Exclusive interview with Gina Holden

Jan 13, 2012 | Gina Holden is probably best known as Coreen Fennel on the vampire series "Blood Ties" and as Shea Allen on the thriller series "Harper's Island". On "Life Unexpected" she played the role of Trina. In this interview Gina talks about working on these different projects and also about her time as a dancer and performer and working as a model in Japan.

Note: © myFanbase 2011 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.
Foto: Gina Holden, Harper's Island - Copyright: Paramount Pictures
Gina Holden, Harper's Island
© Paramount Pictures

1. You lived in Japan and worked as a model. What was the experience like living and working in Asia?

It was incredible. I love the Japanese people and culture. Its very exciting and fast paced. They have amazing style and are very innovative in so many areas. Electronics, fashion, food you name it. So much of who I am is shaped by the culture. I miss it terribly and hope to be back soon... for business OR pleasure!

2. You are a very experienced stage performer and dancer. How did you get into acting?

It all happened very naturally. I had the desire to dance, sing and perform since the day I was born! My mom had to keep up with all of my activities and find a way to get me into dance every year. We didn't have much growing up, but she always found a way. I am forever grateful to her and my whole family for supporting and believing in me the way they do.

3. The big mystery in "Harper's Island" centers on who the murderer was. What was it like for you as actors? Did you know from the start who it was?

It was an amazing experience for the cast, because we had NO idea who the murderer was! Usually we know every episode and the entire story line, or at least huge parts of it when we sign on...but not in this case. And I loved it. I wish all series were like that because it really added a different energy. Everyone was on their toes and it added an element of excitement that can sometimes be taken for granted in other film and TV structures. It was fabulous!

4. On "Life Unexpected" you played Trina, the boss of Ryan and Cate. What do you think about the development of this character? Is there a story line you would have liked to see her in?

I LOVED this character. It was a fun side of myself to explore. I put a lot of thought and energy in giving her the balance of tough edgy business woman, but yet likable and watchable. It didn't want her so harsh that she was hated, but it needed to be believable as a leader and boss in a man's world. If the show had continued, I think her story could have gone in many different directions. Maybe even a little to the comedic side. I miss playing her!

5. How did you learn that the show was going to end with season 2?

I just heard thru the grape vine as we all usually do. It is always a little sad to hear about a project being cancelled. Obviously because I was part of it, but also for the hundreds of other awesome people that are affected. It was a terrific crew up in Vancouver, and it's always hard saying goodbye. But it is something we are all very use to. So, up and off to the next!

6. You played the adorable Coreen Fennel on "Blood Ties". Did you like playing her with the gothic look, clothes and make up?

LOVED it! It was always so exciting seeing what I would be wearing and how my hair would be on the day! I had so much fun with her. It was a huge show for me to be a part of. The writing was incredible and I learned and grew so much as an actor. I am forever grateful that I was given he opportunity to be part of such a creative and (at that time) original concept.

Foto: Katie Cassidy & Gina Holden, Harper's Island - Copyright: Paramount Pictures
Katie Cassidy & Gina Holden, Harper's Island
© Paramount Pictures

7. Last year Kyle Schmid and Dylan Neal were at the RingCon, the biggest fantasy convention in Europe. Kyle was very lovely and Dylan absolutely hilarious. What was working with these two like?

Great! Kyle is just fun and cool to work with. Dylan is someone I respect very much. He is very focused and on point, but the more you get to know him (and his lovely family) the more you see he's just a big softy who is caring and really a great actor. Sorry Dylan, I'm blowing your sexy bad boy image!!!

8. What do you think about the vampire hype now with "Twilight", "True Blood" and "Vampire Diaries"? Did "Blood Ties" just have a bad timing being on the air just before this hype?

Not at all. I love all of the craze and hype! We were doing something groundbreaking! I love how it's developed and taken off the way it has. It is relevant and exciting and I don't look at it as negative in any way. It launched me in an amazing direction and opened many doors. I love that I have some vampire cred because of it!

9. If you were to become a vampire who would be your eternal love: Edward Cullen, Eric Northman, Damon Salvatore or Henry Fitzroy and why?

hmmm. interesting question. I'm not sure! I'm going to leave that one open because I have not been bitten yet!

10. What was ou favorite part of working on "Flash Gordon"?

My favorite part of working on that show was all the costumes and adventures! It was always an exciting location and required a lot of imagination to bring the sets to life!

11. You were in big movies like "Saw 3D" and "Final Destination 3". Can you tell us a little bit about these experiences?

In one word? Thrilling! Huge franchises with huge followings. I was a fan of both before I signed on, so when I was actually working and becoming part of them, it was thrilling and crazy exciting!

12. Would you like to talk a little bit about your new projects?

I've been very fortunate, and had a busy year with new projects. I've done everything from work with Sand Sharks in Malibu, to play a doctor on "Christmas Returns Home to Canaan" (Dec. 2011). I've had the pleasure of working with very talented actors including Amy Acker ("Dear Santa") Brooke Hogan ("Sand Sharks") Emily Tennant ("Canaan") Ryan Robbins ("Philadelphia Experiment") and the wonderful Billy Ray Cyrus in "Canaan". Who I have to give special mention to. He is such a kind, considerate and generous person to work with. His whole family was terrific and all of us just love working with him. He set an amazing tone for the whole set.

13. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

Oh! Many! I love everything from scripted shows like Private Practice to Gossip Girl, to reality, to talk shows like The View! But if I had to choose right now? It's Boardwalk Empire on HBO. Simply fantastic.

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase