Interview with Leven Rambin

Leven Rambin is best known for her part as Riley Dawson on the Sci-Fi series "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and Sloan Riley in "Grey's Anatomy". myFanbase had the opportunity to get an interview with the actress who told us a little bit more about her work and her upcoming projects.

Foto: Copyright: Tyler Shields
© Tyler Shields

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1. You started your acting career with a part on the popular soap "All my Children" when you were 14 years old. Do you still remember your first casting for television? How was it like?

"All my Children" was my first audition ever! I was so inexperienced and new to Los Angeles. My mom and I went to the Disney building in Burbank, CA, and I was so star struck! I remember being a little nervous, but ultimately, really enjoying the audition experience. A few months went by, and "All my Children" called and said they wanted me to test for the role! So I flew to New York City from Los Angeles to screen test (twice), and got the role! It was a true fairytale!

2. Have you seen the "Terminator" films before you joined the cast of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"?

I actually hadn't seen the "Terminator" films prior to being cast in "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles". As soon as I learned I had gotten the role, I quickly watched the entire first season of the series on DVD.

3. Did you audition for the part of Riley or for a different one?

I auditioned for "Riley", although the name of the character at the time was "Becca". I think "Riley" is much for fitting!

4. Did you know from the beginning how the storyline of your character would turn out? Did you know that Riley was going to die?

I was made aware by Executive Producer, Josh Friedman, that "Riley" was a Resistance fighter from the future on my first day on set. I was blown away by the layers and complications involved with the character. I didn't know "Riley" was going to die until later in the season.

5. During this season you played the part of Dr. Sloan's daughter Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy". Did you watch the show before you got the part?

I watched "Grey's Anatomy" for the first season, and was an avid fan. And I had watched it on-and-off since then, so I wasn't entirely aware of all the storylines that were occurring when I joined the show. I was so excited when I got the part, because so many of my friends are obsessed with the show!

6. Regarding Mark's history with women it doesn't seem to be a surprise that he had a child with one of them. But when Sloan stands in front of him it's a shock nonetheless. How did you prepare for this character?

I was told just to find the humor in the situation and the relationship between "Mark" and his daughter, "Sloan".

7. Sloan has been through a lot of trouble her whole life and her appearance has a massive effect on Mark's development and his relationship with Lexie. When you got the part did you already know that the writers would use you to break up that relationship?

I was told by the writers that "Sloan" would be an "obstacle" for "Mark" and "Lexie's" relationship, but I wasn't sure they would break up.

8. Sloan will reappear later this season. Can you give us some scoop what kind of storyline we can expect?

Of course, "Sloan" left Seattle in a huff, and has much unfinished business (i.e. having that baby and deciding what to do with it!)

9. Is your character's last name Riley on "Grey's Anatomy" somehow linked to your character's name on "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"? Did any of the writers tell you something about that or is it just a coincidence?

The fact that I was "Riley" on "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and "Sloan Riley" on "Grey's Anatomy" is merely a coincidence...or so they say!

10. You got a part on the dramedy "Scoundrels". Can you tell us a little bit more about this project and the character you are going to play?

"Scoundrels" is a comedy/drama based on a New Zealand series called, "Outrageous Fortune". I star as "Heather", Virginia Madsen as "Cheryl", David James Elliot as "Wolf", Patrick Flueger as twins "Cal" and "Logan", and Vanessa Marano as "Hope". We are basically a family of cons, and our father, "Wolf", gets sent to prison. This compels our mother, "Cheryl", to force everyone in the family to get legitimate jobs. "Heather" is a materialistic, superficial, semi-bratty aspiring model. She is also ruthlessly ambitious and street-smart.

11. Do you have any other new projects you can tell us about?

I'm working on developing several projects with my fiancé'-producer, Geoff Clark.

12. Is there a show currently airing that you would like to play a part in? What kind of character would you like to play?

It would be a dream to be on "True Blood". I've always been told I look like Anna Paquin; I even dressed up as "Sookie Stackhouse" for Halloween 2009! Also, I'm from the South, so I have the accent. I'd also love to be on "Damages". I'd love to play a character that's edgier and darker; like the vampire, Jessica, from "True Blood".

13. When you are not on set what do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

When I'm not on set, I love to exercise outdoors like hiking, running, basketball, anything. I also enjoy reading, going to church, and seeing movies. And I love eating at the Olive Garden!

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

My favorite TV shows are: "True Blood", "Damages", "30 Rock", "Modern Family", "Grey's Anatomy", "The Office", "Teen Mom", and "16 & Pregnant"!

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase