Welcome back readers.  Hope you like the new look.  And with a new look comes new things.  I have had the pleasure recently to interview the lovely and talented Ms. Gina Holden.  So sit back with a nice cuppa tea (or coffee if that’s your passion) and enjoy this lovely read.

When I first heard of Gina Holden, was on Twitter when she followed me.  Unsure who she was (back then) I googled her name.  It was then that I realized she was on the TV show Blood Ties, then later on Flash Gordon.  Both great characters I’m sure, but her more recent work is what makes her eye catching.  And because of all her hard work and dedication in the horror genre, she’s won a 2010 Eyegore Award.  One of many, of that I’m sure.   Anyway,, let’s get on with the interview.  Hope you all enjoy it.

KF:  You have been a very busy woman. Is there anything you’re allowed to tell us in what you have been doing?

GH:  Where to begin! It’s been a very busy year! Lots of personal changes, as well as a busy pilot season. So I’ve been juggling personal things with 2 castings/day plus testing, etc. Also having guest starred in Fringe this year was a highlight. It was a fantastic time.

KF:  With all the roles you’ve played, what one was your favorite? And what one was your least favorite? 

GH:  Looking back is too difficult to choose. Each and every role had been a gift and led me onto something else, is some way shape or form. I’m fortunate to only have had one challenging personality to deal with my entire career. But I’m so grateful for all it taught me. It prepared me for a side of the industry I had not yet been exposed to. So it, ironically is the experience I am most grateful for! And, I have to make mention of the Haunting Hour team, producers and crew. It’s my favorite production to work on. It’s like going home every time I join them for an episode!

KF:  Is there a tv show or movie that you would have loved to have been apart of?

GH:  Great question. But all of my favorite movies/shows are fantastic with the cast that helped make them great…know what I mean? But if I had to choose, I would have loved to be a part of “Running on Empty”. Or anything Star Wars related!

KF:  Do you watch your own performances? And do you say, “oh I could have done that better.”?

GH:  I do watch my projects! But I try not to pick them apart. I put my heart and soul into everything I do, so to go back and want to change it, takes away from the process and what I was going thru at that time. It’s easy to pick yourself apart, but again, what good does it do? I certainly learn from every performance I give, and hope to continue to grow and always be better. However it is really neat looking back at my earlier work, and watching my growth over the years. I was so green and naive! It’s pretty special to see. I’m very grateful for everyone that has helped me over the years. From directors, to fellow cast and crew. We are all part of the process.

KF:  On Twitter, you talk about Coco, she’s cute by the way, does she go everywhere with you? Or is there someone you leave her with when you have to fly to your next job?

GH:  Coco Freebird is the best! She is a crazy little Manchester Terrier and comes with me everywhere! She has taught me so much about patience! LOL. She has so much energy and is different that other dogs. She needs full time care and a ton of exercise, so my full time job is caring for her. And I love every minute of it! She is not a good flyer, so if I fly to a location, she stays with family.

KF:  Speaking of which, how are you liking Twitter?

GH:  Twitter is a great way to connect with fans and friends. It is really fun. It can however be abused and used for negative things, so I make it private if I’m feeling violated in any way. But for the most part, it’s lovely and I am so grateful for the tremendous support I have with my twitter family. It’s really great.

KF:  Do or have you done many conventions? Any funny or weird stories to tell?

GH:  I have done a couple! and can’t say I have any crazy stories! I love cons and any that I’ve been to, I’m just as weird as anyone else there! We are a special breed, and I love being part of the scifi genre for that reason. It has the most passionate engaged fans, and I am one myself. I have a cool SAW event coming up this year…that’s going to be fun!!

KF:  If you didn’t become an actress, what job could you see yourself doing?

GH:  Before I ever acted, I did many jobs! I always knew this was what I wanted to do, but being a bit of an over achiever, I wanted to make sure I had my college education, and other work experiences, before I went fully in the direction of my dream. Graduating college is one of my greatest achievements. I love fashion, business and there are many other things I could see myself doing. But if I had to pick something more specific, I would say producing. It is amazing because it allows me to enjoy a different side of a business I am already familiar with.

KF:  What advice would you give someone just starting out or wanting to get into the industry?

GH:  Do it only because you love it. Not for some money lottery or fame. You will be very disappointed if that’s your motivation. Make smart choices, and always work hard. Never take for granted how much work it takes every single day. If you are comfortable, you aren’t working hard enough.

KF:  What message would you like to say to your many fans reading this?

GH:  Thank you. Sincere, humble thanks for sticking with me, supporting me and pushing me to always do better. I don’t take any of this for granted and I could not do it without all the support I have in my life from fans, family and friends. Thank you.

KF:  Is there a fan mail address where people could write to you?

GH:  Fans can find me on twitter “holdentome” or write to my agency. Address on my official site “ginaholden.net“

KF:  You probably answered this in other interviews, but is there a charity that you’re involved with or give to?

GH:  I work with many different charities. But I volunteer a lot with the food bank. I am very open to many different causes, but not attached to any one specifically. I just keep my eyes and ears open, and help out where I can.

KF:  Are there any little tidbits you’d like to share with us? Likes or dislikes, pet peeves, accomplishments and goals.

GH:  Likes: being outdoors with coco
           dislikes: SMOKING
           pet peeves: nail biting/chewing!
          Accomplishments: all of my successes and my failures-couldn’t have one without the other!
          goals: the sky the limit.

I wish to thank you all for taking the time to visit IN THE KNOW.  And especially I’d love to thank Ms. Gina Holden for granting me this wonderful opportunity to aid in getting to know her just a little bit more.  Thanks Gina, you’re awesome!! xo

Karen Ford

Besides twitter and her official website mentioned above, you can also leave her a message on her official FaceBook page.