Ellen Dubin has already enjoyed a Dynamite career
Actress Ellen Dubin, who has already had starring roles in The Dead Zone, Blood Ties, Mutant X, A Wrinkle in Time and Napoleon Dynamite, is enjoying a unique and extremely diverse career as an actress. The Toronto native began performing as a ballet dancer, but was then sidelined by a temporary knee injury, and has since acted in a wide variety of critically acclaimed stage roles.
As her biography outlines, "A Gemini Award nominated actress for her series regular role Jeri Slate in the Leo Award winning supernatural drama THE COLLECTOR (airing in 65 countries and continuing in repeats), Ellen is also a cult figure in the sci-fi world for playing the alien cannibal Giggerota the Wicked in the international cult hit LEXX. She has the distinction of doing all four seasons and playing four different characters in this very popular show. Ellen played the first Pope in sci fi history in LEXX.
In HIGHLANDER: THE RAVEN she is the only female to have a broad to broad to broadsword fight in that shows' history. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, the multi award winning Sundance Film Festival favorite and one of the most popular film comedies of all time, saw Ellen play the Tupperware-loving mom of Napoleon's potential prom date.
She is also the go-to-girl for a host of movies on the Lifetime Network, and the Sci-fi Channel. You never know where she will turn up next! SECOND CHANCES opposite In Treatment's Melissa George is airing right now on LIFETIME and TMN as well as her tv movie opposite teen icon Molly Ringwald THE WIVES HE FORGOT. Her Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presents/ CBS Emmy nominated movie of the week THE LOIS WILSON story opposite Winona Ryder is among her favorites.
She is just finished shooting a 3D comedy adventure zombie film DEAD BEFORE DAWN opposite Diary of a Wimpy Kids' Devon Bostick and an edgy new web series THE RESOLVE in Los Angeles. She is also the voice for the new highly acclaimed attraction at Disneyland called THE WORLD OF COLOR as well as voicing many characters in a sequel to a major high profile video game GUILD WARS 2 and one of those mostly highly anticipated upcoming games plus a new 3D animation film.
Ellen is honored to be the spokesperson for the Make A Wish Foundation in Toronto and Central Ontario, volunteers at the Los Angeles Mission and sits on the board of Kids With A Cause in Los Angeles."
Ellen reveals that New York is one of her favorite places to visit and her acting teacher, Carol Rosenfeld, who has been a great inspiration to her is from New York, so she has a great affinity with the city.
We spoke to Ellen about her career, fascinating movie roles, her charity work and what her dream acting job would be.
You started acting after a dance injury. Your acting career seems to have taken off really quickly. What do you credit that to?
I have worked steadily, but even when you are working you also know that you could be unemployed soon or face rejection. It has been a long haul of paying my dues and dealing, like all performers, with a series of ups and downs. I have been kicked so many times, but have gotten up, dusted myself off and gone on. The dance world did prepare me for the focus and discipline needed for a career in film, television and theater. I worked very hard training in all mediums such as dance, singing, improv, and scene study. I also did a lot of free plays, worked backstage to hone my skills, and watched other experienced actors. I was always the last to leave and always the first to arrive, to watch and learn everything I could. I toured in shows all around Canada and the US to gain on-the-job training. This was invaluable work to prepare me for everything that came afterwards. So hard work ,long hours, never giving up, commitment to the craft, and the business of acting all contributed to where I am now. I also never forget the people who helped me along the way. They are rare and I am forever grateful to them. I never burn bridges and I am thankful for everyone who contributes to all the projects that I do. An actor has to be the best he or she can be, but also has to realize that this is a business and we are the product. So sell yourself very well! I also love what I do and I appreciate everything that comes my way!
What attracts you to certain characters or scripts? What type of movies do you like to do?
What attracts me to a script is some kind of inner life of the character, such as a character who is complex and has a huge emotional range. I love characters that have a hidden secret or agenda. I am also attracted to strong women who have a great sense of humor, earthiness and rely on their brain as well as their sexuality! I love working off other actors and enjoy scenes that end up where you don't expect, such as taking a turn for the worse or the better. I love characters that are not black and white, good or evil. Most human beings have many layers to their personalities and I love that in scripts as well. I do admit that the evil characters are more fun to play!
You seem to do alot of horror films. Is that a genre you have always enjoyed or do you just like the quirkiness of it?
I call the genre sci fi more then horror. Within this genre, there are a lot of different types of roles, from a very straight forward character like dedicated single mother/ journalist Jeri Slate that I played in my supernatural series THE COLLECTOR, to a wild over-the-top cannibal Giggerota the Wicked in the wild and wacky show LEXX . There is never a dull moment in this genre. There is generally a quirkiness to these gals and they are usually powerful and in control. The fan base is astounding. The sci fi /fantasy genre has the most loyal and devoted fans in the world.
Initially, I didn't have any knowledge of sci fi/fantasy type of shows, but I grew to love the roles that were offered to me. I loved how multi-layered some of these characters are.
What led to your charity work and how do you choose the particular charities to support?
A friend approached me about the Make A Wish Foundation and thought because of my humor, devotion and passion that we would make a great fit. I love kids so much that I would do anything to make them happy, so this was an ideal charity for me to support. I am very honored to be working with them and I am constantly inspired by the children I meet. These remarkable children give me hope! I recently did the Rally for Kids with Cancer in Toronto, for the renowned Sick Kids Hospital. That came about because the same company that I hosted a huge event for, the Make A Wish Foundation, also did the Rally. I am grateful to have done this amazing event to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer, research and treatment.
You did a sword fight in Highlander. Did you find the prospect exciting or daunting, and what type of training did you do for it?
I would say a combo platter of sheer terror and excitement. Actually every time I get a new job, that is basically what I feel. I researched who the best teachers were in Los Angeles and went to an amazing place in Burbank called SWORDPLAY. I trained there with a wonderful teacher who had studied with Errol Flynn's teacher. It was very difficult to handle a broadsword, but I embraced the challenge. That is the beauty of acting, we get to learn a new skill. And how many times does a woman get to wield a sword? That sword fight in HIGHLANDER:THE RAVEN was the first broad to broad broadsword fight in the entire Highlander mythology. I wanted the fight to look as authentic as possible. I am the type of actress that pays attention to every detail when I am working.
What role or co-star would be your ideal or dream job?
My ideal job would be working on a great TV series, such as a detective show like Law and Order, or a great comedy like Modern Family. I love both one hour shows and half hour comedies. There are some amazing shows on HBO that I would be thrilled to be a part of. I would also love to work with Jeff Bridges, Liam Neeson, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett on film. It would be great to do another indie, quirky film that had the success of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. I love underdog projects that become hugely successful, because I see myself as an underdog that never quite fit into the mould of what people generally want in this business. I would also love to work on Broadway, because to me stage is the place that really shows off an actor's skills. You can't do another take when you are in front of a live audience. So you have to really have great technique to work on stage. The list is really endless. That hunger for what is next keeps me going!
What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
I would tell aspiring actors to work, study hard, and be aware and observant of what is around them. They should read, go to museums, listen to music, take classes, and have a life outside of acting. Also be good to their family and don't be so self-absorbed. Be yourself and don't let anyone get you down. What makes you different is what will get you work. It is so sad nowadays that all these actors are getting plastic surgery in an attempt to look different, and yet the irony is that everyone looks the same . There is nothing wrong with "imperfections". They are going to separate you from everyone else in the TV and film world. So embrace it and don't dwell on it. Love what you do!
I have some exciting upcoming projects. One of which is a 3d zombie horror comedy, coming out in 2012, called DEAD BEFORE DAWN, which has Diary of a Wimpy Kid's Devon Bostick and Christopher Lloyd. I play a very sweet, demure mother who turns into an evil zemon (1/2 zombie, 1/2 demon). I had a great time shooting this movie. I have been doing voice work on an upcoming huge video game called GUILD WARS 2, which will come out sometime in 2013. I love doing this type of work. I find it so freeing and I can be any shape, size and age by just using my voice. I also have another major game coming out in November, which is the most highly anticipated video game to be released this year. I have been sworn to secrecy on this one.
To learn more about Ellen and her career visit her website at www.ellendubin.com.
As her biography outlines, "A Gemini Award nominated actress for her series regular role Jeri Slate in the Leo Award winning supernatural drama THE COLLECTOR (airing in 65 countries and continuing in repeats), Ellen is also a cult figure in the sci-fi world for playing the alien cannibal Giggerota the Wicked in the international cult hit LEXX. She has the distinction of doing all four seasons and playing four different characters in this very popular show. Ellen played the first Pope in sci fi history in LEXX.
In HIGHLANDER: THE RAVEN she is the only female to have a broad to broad to broadsword fight in that shows' history. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, the multi award winning Sundance Film Festival favorite and one of the most popular film comedies of all time, saw Ellen play the Tupperware-loving mom of Napoleon's potential prom date.
She is also the go-to-girl for a host of movies on the Lifetime Network, and the Sci-fi Channel. You never know where she will turn up next! SECOND CHANCES opposite In Treatment's Melissa George is airing right now on LIFETIME and TMN as well as her tv movie opposite teen icon Molly Ringwald THE WIVES HE FORGOT. Her Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presents/ CBS Emmy nominated movie of the week THE LOIS WILSON story opposite Winona Ryder is among her favorites.
She is just finished shooting a 3D comedy adventure zombie film DEAD BEFORE DAWN opposite Diary of a Wimpy Kids' Devon Bostick and an edgy new web series THE RESOLVE in Los Angeles. She is also the voice for the new highly acclaimed attraction at Disneyland called THE WORLD OF COLOR as well as voicing many characters in a sequel to a major high profile video game GUILD WARS 2 and one of those mostly highly anticipated upcoming games plus a new 3D animation film.
Ellen is honored to be the spokesperson for the Make A Wish Foundation in Toronto and Central Ontario, volunteers at the Los Angeles Mission and sits on the board of Kids With A Cause in Los Angeles."
Ellen reveals that New York is one of her favorite places to visit and her acting teacher, Carol Rosenfeld, who has been a great inspiration to her is from New York, so she has a great affinity with the city.
We spoke to Ellen about her career, fascinating movie roles, her charity work and what her dream acting job would be.
You started acting after a dance injury. Your acting career seems to have taken off really quickly. What do you credit that to?
I have worked steadily, but even when you are working you also know that you could be unemployed soon or face rejection. It has been a long haul of paying my dues and dealing, like all performers, with a series of ups and downs. I have been kicked so many times, but have gotten up, dusted myself off and gone on. The dance world did prepare me for the focus and discipline needed for a career in film, television and theater. I worked very hard training in all mediums such as dance, singing, improv, and scene study. I also did a lot of free plays, worked backstage to hone my skills, and watched other experienced actors. I was always the last to leave and always the first to arrive, to watch and learn everything I could. I toured in shows all around Canada and the US to gain on-the-job training. This was invaluable work to prepare me for everything that came afterwards. So hard work ,long hours, never giving up, commitment to the craft, and the business of acting all contributed to where I am now. I also never forget the people who helped me along the way. They are rare and I am forever grateful to them. I never burn bridges and I am thankful for everyone who contributes to all the projects that I do. An actor has to be the best he or she can be, but also has to realize that this is a business and we are the product. So sell yourself very well! I also love what I do and I appreciate everything that comes my way!
What attracts you to certain characters or scripts? What type of movies do you like to do?
What attracts me to a script is some kind of inner life of the character, such as a character who is complex and has a huge emotional range. I love characters that have a hidden secret or agenda. I am also attracted to strong women who have a great sense of humor, earthiness and rely on their brain as well as their sexuality! I love working off other actors and enjoy scenes that end up where you don't expect, such as taking a turn for the worse or the better. I love characters that are not black and white, good or evil. Most human beings have many layers to their personalities and I love that in scripts as well. I do admit that the evil characters are more fun to play!
You seem to do alot of horror films. Is that a genre you have always enjoyed or do you just like the quirkiness of it?
I call the genre sci fi more then horror. Within this genre, there are a lot of different types of roles, from a very straight forward character like dedicated single mother/ journalist Jeri Slate that I played in my supernatural series THE COLLECTOR, to a wild over-the-top cannibal Giggerota the Wicked in the wild and wacky show LEXX . There is never a dull moment in this genre. There is generally a quirkiness to these gals and they are usually powerful and in control. The fan base is astounding. The sci fi /fantasy genre has the most loyal and devoted fans in the world.
Initially, I didn't have any knowledge of sci fi/fantasy type of shows, but I grew to love the roles that were offered to me. I loved how multi-layered some of these characters are.
What led to your charity work and how do you choose the particular charities to support?
A friend approached me about the Make A Wish Foundation and thought because of my humor, devotion and passion that we would make a great fit. I love kids so much that I would do anything to make them happy, so this was an ideal charity for me to support. I am very honored to be working with them and I am constantly inspired by the children I meet. These remarkable children give me hope! I recently did the Rally for Kids with Cancer in Toronto, for the renowned Sick Kids Hospital. That came about because the same company that I hosted a huge event for, the Make A Wish Foundation, also did the Rally. I am grateful to have done this amazing event to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer, research and treatment.
You did a sword fight in Highlander. Did you find the prospect exciting or daunting, and what type of training did you do for it?
I would say a combo platter of sheer terror and excitement. Actually every time I get a new job, that is basically what I feel. I researched who the best teachers were in Los Angeles and went to an amazing place in Burbank called SWORDPLAY. I trained there with a wonderful teacher who had studied with Errol Flynn's teacher. It was very difficult to handle a broadsword, but I embraced the challenge. That is the beauty of acting, we get to learn a new skill. And how many times does a woman get to wield a sword? That sword fight in HIGHLANDER:THE RAVEN was the first broad to broad broadsword fight in the entire Highlander mythology. I wanted the fight to look as authentic as possible. I am the type of actress that pays attention to every detail when I am working.
What role or co-star would be your ideal or dream job?
My ideal job would be working on a great TV series, such as a detective show like Law and Order, or a great comedy like Modern Family. I love both one hour shows and half hour comedies. There are some amazing shows on HBO that I would be thrilled to be a part of. I would also love to work with Jeff Bridges, Liam Neeson, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett on film. It would be great to do another indie, quirky film that had the success of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. I love underdog projects that become hugely successful, because I see myself as an underdog that never quite fit into the mould of what people generally want in this business. I would also love to work on Broadway, because to me stage is the place that really shows off an actor's skills. You can't do another take when you are in front of a live audience. So you have to really have great technique to work on stage. The list is really endless. That hunger for what is next keeps me going!
What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
I would tell aspiring actors to work, study hard, and be aware and observant of what is around them. They should read, go to museums, listen to music, take classes, and have a life outside of acting. Also be good to their family and don't be so self-absorbed. Be yourself and don't let anyone get you down. What makes you different is what will get you work. It is so sad nowadays that all these actors are getting plastic surgery in an attempt to look different, and yet the irony is that everyone looks the same . There is nothing wrong with "imperfections". They are going to separate you from everyone else in the TV and film world. So embrace it and don't dwell on it. Love what you do!
I have some exciting upcoming projects. One of which is a 3d zombie horror comedy, coming out in 2012, called DEAD BEFORE DAWN, which has Diary of a Wimpy Kid's Devon Bostick and Christopher Lloyd. I play a very sweet, demure mother who turns into an evil zemon (1/2 zombie, 1/2 demon). I had a great time shooting this movie. I have been doing voice work on an upcoming huge video game called GUILD WARS 2, which will come out sometime in 2013. I love doing this type of work. I find it so freeing and I can be any shape, size and age by just using my voice. I also have another major game coming out in November, which is the most highly anticipated video game to be released this year. I have been sworn to secrecy on this one.
To learn more about Ellen and her career visit her website at www.ellendubin.com.
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