Check out our interview with talented ABC’s “A Million Little Things” award-winning actress Erin Karpluk.
Erin is also well known for her role on all five seasons of Family Channel’s award-winning series Holly Hobbie premiering throughout the year in Canada, and on Disney Channel and Universal Kids in the US.
Follow Erin @erinkarpluk
Hi Erin, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a small town mountain girl at heart but love the big cities and adventure. I love nature and my career. After 20 years as an actress, I still pinch myself that I get to do this for a living.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Playful, empathetic, unafraid.
How did you get started into acting?
I wanted to be an actor as early as I can remember but we did not have acting clubs or classes in our small town. I grew up playing hockey and running around the Rockies instead. When applying to UVIC I expressed interest in taking theatre courses and two months later I landed on the front step of the Phenix Theatre building to embark on a BFA specializing in Theatre. I think it was a happy mistake. I had zero idea what I was doing but somehow managed to fool people for 4 years and graduate as an acting major.
How has this changed your life?
Acting and my career is the one path in life I have never wavered on. I just kept putting my feet one step in front of the other. Kind of like Indiana Jones and his leap of faith in the “Last Crusade”. I never questioned it even when it seemed impossible. When I’m on set, regardless of the project, at some point in the day it still feels like Christmas morning to me. To be able to challenge myself, collaborate, and really just PLAY. I love storytelling and know without a question it’s what I’m meant to do at this time. I could not be more grateful for my career, the opportunities that have come my way, and the incredible people I have met along the ride.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is the people and that the environment and story is always new and fresh. I love I get to travel so much. The worst part is wondering when the next job will come and the epic rejection. But honestly, over the years, it rolls off your back more. Having faith in the notion nothing that is meant for you will pass you by, and there is no such thing as rejection just re-direction. It’s bang on if you believe it.
How do you prepare for a role?
Some roles I dissect, get coaching, immerse and dive deep on. More often though the character will fall in my wheelhouse and I find less prep is better. I still always over prepare so “on the day” I can throw it away and have enough ammunition to play. It entirely depends on the role and story. I do always pick a new scent & song for each character. Smell and sound really helps ground me especially when I’m playing something far outside myself. I like collaborating with hair/make-up/wardrobe also to create the look for the character. I am currently working with Debra Hanson (an Emmy-winning Wardrobe Designer) on a project for a character set in the 80s – it is SO FUN!!! She is a dream to work with!
Tell us about your work on the hit ABC ad W Network TV show “A Million Little Things?”
It’s an interesting journey for me as an actor and for my character. Both us thought we’d be around for a couple of episodes but it turned out to be a 15-episode / 2-season arc! I went from getting cast as a sex offender’s wife, to playing the lead actor’s girlfriend. I had so much fun with the cast and crew, I’m really happy they kept me around and I loved playing Anna.
And about your role as “Anna Benoit?”
Anna Benoit is first introduced simply as Peter Beniot’s wife, Sophie’s music teacher. Unbeknownst to Anna, Peter has sexually abused several of his students. At first, she is by her husband’s side in the emergency room when he is beaten by two of the girl’s guardians. Anna defends her husband to the police and even when she is confronted by Sophie who tries to tell her the truth about Peter. From this point, Anna has a rollercoaster of guilt and shame she rides while also navigating the betrayal of the man she thought was the love of her life. In the journey, she finds new love, in lead Eddie Saville played by David Giuntoli. I adore working with David he’s the best. To make things more interesting DJ Nash the creator also has Anna dealing with alcoholism and hiding a pretty big secret that will be revealed in the Season 4 Finale. As an Actor I had so much to challenge me working in Anna’s skin, it was so exciting reading the scripts as they came in. If you asked me in September 2020 if I’d be playing this all in Spring 2022 I would not have believed it. That is what I love about acting, it’s such a fun journey, you never know where it will take you.
And about your work on Family Channel’s award-winning series “Holly Hobbie?”
I first signed on to this project simply because my niece and my friends’ kids cannot watch anything else I’ve done! Haha. I love how Sarah Glinsky wrote this show. What first spoke to me is how empowering it is for young girls. It tackles everything from disability to racism to the effects of social media. Like A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, HOLLY HOBBIE is not afraid to tackle big issues and makes them digestible and fun to watch for kids 8 – 14. The show is bright and filled with music. It was such a joy to watch the kids grow and thrive personally and professionally over 5 seasons. I highly recommend this to all families to watch, I’m really proud to be part of it.
What other projects you have been part of?
Most notably I played Erica Strange for 4 seasons on CBC’s BEING ERICA. The show was a dream role for me, as Erica time travels back to her list of regrets. Every episode we tackle another regret that sends her stumbling into both dramatic and comedic adventures that are refreshingly true to the human experience. I still get feedback from people on social media and here on the streets of Toronto about how much the show resonated with them. I could not have wished for a better role, it was truly a gift to play and the highlight of my career to date.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I would love to sink into a dark 1/2 comedy. Something edgy, about the pendulum shift in misogyny. I’m pretty passionate about unbending the way society has raised men on a global scale. As for roles I’d like to play, I’m game to play anything as long as it’s part of a story I believe in. Not to say all shows are going to change your view of the world or inspire you to tackle big issues, sometimes a little fun escape is just as important.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Honestly, the people that I meet. Especially in tv series, the cast and crew become like family, and you all live at a circus. It’s a ride you take together, and you really get to see people shine and strive and thrive. It’s a team effort from catering to lighting to directing, we all collaborate and hopefully make a little magic. I’ve met many lifelong friends from the series, and countless peers I’m always excited to reunite with on different projects, it’s so fun. It also means a lot to have fan feedback that the shows resonate with them.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
It’s not what you think it is, if you are in it for money or fame get on Tik Tok! Haha. If you have a plan B go with that. Work your ass off, advocate for yourself, be kind, and always be curious. Train with a lot of different teachers/mentors and find out what works for you. Find a good circle of people that support you.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
You can learn a lot by observing. Be a solution not a problem. As a woman, saying no often earns more respect than saying yes. As an actor be mindful of your energy, and keep it protected. Plan your days, particularly on tv series as though you are running a marathon not a sprint. Don’t eat too much at lunch. Try to hydrate (I am the worst at this). Always take your heels off and sit down between takes (Doris Roberts taught me this). Stay humble and grateful. Everyone you work with has a whole life outside of work you need to respect. Boundaries are good. Remember we are not really performing brain surgery, have fun! Take the work seriously but not yourself.
How would your best friend describe you?
That’s really hard for me to answer! Ummmm. Sonya would say I’m accountable and always willing to learn but perpetually late for dinner. Kim would say even though I talk a lot I’m still a good listener. I think Reagan would say I am brave and supportive. Paula would say I’m sensitive but strong. Evan would say I’m bold and take no shit. Warren would say I’m organized. Sarah would say I’m empathetic and loyal.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Happily in Progress”
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Worry gets you nowhere. Trust your gut. Love yourself first always.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
If you are venturing in the arts: “The War of Art”
What’s next for Erin Karpluk in 2022?
Currently shooting the new Kiefer Sutherland series RABBIT HOLE for CBS in Toronto. I LOVE shooting in Toronto, especially this time of year. I always say Vancouver is my husband and Toronto is my lover. I usually get my big affair with Toronto in the summertime which is perfect. In between, I’m heading back to my home in LA for early summer and plan to have many catch-ups and hikes with friends there.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Overnight oats – mind you they are a bit sugar loaded by the time I’m done preparing them. Steel cut oats, coconut milk, berries, pumpkin seed protein mixed with honey-greek yogurt, chia seeds, chopped figs, walnuts, and cinnamon. I eat this for breakfast every day, keeps me fired up for hours.
And your favorite cheat food?
French Fries for dayyyyyyys.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Walking in nature in a healthy body with a loved one.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Oprah!
Best advice ever given?
From my 4th grade teacher Mr. Carlyle: “If you’ve got a problem, solve it.”
Do you support any charity?
I’m a huge supporter of the SPCA but have also worked with World Vision.
Where do you see yourself and your career 5 years from now?
I’d like to own a property in Hawaii by the time I am 50! That’s a bit longer than 5 years for me but I need to start saving now. I would like to have traveled to at least 5 more countries on my list. Career wise I would like to be or have ventured to the other side of the camera to direct. I’m verrrrry curious about the experience of telling the story from that role.
Favorite song? Why?
Of all time … that’s like Sophies Choice but if she had 10 children. Agonizing question. Ummm. Right now I can’t stop listening to Supermarket by Kings of Leon. That’s my choice just for today.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think Social Media is like life, you can make it what you want. It can be a really healthy outlet to participate in … but you really have to define what it is you want to put out in the world and also consume. I am very clear and thoughtful about my brand and what I post, who I follow, and how much time I spend doing both. Social Media, much like alcohol, drugs, shopping, and gambling, can be an addiction. I actually log my screen time and make sure to power down for quality time with people. I’m 90% usage for work and 10% for pleasure. And if the saying goes you are what you eat, what are you digesting on SM? As much as there are incredible messages and outlets, there is a lot of darkness/trolling/bullying/misinformation/false advertising. It’s up to each person to use discern what they are ingesting & how it affects their physical/spiritual/mental/emotional health.
Where we can follow you?
I’m @erinkarpluk on IG and Twitter
Book: The Seat of the Soul
Quote: Sandra Bullock: Find out who you are and be that person.
Movie: True Romance
Tv Series: Twin Peaks
Favorite Food: Mediterranean
Travel Destination: South Africa
Credits:
Photographer: Brandon Elliot
Stylist: Eleni Tsapas
Hair/MU: Zahra Dee
