Ready for an inspiring story that might make you change your New Year’s resolution all together to kick butt in life in 2014? Once upon a time, Canadian actress Kate Drummond decided to give up her career and life as a school teacher in Ottawa after 12 years to take a leap of faith. She sold everything she owned, quit her job and moved to Toronto to pursue her childhood dream of being an actress. Fast-forward to 2014 and her resume now includes the sci-fi TV mini-series Cat. 8, airing across North America on Reelz and the SPACE channel, the TV movie Clara’s Deadly Secret, the part of Grim in the late Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist video game, and memorable roles in shows like Being Human and Sweet Tart’s Takeaway. When she’s not on set, she films the hilariously unscripted A Jock’s Guide in her own kitchen, an atypical cooking show that’s already up to 18 episodes. We caught up with Drummond to find out more about her jump from the classroom to in front of the camera.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
Well, I’m an auntie to two amazing nephews, I’m a jock, a Leafs fan, a dog lover and popcorn addict… I’m also a Canadian actress, the creator and host of an online cooking show, and a former elementary school teacher. What should people know? That I’m living proof of the expression, “You’re never too old to follow your dreams.” I had wanted to be an actress since I was 8 years-old, and after 12 fulfilling years in my classroom, I realized I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I sold everything I owned, left my stable life in Ottawa and moved to a basement apartment in Toronto to pursue this lifelong dream full-time. It was the scariest thing I’d ever done and was the most exciting leap of faith. The industry has been so gracious and welcoming to me and I’m really thankful for a great support network of friends and teachers. Even though I started acting later in life, I think for me it was perfect timing. I needed to have all my life experiences in order to be the artist I want to be. I have a lot of stories to tell and I’m blessed to be able to share them through the characters I play.
What else should people know? That being an auntie is the best gig I have ever booked… What else? Volunteering is a huge part of my life. I love being involved in my community and helping out with causes that make our world a more gracious place for people and animals. Currently, I’m working with the OSPCA on their National Cupcake Day Campaign for 2014, and am an ambassador for KidSport Ontario.
What are some of the biggest challenges and most exciting things about being in a sci-fi mini-series?
Oh, I love sci-fi! Everything is supercharged and tense and heightened. It’s like you’re on this major adrenaline rush all the time. I’m an athlete, so I love the physical scenes where I get to run, and crash into things and have things blow up around me. As far as challenges go, I mean, it stretches your imagination for sure, having to experience and actualize these “impossible” situations, but that’s also the most exciting part for me. I love that element of make believe and play. Working on the miniseries, Cat. 8, was such an awesome experience and being able to work with Matthew Modine (Dark Knight Rises, Full Metal Jacket), an actor I’d admired since I was young, was such a gift.
Who do you play in Clara’s Deadly Secret and what did you love about this particular experience?
I play a character named Jane Jenkins in Clara’s Deadly Secret. This role stretched me as an actress and pushed me to those places of humanity that are so dark but so universal. Jane is a tormented and broken woman. I love stepping into a character that goes through something real and relatable to the audience. I typically get cast as these “kick butt and take names” kind of women, which I love, but I also like to play the women with the other kind of strength… the strength of heart and vulnerability.
How did A Jock’s Guide come about and what do you love about doing it?
A Jock’s Guide was born out of a desperate need to be creative and productive during a down time in the business. I had just gotten my first Mac and I wanted to learn the new editing software, so I decided to film myself making fudge. The result? Episode 1. I’m now up to 18 episodes! I love it because I’m actually not a chef or anything like that and it’s not a typical cooking show. Things blow up in my face, burn, fall, smash… you name it! But the recipes are 100% wins. It’s unscripted and funny and I really enjoy editing my experiences in the kitchen into these short and witty how-to videos. I have an international audience now and an interactive community, which I love.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My family (including my dog, Jackson), my iPhone and my volleyball shoes.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
You know, I never have an answer when someone asks, “Where do you want to go for dinner?” So I don’t think I’ve found it yet! Any suggestions?
What products are always in your beauty bag?
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Lavender Oil, Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder, Warm Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Spray.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Twitter (@gotta_be_K_D and @ajocksguide), Facebook (for my actor fan page and A Jock’s Guide), katedrummond.com and ajocksguide.com.