Interview:Katie Leigh (August 2002)
- How did you start working for "Adventures in Odyssey?"
They wrote the part for me after I had been working at Focus on the Family for their magazine on tape.
- Who is your favorite character on AIO?
Wooton and me, of course.
- What was it like playing Connie Kendall? Do you relate to her in any way?
She and I are one and the same.
- What have you learned the most as you played Connie Kendall?
That I'm not perfect, but I'm ok. I've learned to be a better actor and a better Christian.
- If you could change one thing about your acting on "Adventures in Odyssey," what would it be?
Speak more loudly.
- If you were to give one piece of advice on how to act, what would you tell someone interested in being an actor?
Allow yourself to react from a gut level, listen to the other actors and don't just do what you think others want to see or hear. Make the part your own.
- What do you like and dislike about playing emotional scenes?
Doing a lot of takes. I have had some really emotional scenes where it was hard to snap out of it. Marshal Younger has fed me a lot of jelly beans to make up for my distress.
- What was your favorite part of working with the AIO team?
Being friends with them, having fun, watching our families get older and bigger.
- What is your favorite part of the recording sessions?
Seeing everybody again, finding out what is going to happen next. Also, I love singing with Will when he brings his ukulele. I love acting opposite Will. We crack each other up (well, I really like cracking him up and wreaking havoc whenever possible.)
- What is your fondest memory of working with Hal Smith during the beginnings of Odyssey?
Watching Hal sing with Will. Also, they always put me across from Hal in the studio, so I have a fond memory of just looking at him directly when we were acting.
- What other kinds of things (job-related) do you do now?
I'm working on a new animated series for PBS called "Animalia," an anime cartoon called "Zatchbel" and I substitute teach.
- During the Novacom Saga, what did you think of the Connie and Mitch relationship?
I thought it was frustrating. I never knew what was going to happen or how we felt about each other.
- Do you think the writers made a good decision by having Mitch join the FBI and Connie move on with her life?
Do you?
- From what we understand, Cal Jordan was a favorite child character on the show for the short time he was around. What did it feel like to have your son Adam join the Odyssey team to fill that role?
It was lots of fun. I didn't know he was a favorite, but I'm glad. It was a really special time for me. I'm very proud of him. Now he is leaving to go to college.
- Do Odyssey fans ever recognize you when you're out in public?
Yes, sometimes they do. They are always very sweet. They are my most favorite fans. One time I was with my daughter at a calligraphy class. Another little girl sitting next to her just slowly looked up at me and asked, "Are you Connie?" It was really sweet and surprising.
- Looking back, do you have any outstanding memories of working with the AIO team?
They are a huge blessing in my life and I thank God for their support and love through hard personal times.
- In conclusion, what piece of advice would you like to leave the "Adventures in Odyssey" fans who have loved your character over the years?
Love the Lord, trust Him with your life, try to be blessing to everyone you meet. God has a plan for you using all your interests, talents and skills. Don't stop doing what you enjoy and allow God to surprise you with what he has in mind for you to do.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to talk to us!