Kathryn Le: Tickling Funny Bones with 2001 Maniacs’ Beautiful China Rose. By Brian Kirst
Even with her Masters Degree in Counseling and a volunteer job with teens (“They’re looking for some guidance.”), the beautiful and talented Kathryn Le states, “I’m 100% devoted to acting. I always wanted it. Even in school, I would still go to auditions – music videos, modeling and then short films. After the Masters, I acted fulltime. I love horror, comedy and action. I’m currently working on a pilot-webisode thing about this funny Asian girl – it’s a George Lopez-Family Matters thing. ”
Horror fans, of course, are anxiously waiting for Le’s appearance as China Rose in the winter 2010 release of Tim Sullivan’s follow-up to his popular 2001 Maniacs – 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams(AKA Beverly Hellbillies). “Tim Sullivan was a great director, he had a great vision. He allowed us all to brainstorm, as well. I had my say – he let me bring out the sexiness and funniness of the character. Even with horror, I want to make people laugh.”
As for her fondest memories of the set Le provides, “Christa Campbell and I got close. She’s like my big sister. She, Lyn Shaye, Nicole Rea and I had two days to learn this really complicated choreography for this tribute to Jennifer Beals – Cause We’re Cannibals! The choreographer’s work was so detailed that we had to say forget it and work together and come up with something on our own.” As for the bad – “There were chiggers, mosquitoes and bad craft service – but (on an up note) I also got to wear crazy eyes in the movie!”
As for other projects, Le also recently worked with B-Movie legend Dolph Lundgren in Command Performance. Dolph (who starred in and directed the film) is “an awesome guy. He has a huge fan base and he knows what they want. He acts and directs in his movies. I learned the business side from him – he’s loaded, living the life!”
She is also the love interest in Ninja with Scott Atkins (“A big martial artist and British actor.”) and while her training with a martial arts and a dialogue coach for the film definitely paid off, Le is a little embarrassed while how she comes off in the film’s behind the scenes features. “They used this moment where I was being girly and admiring Scott. We shot tons of stuff, but that’s what they used.”
Le seems to be most excited, though, about her work as Connie in Garry Marshall’s star studded Valentine’s Day. “There are about 300 people in it! I worked with Jamie Foxx and (NBA’s) Dwight Howard.”
And, as Le’s star continues to rise, that excitement and dedication to her craft is sure to keep devoted horror fans, worldwide, watching her every move.
