Interview with Sterling Sulieman

In the upcoming episodes of "The Vampire Diaries" actor Sterling Sulieman will play a vampire named Harper. In our interview he tells us about growing up in Hawaii, his passion for musical theatre, his favorite TV shows and his experience on doing the tour with "High School Musical: The Concert".

Foto:

The interview is © myFanbase 2010. Please do not copy it to other websites or messageboards.

1. What is your favourite moment of your childhood?

That's a tough question. I grew up in Hawaii, so I would have to say all the hiking adventures I had with my friends. We loved to go off trail, and do night hikes and then eat something delicious when it was over. My favourite hike has to have been "Stairway to Heaven". It goes straight to the top of the Koolau mountains, and you're not supposed to be on it, so you have to sneak around the guards at the base. Which just makes it that much more exciting for a bunch of kids.

2. You were raised on Oahu, one of the nicest places I've ever visited and which is known for its diverse culture. What do you like most about the island?

It's small town and paradise, with just enough city. I think everyone's got the Aloha spirit because you can always go to the beach, and see the mountains, it's impossible to get lost in concrete and not appreciate the beauty of our world. I also love how casual it is, I'm not huge on dressing up, an argument my dad and I had a lot growing up. An Aloha shirt and slippers is as dressed up as you ever have to be. I'm still learning to dress myself.

3. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

My sister (Yasmeen Sulieman) and I have always been performing. When we were in grade school we did it as an after school program, and we used to make up shows with our friends on weekends. Long shows, that were at least an hour that we would make all of our parents watch. So, I was always acting, and as I got older and older I would always choose acting over everything else, so it was a pretty natural progression, never a question at all. My sister and I were always involved in shows and classes. And now she's a singer and I'm an actor. I've always wanted to be a performer.

4. You were part of "High School Musical: The Concert" as a dancer. Did you do the whole tour? What was it like?

Yes. Very confusing. That movie was such a sensation, there was the stage tour, the ice tour, and the concert tour. I was dancing behind the kids who did the movie, promoting HSM and some of their new albums. We did a nation wide tour and then a Latin America Tour. One of the best times of my life, truth be told. I've been dancing since high school, and being on tour and performing live in front of screaming fans is like nothing else you'll ever experience. It's the biggest natural high and you get to do it every night. Working with Kenny Ortega was awesome too, he really knows his stuff, it was fascinating to watch. Plus, all the people who were a part of that tour were fun and ridiculous, so I truly was blessed to have had that experience.

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

If I truly knew I had the ability I would write and direct. I'm working on some things, but they're far from ready. Hmm, this is tough. Ok, I would definitely cast a lot of my friends since they're all pretty talented, and then I would somehow sneak in Penélope Cruz as my love interest or Kerri Washington, scratch that, both of them. I'd either want to do a musical or action feature, which leaves me to say James Cameron or Rob Marshall to direct.

6. You're playing a vampire named Harper in the upcoming episodes of "The Vampire Diaries". What can you tell us about your character?

Nothing. I refuse to tell you anything. Ok. I'm a Union Soldier who gets out of the crypt. Harper has to come to terms with the new world of 2010, and re establish himself with his surroundings and the characters he is introduced to and re-introduced to.

7. Is there anything you can tell us about what's coming up next on "The Vampire Diaries"?

From what I've read, the story is really picking up, a lot of characters are coming in, and a lot of secrets and relationships are being revealed before the end of the season. They don't tell me too much, so every script I get is exciting to read, so I can get more information.

8. You can also be seen in season eight of "24" right now, playing a CTU agent. In which particular storyline is your character involved?

I'm not THAT involved in this season of "24". I just pop in every once in a while and say something important like "Mr. Bauer, I have the president on the phone for you." Not exactly a pivotal character to the plot, but I did my job. LOL.

9. Is there a show currently airing which you would like to play a part in? What kind of part would you like to play if you could choose?

I want to be on "GLEE". I've done musical theatre my whole life, that's where I started, what I went to school for, and what I still would love to do. I haven't given up on the idea of going to NY and trying out Broadway one day. So GLEE, I would love to be a new student transfer who can play a love interest to Lea Michele's character. I think that'd be fun. And if there was any way to be on "Modern Family" I would love that. That show cracks me up. Also, I applied to "Amazing Race" with a buddy of mine. I want to RACE!

10. What is your favourite place in the world? Where do you feel most comfortable?

These questions are impossible!! Kailua Beach might be one of my favourite places in the world. It's the beach, it's across the street from my parents house on Oahu, and it's where I grew up playing, thinking, napping. Also, I return to it every year during Christmas and recharge before heading into the New Year.

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

I'm pretty top secret. I worked on a secret project in December, we'll see if it turns into anything. But no, when I finish "Vampire Diaries", I will go back to LA to jump into Pilot season, and auditions. I hope to book a movie this year. That's my 2010 goal.

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

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. If it was still on I would say "Arrested Development". I like "Modern Family", "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Community", "True Blood", "Glee", and I'm excited to finish up "LOST" this last season.

Annika Leichner - myFanbase