Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Born and raised in Germany, educated in the United States and now based out of South Korea, BAFTA Awards-nominated actor Teo Yoo (“Past Lives,” “Decision to Leave”) doesn’t take any of his success for granted. He had already spent many years turning down parts that cast Asian characters in a disparaging light. In his latest role in the espionage series “The Recruit,” he plays Jang Kyu, a South Korean intelligence agent, who teams up with Noah Centineo.
“We filmed ‘Ted’ on the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles – about a stone’s throw away from my all-time favorite theme park ride, Jaws!,” said actress Alanna Ubach. “I kept pinching myself every time I’d hear screams and laughter coming from the trams.”
“I really split my time between Los Angeles, London and Portland – and wherever music takes me really,” said singer/songwriter/guitarist Corey Harper. “[But for now] I am living in Malibu on a goat farm tucked away up in the hills. It’s essentially a shed, but I’ve made it feel like a million bucks in here. It’s really peaceful (and) quiet.”
Born and raised in Washington, Pennsylvania, Paige Spara currently lives in Vancouver, where she films the ABC medical series “The Good Doctor” — which kicks off its sixth season on October 3. Her character, Lea Dilallo, is the head of a hospital’s IT department and is married to Shaun Murphy – an autistic doctor played by Freddie Highmore.
“My travels have exposed me to a lot of new music and introduced me to some of my favorite musicians, including some of my collaborators on my new album,” said Jessica Lowndes, who splits her time between Los Angeles and Vancouver. “At one point, we were all working on the album over Zoom from different countries – Canada, United States, United Kingdom, (Denmark).”
“My family traveled every year to the great American West, as my mom called it,” said Kate Siegel, who’s currently filming the HBO series “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” “We explored Moab, Utah, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and many more. I remember it fondly now, but as a child I was very grumpy about all the hiking and driving.”
“I walked in one park every day and watched it change with the seasons,” said singer-songwriter Dar Williams. “I’m a big walker but watching one place go through all these changes was very meaningful to me. Also, the wildlife really came out in force. I felt like we were all sharing the world.”
“What I’ve learned is that what you do with your time is what matters most,” said “Descendants 3” actress Jadah Marie. “You don’t have to be super busy all the time, but as long as you are happy with what you’re doing, nothing else should matter as long as no one is being harmed. Spending time with those who show you the same love back matters the most.”
“Working on ‘Snowpiercer’ was very special, considering the current climate,” says actor Garfield Wilson. “Casting was very cognizant to have an incredibly diverse cast and how that diversity can be portrayed on the show as a commentary on our present-day society.”
“My first trip I took as a child was to New Orleans,” says “Five Points” actor Nathaniel Potvin. “When I was there, I hated it. As my mom describes it, I was sick with an ear infection. How could you not hate that? But I recently went back and loved it. It is truly an amazing town full of good food and the best jazz.”
Stuntman, musician, boxer and active supporter of The Red Cross/Impact Anti-Bullying Campaign, Aleks Paunovic’s acting resume includes “War For the Planet of the Apes,” “Personal Effects” and Syfy’s “Van Helsing,” where he portrays an aggressive vampire named Julius. The son of a Croatian mother and Serbian father, the 6-foot-5-inch Canadian actor may next be seen in the Keanu Reeves feature, “Siberia,” and Liam Neeson’s “Hard Powder.”
Television viewers know Ian Harding as Ezra Fitz on Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars” — the role that won him seven Teen Choice Awards. With the release of his first book, “Odd Birds” (St. Martin’s Press, $25.99), he can also add author to his resume. In his collection of essays, Harding shares vignettes of his life in Hollywood, interspersed with tales about his hobby, bird-watching. Harding will next be seen in the indie film “Office Uprising.”
As the daughter of Kiss frontman Gene Simmons and former Playboy model Shannon Tweed, Sophie Simmons is no stranger to the limelight. Simmons, 24, appeared with her family on the A&E reality series, “Family Jewels,” auditioned on “X-Factor” and (along with Rebel) released a cover of “Kiss Me.” The Los Angeles-based host of Refinery 29’s “Body Image School” digital series and the face of Adore Me’s inclusive lingerie campaign, Simmons also advocates for child abuse victims with Sophie’s Place in Vancouver.
“Impastor” actor Michael Rosenbaum says, “I always remember going to New York for the holidays with the family. It was always hell, but there were a lot of good times. Just waking up at my grandmother Ruthy’s house in Long Island on Christmas morning and driving into a rarely empty Manhattan was pretty memorable. There’s nothing like New York during Christmastime — ice-skating, Central Park, hot chocolate, Macy’s, FAO Schwarz. I bought a fake Rolex on the street. It didn’t work then and it doesn’t now.”
“Entertainment Tonight” correspondent Cameron Mathison says that living in California makes it easy for his family to take mini vacations throughout the year. “We have so many options for an easy weekend getaway,” says the 46-year-old actor. “We have the ocean, mountain, forest and desert choices — all within a few hours.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Page Kennedy is based out of Los Angeles these days, though he has spent a good chunk of time filming in Canada. “I really like Canada,” says Kennedy, 38. “I was most recently in Vancouver in the summer filming ‘Backstrom.’ There’s so much to do. They had the Shakespeare Festival, which was a lot of fun. The water was beautiful and the architecture was really pretty. You don’t see buildings like that in Los Angeles.”
Born in Wales, Tom Ellis made a name for himself in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders.” The actor, 35, now stars as Dr. William Rush in the USA Network’s new medical drama, “Rush.” He calls London home, but is currently based out of Vancouver shooting his series. “Vancouver is such a beautiful city,” says Ellis. “It’s unreal. I love how it’s a city thoughtfully nestled within nature.”
Born in Calgary, Alberta, sisters Tegan Rain and Sara Keirsten Quin are better known as the musical duo of Tegan and Sara. The twins, 33, won three Juno Awards earlier this year in Canada for their work on their seventh studio album, “Heartthrob.” But the song that has helped earn them a new (and young!) fan base is “Everything is Awesome.” They recorded the infectiously catchy song for “The LEGO Movie.”
Best road trip ever for comic actor Seth Rogen? “When I was 16, my mom and I rented a car in Israel and drove around for a couple weeks. It was fun. I’m pretty easy maintenance, which is a good thing, since I have to travel so much for work.”
Billy Campbell stars as Darren Richmond on the AMC series “The Killing.” Born in Charlottesville, Va., the actor resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, and says he loves exploring Canada. “I go out to Vancouver Island, rent a cabin in Ucluelet, surf all day, then have dinner and a glass of wine by the fireplace in the big room at the Long Beach Lodge,” he says. “Vancouver is the city of my dreams. And at 52, I’m young enough to enjoy the outdoors, but old enough to enjoy me.” Campbell also has roles in the upcoming films “Fat Kid Rules the World” and “The Disappeared.”