Interview with India de Beaufort

We all know India de Beaufort for her role as Miranda Stone from season 7 of "One Tree Hill". Get to know the actress who descends from a family of performers a little better while reading the following interview.

Foto: Copyright: Justin Miner
© Justin Miner

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1. What is your favorite moment of your childhood?

My Nan (Grandma) always used to make me a special drink. Sprite with vanilla ice cream floating in it, the ice cream would float to the top of the glass and make a sweet foam that you could scoop up with a spoon. Most of my childhood memories involve her. She used to make apple pies, all the time. She would use the dough to write my name on the pie. I was never a fan of cooked fruit, but when she wasn't looking I would steel the raw dough... YUM. Now she makes them for my brother. I'm still trying to get the recipe.

2. You seem to be a very artistic person since you're not only an actress, but you also worked as a singer for several years. Are you currently working on or planning any new musical projects?

I'm always writing, as and when I have time. I have a baby grand piano in a small room where I live, it's my favorite spot to write. It's white, very girly.

3. When and why did you get started in acting?

My parents are in the business, so I've been involved with every area of entertainment, my whole life. I used to sit backstage watching my dad put on stage make up, and run around the corridors of whatever theatre he was working in, passing fabulous costume after costume. For many many years, he played a dozen different roles in "Starlight Express" in Bochum. He still lives in Germany now, he runs a theatre school in Celle, just outside of Hanover.

My Parents met working as dancers on a TV show, they went on to perform together for years. Every "family friend" I have is either a performer, or performer turned make-up artist / manager / set designer. Performing was just an accepted part of my life, although my mum didn't let me train. She wanted me to go to a regular school, and have friends outside of the business. She knew that the life of a performer was difficult, financially and emotionally. You hear a lot of "no" before you hear a "Yes". She wanted something more secure for me.

Despite my mums effort to send me in another direction, I was stuck on entertainment. The afore mentioned "family friends", presented me with opportunities as a child, random acting roles, bit parts in music videos and eventually music management. I went on to get my first real, long term gig around the age of 15. and that was it. I got my training on the job.

4. "One Tree Hill" was in its seventh year when you joined the cast. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being new in a crew that has been working together for such a long time?

Overall it's definitely and advantage. They're a well oiled machine, which means your day is way shorter than it would be on a new show. Everyone knows their job, and they do it really really well. Socially, as a guest star, it takes a minute to get to know everyone. No one knows if you will be around for one episode or 12, so until your face becomes a regular fixture, it takes a little time to get to know people, but once you do, its like being part of a family.

5. If you could choose two other characters from "One Tree Hill" to have their own spin-off with your character Miranda, who would it be? Why would you choose them and what kind of show would it be?

Grubbs for sure, because I love him. He is one of my closest friends, and he is so easy to work with. Then Joy, (Haley) she's a great actress, I love her method. She thinks everything out and isn't afraid to question things that don't work. For instance, if she walks into a scene, and her character has just come from outside, she'll say, "I think I need to be holding car keys", or maybe a coat or a bag, or whatever. She makes everything real. She works through the scene in a very present way, working with the director to make sure her placement feels natural and not just standing where her mark is because that's where it is. They work together, and make the scene true. These are silly examples, but a lot of actors might be afraid to speak up for their character like that, and Joy does it with grace and ease.

6. Miranda is a music producer and worked with Haley and Grubbs on their new records. Has there been a moment in which the singer in you wanted to join Bethany Joy Galeotti and Michael Grubbs to be an actor and a singer at the same time?

Hahaha. Grubbs and I have had a number of little sing alongs, just not while the camera was rolling. I like to stay true to the role, and I can't imagine Miranda breaking into song. But you just never know.

7. How would you describe Miranda? What do you like most about her?

She ballsy, I love that. She strong willed, and feisty and doesn't take no for an answer. She has some intimacy issues, she has trouble letting people in, but Grubbs is getting pretty close.

8. When we saw Miranda for the last time, she left Tree Hill for London. Will Grubbs be successful in winning her back and will we see the two of them again in season 8?

I have absolutely no idea, but I'd like to think so.

9. Are there funny experiences you made on the set of "One Tree Hill" that you can tell us about?

There are private jokes, but I'm the private type. I know, it's annoying isn't it.

10. Are there any new projects coming up for you? Can you tell us something about them?

Yes and no. Teehee.

11. If you could put together an entire crew for a movie or show: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Director wise, I would love to work with David Schwimmer again. He gave me my first big role, and pretty much changed my life, and I've developed and grown a lot since then. I would love to work with him now, and show him what I've learnt since he took a chance on me.

Writer.... hmm.... Nick Hornby. I love love love his work. "An Education" makes me want to be a better actor, it stirred something up in me, I was consumed by it. Speaking of, Carey Mulligan is probably my favorite actor right now, she's fresh and lovable and her face pulls me in, in an Audrey Hepburn way, she would be my lead.

12. Is there a show currently airing which you would like to play a part in?

"Modern Family", but then everyone would say that wouldn't they.

13. What has been your best experience so far, as an artist?

Every time I hear the words "booked it", the sun shines brighter, the world is in technicolor, and anything seems possible. BEST. FEELING. EVER.

14. Are there any artists that might have influenced or inspired you the most?

I'm a huge fan of Rachel McAdams. She has made some great choices. I think I have a little talent crush.

15. What is your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel most comfortable?

My mums house, in London. Really, wherever she is, is home.

16. What do you as an artist think about platforms like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace?

I think they're awesome until they're not. They're a great way to connect with fans, and have a voice that isn't your PR. I used to have all three, but they got hacked, along with all the email addresses they were connected to. I had to delete them all. I was stupid, I never should have connected them to a work e-mail, or a personal one. But now I'm quite happy doing it the old fashioned way.

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

ONE TREE HILL right?

Lena Stadelmann - myFanbase