Check out our interview with talented Canadian actress and singer Samantha Aucoin who is taking over screens as breakout star ‘Lilly Fortenberry’ in SYFY’s hit TV show “Astrid & Lilly Save the World” (Wednesdays at 10pm ET/PT on SYFY Channel)
“Astrid & Lilly Save the World” is a show is for anyone who ever felt like they didn’t belong, which, as it turns out, is everyone. Themes include friendship and trust, growing up, self-acceptance, finding yourself, and the nostalgia of adolescence and pop culture. “Astrid & Lilly Save the World” follows high school outcast BFFs Astrid and Lilly, who accidentally crack open a portal to a terrifyingly quirky monster dimension – making high school even more complicated. It’s up to them to vanquish the creepy creatures and save the world, becoming the badass heroes they were meant to be. That is, if they can survive the horrors of high school.
Follow Samantha @samanthaaucoin
Hi Samantha, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! Thank you so much for this interview. My name is Samantha Aucoin and I am 20 years old. I am an actor/singer/songwriter and I grew up in a small town just north of Toronto, Canada called Beeton. I bring awareness to body positivity as well as champion it.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, Accepting, Engaging
How did you get started into acting?
When I was in the fourth grade, I came home from school with a flyer for this summer camp theatre program. The auditions were that night and I asked my mom if she would take me there to audition. I ended up getting accepted into the musical, Annie, and that summer definitely sparked my passion for acting.
How has this changed your life?
Before I was cast in the role of Lilly, I was working as a child care assistant and attending college for a music diploma. Once I was cast, I dropped everything and flew to St. John’s Newfoundland in Canada to go film the show. My daily routine changed drastically and now that the show has aired, I have been busy doing interviews and promoting the show. The direction I thought my life was going in has done a complete 180 and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities this show has given me. I found my passion for acting again within portraying my character and I am forever thankful.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Being an actress has been a big dream of mine since I was little, so being able to pursue that dream now has been amazing. It is truly incredible getting to work with so many talented and passionate people and I feel so fulfilled when I’m on set. One of the more challenging aspects of being an actress is figuring out how to manage my time and energy wisely, as I could be working a 16-18 hour day.
Tell us about your work on SYFY’s highly anticipated hit TV show “Astrid & Lilly Save the World?” And about your role as ‘Lilly Fortenberry?
I play the role of Lilly Fortenberry, who is a sweet natured, vulnerable and insecure teenager who relies on the support of her best friend Astrid. The two are outcasts and accidentally open a portal to a monster dimension when they perform a burn ritual after being bullied.
In the show, my character Lilly has a super human strength leg as her super power, so there were many combat scenes that I was able to partake in with help from our stunt coordinator. Those scenes were my favourite as I was able to use my leg to do my own stunts.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
As a newer TV actor myself, the one thing I want to promote is advocating for yourself and to not be afraid to ask for clarification. Asking questions is very much encouraged in this work environment and it helps everyone involved.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
If I could speak to my younger self I would tell her to allow things to happen and that forcing things will likely result in disappointment. I would tell her it’s okay to let things go and that life will lead you in the right direction as long as you let it.
What’s next for Samantha Aucoin in 2022?
I am hoping to release my EP this year! I am a singer/songwriter so I am very excited for people to listen to the music I have been working on.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favourite healthy food would be plain mussel meat.
And your favorite cheat food?
My mom’s homemade lasagna.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is when I feel fulfilled and purposeful.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Lizzo HANDS DOWN. She is a huge inspiration for me because she is not afraid to speak her mind and she openly loves herself, which I feel is such an important quality for a role model to possess.
Favorite song? Why?
Love Club – Lorde because it makes me feel nostalgic of car rides with my friends in high school.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on:
Instagram – @samanthaaucoin
Twitter – @SamanthaAucoin_
Book: Will Grayson, Will Grayson – John Green
Movie: Hereditary
Tv Series: Being Erica
Favorite Food: Chicken and rice
Travel Destination: Bordeaux, France
Photo credit: Raen Badua
