about being a part of your first Hallmark movie? Any behind-the-scenes memories to share?
True Love Blooms
This was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had – from the table read to the wrap party. Sara Rue is a doll. I loved the director, Matthew Diamond; from the get-go, it felt like we were old friends. The producer, Lincoln Lageson, spoke at my acting studio after being on the set for twelve hours. I made some good friends in Jan Neuberger, Ray Watters, Tamara Austin and Aisha Duran. My students were background in many scenes. The catered lunches were great. The set was five minutes from my house. I could go on and on…
Any other upcoming roles you can mention?
I had a very nice role in the current OWN series David Makes Man. My episode, episode six, airs tonight (9/18), as a matter of fact..
True Love Blooms Screening
I understand you are an acting teacher too. What can you tell us about that venture of yours?
Becoming an acting teacher and opening my own studio is the best thing I’ve ever done. I was not a good acting student and class was frustrating for me. It’s been therapeutic for me to develop a new language for my students so they “get” what acting is supposed to be on a gut level. It’s also made me a better actor. I’ve actually spent the last three years writing a book about exercises I’ve developed as a teacher and I’m very excited about getting it published.
What is your favorite time of year and why?
That’s hard! I have reasons for loving all the seasons (unintentional rhyme.) I’d have to say the fall – I love the weather, the colors, the clothes, and in any other state, but Florida the air gets a crispness to it. I’m very happy living in Florida but we don’t get our fall weather until after Thanksgiving. Sigh.
I cannot tell you what a thrill it is to interview a woman who has continued to pursue her dreams in spite of any obstacles that attempt to impede her progress. While she’s had her ups and downs like any artist (or person,for that matter), the fact that she is not only making films, but inspiring the next generation through her acting school is a testament to her authenticity, her humble spirit, and her commitment to excellence within the film community as well as her personal life. I applaud her dedication to a craft that can sometimes be daunting and relentless, and I certainly hope we witness her prowess again soon on a Hallmark screen near us.
If you have not had the opportunity to enjoy True Love Blooms, I invite you to sign up for Hallmark Movies Now and watch it as soon as possible. Also, if you have the OWN network, she is scheduled to be the guest star in tonight’s (September 18) episode of David Makes Man. (I have to catch up on that show! I missed the fact it was airing!) Additionally, if you are so inclined, I truly hope that all of you will visit her links below and consider following her where applicable. Andi is a delightfully accomplished and impeccably talented actress who perseveres in her artistic endeavors, and she is always an asset to any production with whom she is associated. I am grateful to Hallmark for the introduction, and I look forward to even more amazing things for her in the near and distant future.
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