Check out our interview with actress Kelli Ogmundson who stars as Dolores Stubb opposite comedy superstar Joel McHale in FOX’s new workplace comedy “Animal Control”. The series which premiered on February 16th follows a group of Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not. Along with the lead cast of Joel McHale, Michael Rowland, Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel, Grace Palmer, Gerry Dee, Kelli Ogmundson and Alvina August, animals are the co-stars! Some of the animals featured this season include ostriches, rabbits (high on mushrooms), an albino Burmese python, a mountain lion, a kangaroo, an alpaca and many more.
Follow Kelli @kelliogs
Hi Kelli, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I am a Canadian actor and comedian, born and raised in New Westminster, living in Vancouver BC. I have a chubby little cat named Bruce who looks like a small cow and my favourite flavour of LaCroix is limoncello.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Small Adult Woman.
How did you get started into acting?
The year is 2007, I am a teen – the worst age – and I see my best friend in a musical theatre production of “Bugsy Malone” and I immediately wanted in. At the same time I join my school’s competitive improv team and went on to win regionals and compete at nationals in the Canadian Improv Games. From then I was hooked and went to University for Musical Theatre, where I met my agent at my final showcase. Since then it’s been many years of hard work to get where I am today!
How has this changed your life?
Well very much for the better. I think I am a much happier person now that I’m not slinging tea or working reception where people will just casually yell at you.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is definitely the work, I love watching everyone work and getting to be a part of interesting and funny projects. The worst part is the uncertainty of whether or not you have a job this year.
How do you prepare for a role?
A lot of the time I try and find what aspects of myself can relate to the character, and also who in my life can I draw from for this part. And with a comedy I like to work out what the most interesting and odd choice I can do for my lines.
Tell us about your work in FOX’s new workplace comedy “Animal Control?”
I play Dolores, the office manager of the Animal Control office. She is a bit of a killjoy, little bit of a wet blanket, loves a good rule, but has to manage a lot of personalities so you can’t really blame her.
How is working opposite comedy superstar Joel McHale in the project?
Oh wonderful! I was definitely nervous at first but that went away quite immediately. He is such a brilliant talent, so smart and so quick. And he creates a very fun and easy environment to work in.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I love an oddball, but I will say that most characters are oddballs in their own right, which I love to figure out.
If you weren’t famous, what would you be up to right now?
Well I am certainly not famous, so probably what I am doing now, which is watching Survivor and drinking a LaCroix. If I was famous I would probably be doing the same but in a nicer house.
Which fictional character would be the most exciting to meet in real life?
Probably someone like Jennifer Coolidge’s “Tanya” from The White Lotus, because she is just so iconic.
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Richard Kind, Amy Sedaris, and Tracy Morgan.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
It’s very basic but honestly, just keep going. Keep putting yourself out there, try new things, and work on yourself.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Other people’s success are not your failures.
How would your best friend describe you?
I asked her to respond to this question for me and she said “Kelli it’s 2am why are you asking me this now.”
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Doin’ My Best” because I am doin’ my best.
What’s next for Kelli Ogmundson in 2023?
A little this and a little that. I’m grateful I’ve already worked on a few things since we wrapped Animal Control. Hopefully more of that as the year goes on!
What is your own definition of happiness?
A little bit of peace and quiet. A cat or two. Watching TV. My family playing Scattergories.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Canadian Icon Leslie Nielsen. He really was like no other and brilliant and so deeply, deeply funny.
Best advice ever given?
Practice gratitude.
Do you support any charity?
Yes! I’m a big advocate for WAVAW, a crisis centre in Vancouver. They support survivors with free of charge services. Not just cis women, but also trans women, non-binary, and Two Spirit survivors.
Favorite song? Why?
Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen. Because it rocks.
What do you think of Social Media?
I am terrible at it, that’s for dang sure. It is definitely a lot of pretending and selling a lifestyle that is pretty unattainable. So for me it’s work updates, jokes, and cats.
Where we can follow you?
For jokes, I’m on Twitter @kelliogmundson and for cats and work updates, I’m on Instagram @kelliogs. I promise I am trying to post more than once a year.
Speed Round:
Book: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Quote: “Sorry to this man.” – Keke Palmer
Movie: The Princess Bride
Tv Series: Arrested Development, 30 Rock, Bobs Burgers.
Favorite Food: Spicy Pasta alla Vodka because me and Gigi Hadid are very similar.
Travel Destination: Iceland
Sports Team: What is “sports”?
Photo credit: The Portrait Sessions @theportraitsessions
