Interview with Caterina Scorsone

The Canadian actress Caterina Scorsone joined the cast of "Private Practice" at the end of season 3. She plays the role of Dr. Amelia Shepherd, a neurosurgeon, who became an addict, after she experienced a traumatic incident in her childhood. Caterina Scorsone tells us, how she got the part, which dream came true because of it and what she particularly likes about Amelia.

Foto: Copyright: Michelle Bandach
© Michelle Bandach

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1. You were born in Canada. When did you decide to come to America and work as an actress?

I started working as an actress in Canada when I was eight years old. I worked there until I was grown, learning the ropes and working with some incredibly talented people. I didn't move to the States until the middle of 2006.

2. You play the role of Dr. Amelia Shepherd on "Private Practice". How did you get this part? Did you go to an audition?

Yup. I went in to meet Linda Lowey, the casting director. She brought me back to meet Shonda. Shonda and I kind of hit it off and she waved her magic Shonda-wand and turned me into Amelia Shepherd.

3. You joined the cast of "Private Practice" at the end of its 3rd season? How difficult was it for you to settle in?

It's usually pretty difficult to jump onto a show that's already found its rhythm. I was lucky joining "Private Practice". The cast and crew on this show are crazy generous. Everybody gets along (which is not the case on every show) and is excited to be there, so it wasn't long before I felt like I was a part of the "PP" family.

4. As Amelia you have to talk a lot about medical stuff. How hard is it for you to learn all those lines and do you understand every part of it?

We have great medical staff on the show. One of our executive producers (Dr. Fred) was a trauma surgeon for twelve years and has written for other medical shows like "Emergency Room - Die Notaufnahme" so we ask him any questions we have about the medicine. All of the background performers in the surgery scenes are real OR nurses who make everything look authentic. We also have a staff of medical researchers who fact-check and send all of the actors charts with the medical terms, their meanings and pronunciations so that we can make it as believable as possible. It does help a lot if you do a little online research and figure out, to the best of your ability, what you're talking about.

5. Do you have a favorite cast member you love shooting scenes with?

Can't pick a favorite. I have fun with everybody. Again, I was pretty lucky. I got to join a show that was stocked with an Allstar team of actors. I learn new stuff from them every day.

6. What is the best part about playing Dr. Amelia Shepherd?

It's hard to pick one thing. Shonda Rhimes and the writing team have written a funny, complicated, wounded, brave character. I get excited every time I get a new script.

7. Do you have any similarities to your character?

We look almost exactly alike.

8. You went on set of "Grey's Anatomy" for a cross over and played Derek Shepherd's sister. How was your experience working with Patrick Dempsey or the other cast members?

Working on "Grey's Anatomy" was a bit of a dream come true. I'd watched the show since it's first episode, so getting to play with everybody, especially Patrick Dempsey, was fun. They are a very nice, very good looking bunch of people.

9. Can you tell us something about Amelias future? Is there maybe a man for her in the cards?

I wish you could tell ME something. Shonda and the writers keep their cards close to the chest. We don't know what is going to happen with our characters until we get the script, at the readthrough.

10. Do you have any plans for your future after "Private Practice"?

I try not to plan my future too much, as I'm invariably wrong about what's going to happen. I'd rather practice being amazed and grateful regardless of how things unfold.

11. Is there anything you would love to do but never had the chance to?

So many things. This pesky space/time thing is terribly limiting.

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

I'm a little late to the game, but I've been catching up on a show called "Friday Night Lights". It's pretty great. If I had to pick a favorite though, "30 Rock". Tina Fey. She's my best friend in my head.

Thank you and we wish you all the best for your future!

Thank you! Many happy future wishes to you too.

Alex Olejnik - myFanbase

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