Actress Cassandra Hepburn
Cassandra Hepburn is a Philippine-American actress who was raised in Asia, Europe and the U.S. She pursued modeling at a young age and later transitioned into stage, television and film pursuing her dream of an acting career while studying at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in New York as well as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
She was only 12 when she made her acting debut in Stephen King’s “The Stand.” After graduating high school at 14, she moved to New York to fully devote herself to the perfection of her craft which led to a brief stint on the popular daytime soap “As the World Turns”.
Cassandra eventually moved to Paris to model for some of the top designers in the world. She graced the modeling scene and worked for designers such as Sonia Rykiel while living and studying in France. In 1999, Cassandra also spent some time at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) taking courses in Classical and Shakespearean acting. She has shared the screen with Dennis Hopper and Michael Madsen in Quentin Tarantino Presents: Hellride directed by Larry Bishop (Kill Bill) which was the most anticipated film at Sundance in 2008. She worked alongside Matthew McConaughey in Surfer Dude playing Woody Harrelson’s wife, Luanne.
Cassandra has also worked with such stars as Danny DeVito, Kim Basinger and Ray Liota in “Even Money” directed by Mark Rydell, as well as a supporting role in Sydney Lumet’s “Find Me Guilty”, starring Vin Diesel. Cassandra has also made a number of appearances on the small screen, the most notable to date being a guest star in the TV series Medium, starring Patricia Arquette as well as a recurring role on The Young and the Restless.
An avid dancer, she enjoys gymnastics, rock climbing and martial arts among other physical sports, and makes the occasional appearance at Comic Con.
An accomplished actress, Cassandra has also left an incredible mark on the world by bringing awareness of injustice and poverty throughout the world. She writes,
“Few things in my life have impacted me as much as witnessing the ugliness, adversity and abuse that have been placed upon on those less fortunate. I’m so thankful I’ve not had to endure the violations of human rights that so many in our world are faced with on a day-to-day basis. And it’s for this reason I’m doing what I can to raise awareness so that someday, our 30 fundamental human rights can be enjoyed equally by all. My approach to improving the lives of others is heartfelt and genuine. Hopefully, it’s making a difference.”
Cassandra puts actions to her statement. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Cassandra spent three weeks volunteering in orphanages and hospitals in the country. She is the Global Ambassador of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) whose mission is to teach youth about human rights. Cassandra has also helped raise awareness about human trafficking through special events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas as well as through media interviews in both cities.
Asiance: Cassandra, I read in another interview with you something you said that struck me as very beautiful. Allow me to quote, “What I consider a fun time is helping other people and getting them to reach their dreams and goals and not be afraid to do so. I find that fulfilling and enjoy the beauty that each and every single individual brings to this world! That is why I enjoy traveling because I meet people from all over the world and they fascinate me.” Well said. You seem to really care about people and the human situation. What drives you to work with humanitarian causes?
Cassandra: Because I believe in people so much and the goodness in all no matter where they came from. We all have greatness and goodness inside us. We see it when there is a natural disaster that threatens lives and every human being bands together to help one another. Seeing that happen, gives me the drive to continue with my advocacy and humanitarian work because one day I would like to see the world just naturally be that way among all human beings no matter their color, sex, religion, culture or whatever; not just during times of human crisis.
Asiance: You have had an amazing career in film, theater and television. Which medium do you prefer?
Cassandra: I honestly love all mediums!! But I must say I do enjoy film first, theater second and television third.
Asiance: I also read you grew up watching Classic movies. How do you think the films of today compare?
Cassandra: I think the films of today are catered to the audiences of today and you can’t compare classics to films of today because then it wouldn’t be a classic!
Asiance: Any particular actor, now or in the past, inspire you?
Cassandra: The one who most inspired me as an artist is Audrey Hepburn because she wasn’t only a great actress but a wonderful human being who also believed in people. I also admired Coco Chanel for her determinism and perseverance on making it to the top of the Fashion Industry with just the belief in herself that she could do it! And I am a huge fan of Charlie Chaplin because he was an orphan and became one of the most respected actors, filmmakers of the business because he had that same belief in himself too like the other 2 people I mentioned. All three of them, no matter what adversities they had to go through, they believed that they would come out on top!
Asiance: Anyone you would love to work with one day?
Cassandra: I would love to work with Matt Damon because he is one of those amazingly great actors. Johnny Depp, because he can really challenge me to be even greater as an actress. Angelina Jolie, because I’ve always admired her work and think we would be great in some scenes together. Emily Blunt, because she is a phenomenal actress. Cate Blanchett, because she is one of my favorite actresses.
Asiance: As a fan of Quentin Tarantino I have to ask you how he was to work with?
Cassandra: Quentin is a great guy. I only read with him for the audition of another project and he was phenomenal to read with at the audition because he lets you create as an artist. Larry Bishop was a great director who allowed me to just create and really made me feel comfortable as an artist. Quentin also was an amazing support at the Sundance Film Festival Screening of the movie “Hellride” and gave me some great advice at the premiere. I admire him as a phenomenal artist!
Asiance: Do you have a particular genre of movie you like to appear in?
Cassandra: I DO!!! I would love to do more action packed type of movies where I can show my other skills in Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts and Firearms!!! That would be the ideal projects for me! I want so much to be an action actress!!! It would be fun to be super hero!!
Asiance: I also read you were conditioning yourself for more action roles? How are you training?
Cassandra: Speaking of training I am doing gymnastics 3 times a week and I go to the gym and train with a trainer every day for an hour.
Asiance: I once read that you are a semi-pro golfer. True or rumor?
Cassandra: I enjoy playing golf and I am good at it but don’t know about semi-pro!
Asiance: How do you deal with the rumors that the media writes about you?
Cassandra: Like you said, they are just rumors so I don’t let it affect me because those who are important to me are the ones who really know me and if anyone wanted to know the truth they would just ask and not have to read about it from a third party.
Asiance: One of your newest projects is the film, “Four Weddings and a Shaadi”. A “Shaadi” for those who do not know is a Hindi word for wedding. A touch of Bollywood in Hollywood. I find it interesting that Ryan Seacrest is doing a reality show about moneyed Persians living in LA called the “Shahs of Sunset”. Do you think this is indicates a greater awareness and acceptance of other cultures in Hollywood?
Cassandra: I think it is that just an indication of interest of other cultures. Hollywood needs to still really put more efforts into diversity!!!
Asiance: Any advice for aspiring actors?
Cassandra: My biggest advice is: NEVER GIVE UP!!! IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND KNOW FOR YOURSELF THAT ACTING IS WHAT YOUR CALLING IS AND YOU ARE HONEST WITH YOURSELF! NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!! BUT ASK YOURSELF WHY YOU WANT TO BE AN ACTOR? THEN TAKE IT FROM THERE.
Asiance: There is the public Cassandra and the private Cassandra that only her close friends and family know. How would you describe her?
Cassandra: The Private Cassandra likes her privacy and enjoys her family and friends. Both the private and public Cassandra, respects others and expects others to respect her!
To learn more about Cassandra Hepburn visit the following links:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1141576/
www.cassandrahepburn.com