A few years back, because of my friendship with Giles Panton, I happened to tune in and watch Sugar Babies on the Lifetime Network. In so doing, I was introduced to the young beauty, Sarah Dugdale. I have been following her career from afar ever since, and recently, I had the opportunity to get a bit “up close and personal” with this vivacious and steadily rising actress.

Photo Credit Russell Baer

RH: Why did you decide to become an actress?

with mother

SD: I was very shy growing up, but I was always drawn towards the arts. I started dancing at a young age. Then came singing, which started with choir and gave me the inspiration to begin auditioning for musicals at school. I owe a lot to my parents. They saw how passionate I was about the arts and encouraged me wholeheartedly. A Christmas present of acting lessons led me to the amazing Deb Podowski, who remains my coach to this day. Creating art is such a beautiful thing and I feel so privileged to be able to do it for a living.

I think your earliest work was on The Haunting Hour. Please tell us about your character and your experience on that show.

The Haunting Hour

I couldn’t have asked for a better first experience on set. My co-star Debby Ryan took me under her wing and made the experience special for me. I will forever be grateful to the director, Neill Fearnley, and everyone involved for taking a chance and hiring me for my first job. I love horror movies so it was fun to do a creepy show right off the bat. The Haunting Hour is now available on Netflix!

One of your next roles was on Arrow. What was it like being a part of that popular show? Any behind-the-scenes moments that you would like to share?

Sugar Babies
Photo by Ricardo Hubbs

I was only on set for a day, but the cast and crew were all very welcoming. It’s always fun to be involved in a show with such dedicated fans even if it is just for an episode.

I first saw you in the Lifetime movie Sugar Babies What was it like playing such an intense role in this film? Any special memories from this film?

The director Monika Mitchell is one of my favourite directors I’ve ever worked with. The material was sensitive at times because of the subject matter, but she handled every moment with care and finesse. My character Rochelle will always have a special place in my heart. I loved playing such an intelligent and driven character. The costumes were also so fun!

Supernatural

Supernatural

You also have been on a couple of episodes of Supernatural. Please tell us about your experience with this show on set and with the fans.  Any chance they may bring either of your characters back?

I loved working on Supernatural. I felt so fortunate to be able to play two different characters on the show. Supernatural has an amazingly ardent fanbase. In my most recent episode “Breakdown,” I portrayed Wendy Hanscum, the niece of Sheriff Donna Hanscum played by the lovely Brianna Buckmaster. The role was very physical and was an awesome challenge. Wendy didn’t die in the episode, so as far as coming back goes, I’d never say never.

Any other current/upcoming works you would like to mention? 

With Rob Lowe
The Bad Seed

I’m headed to Toronto for a bit to film a movie that I can’t talk about just yet. But keep an eye out for The Bad Seed which premieres on Lifetime September 9th. I’m really proud of this one. I learned so much from Rob Lowe, who not only directed but also starred in the movie.

As a young woman in the business, how have you seen things change for women in the business in recent times?

Things are definitely changing for the better. It’s all movement in the right direction. Women have more of a voice now and more opportunity for positions of power. I’m excited to see the business continue to evolve.

Do you have eventual aspirations to be involved as a director/writer/producer?

With Deb Podowski

Acting will always be my focus, but somewhere down the line, I’d love to dip my toes into the different aspects of filmmaking.

Please tell us about the women in the business whom you look up to as a mentor or as a role model.

My acting coach Deb Podowski is a force. I’ve never met anyone who works as hard as she does. She is so brilliant and always pushes me to be better and work harder. She also has the biggest heart. She’s so much more than a coach now; she’s family.

What is your favorite summertime activity when not working?

I feel so spoiled living in Vancouver. We have it all: the ocean, mountains, lakes, and really good sushi. I love going on hikes, spending time with my friends and family, and curling up with a good book.

When it comes to promoting and inspiring young actors in the business, it doesn’t get much better than Deb Podowski, and I would say that Sarah’s affiliation with her has been decidedly beneficial to Sarah’s career both personally and professionally. Undoubtedly, Sarah is a grounded young lady with passion, talent, and a sweet spirit besides. If I were to handpick a promising actress with an unyielding drive to reach for and accomplish her dreams, I would definitely choose Sarah, for I am convinced that she possesses the obligatory qualities and skills to make a memorable splash in the world of film and television. She approaches every one of her roles with style and dignity, and she makes it a point to use every experience to acquire new skills and deepen her grasp on the world of entertainment as a whole. While she may not as yet be a household name, I tend to think this is a girl who should not be underestimated as she staunchly continues to reach for the stars. If you are unfamiliar with the genuine graces and dynamic gifts that Sarah perpetually displays on screen, I would invite you to check out all of her links below and watch for her upcoming film in September with Rob Lowe. If there is one Vancouver actress who deserves all the success that is coming her way, it is Sarah, and I am honored to highlight such a charming and poised young actress on my site today!

Photo Credit David Salandanan

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