Actors are gypsies. We pack a bag, travel across the country, hang out with a group of strangers for a few weeks, make a film, have a party, say goodbye, and move onto the next gig. It’s rare, to keep in touch.
In 2005, I was cast in a movie-of-the-week entitled Flirting With Danger. It was on that Montreal based project, that I met Karen Cliche. I was a novice, she was a professional. I was extremely nervous and fairly certain that I was going to be fired. Karen went out of her way on numerous occasions to assuage my fears. Ultimately, I ended up keeping my job, but more importantly I had a great time on that set… due to her.
Needless to say, she is one of the rare actors with whom I have kept in touch.
Karen was born in Sept Iles, Quebec. Her first language is French. She was part of a military family, and learned English as a result of being transferred to different places throughout the years (Manitoba, Virginia Beach, Ottawa, Germany). At age thirteen, her family settled in Montreal.
Karen graduated at the top of her high school drama class with dreams of becoming a professional actress. She carved her name into park benches in case she became famous later on in life. At the age of eighteen, while working at a McDonalds, Karen was approached by a modeling agent. She signed with that particular agency and, along with the modeling gigs, came commercials and eventually film and television auditions. Karen’s first big ‘break’ came just three years later when she was cast in a film produced by Francis Ford Coppola. The film was shot in Australia and Hong Kong and it was one of the highlights of her life.
From then on there was no looking back. Karen has worked consistently and extensively throughout Canada and Europe. Additional film and television credits include: Vampire High, The Business, Adventure Inc., Young Blades, and Flash Gordon. One of her more memorable working experiences was the television show Mutant X. It was during that Toronto shoot that she met her husband, Brian. They have been happily married for over seven years and are raising their three-year-old daughter, Sienna.
I asked Karen, “What’s the best and worst aspect about your acting career?”
Best: “Any actor would agree that when it’s good, it’s GOOD. When I’m on set, I’m alive and full of energy and joy.”
Worst: “My hope is often crushed each time I don’t get a role or when I screw up an audition. The hardest part of my job is staying optimistic and maintaining my self-esteem. I must remember: when to let go, that it is mostly beyond my control, and it’s not always about talent.”
Last year, when Sienna was two, Karen began exploring the possibility of a new career, or a merging of several. Karen thought about the credentials that she possessed; no degree, no ‘real’ job experience, and her age (mid-thirties). She took a business empowerment seminar and it was there, in her confusion and self-doubt, that a woman said to her, “Don’t underestimate your value as an actress for certain job positions. Most people lack basic public speaking talents and don’t possess engaging and bright personalities. The technical stuff you can learn, but a great persevering character cannot be taught.” That gave Karen hope.
Karen became a representative for an organic sunscreen company based in California. She thrived when meeting retailers and presenting a product in which she believed. She found it somewhat ironic; being a sales representative is very similar to being an actor. “You spend hours trying to land an account/role, with no pay and tons of rejection along the way, and you only get paid once you land the gig.” The owner of the sunscreen company said to Karen, “Actors make the best sales reps; you’re so used to rejection, you won’t let it get you down!”
Recently, Karen began working for a natural skincare line called Graydon/Clinical Luxury By Nature. The ingredients are pure and mostly Canadian sourced. The initial switch to organic foods and skin care occurred with Karen when she became pregnant. So, three years later, Karen pursued this company and now she represents it. Karen works very closely with the owner, Graydon, which she finds exciting. This is a local company, with a woman as CEO. “Sometimes, I feel as though I was born to do this because I truly care. We should stop slathering ourselves with toxins,” she says.
Presently, Karen is both auditioning and representing Graydon/Clinical By Nature while juggling being a mom. She learned the hard way over the last few years that, if you do nothing, nothing happens.
“Sometimes you have to create opportunities. Let the universe know that you are ready and willing, and most importantly, be brave. Throw a bunch of balls in the air, and you’ll end up catching at least one! It creates a momentum in your life and seems to awaken a stagnant energy that might be lurking.”
Karen feels best and most proud when she is busy and challenged. She doesn’t know what her future holds, but right now she is pursuing her passions and she believes that her whole life experience will, in the end, lead her to the perfect place.
It’s been seven years since I met Karen and our friendship has strengthened with each monthly get together. I bring the wine, she provides the…wisdom – and massive amounts of laughter ensue. She is one of the most hopeful, passionate, and sincere people that I have met. We’re both probably still gypsies at heart, but I’m glad we stopped long enough to get to know one another.
For more information you can follow Karen on Twitter.