photo from www.exposay.comWhen you think of the typical teen actors, the usuals pop into your mind: Miley Cyrus, Demi Levato, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale, to name a few. But there is a new breed of young actors that are causing a stir in the film and television industry. Hayley McFarland is one of those hot young actresses that you haven’t heard that much about…yet.
Hayley has appeared in numerous commercials and an indie film, but it was a two- episode stint on “Gilmore Girls” that was her first big “dream job.” The second opportunity came right after in an indie feature “An American Crime” opposite Ellen Page and Catherine Keener, which she says, “taught me so much about the acting process in films. I am forever grateful for that experience.”
Hayley has worked with big names like Keener and Page, and recently she has proven to be a great inspiring actress by holding her own with legendary actor Tim Roth on “Lie to Me.” During the first season, Hayley was a little apprehensive, but now with the show’s success, she can now admit, “I was a little afraid of meeting Tim Roth on my first day. I had just seen ‘Pulp Fiction’, and his character was so mean. But I had nothing to worry about; he's a wonderful guy. He has really taken me under his wing.”
Just recently, she has starred on Showtime’s new hit show, “The United States of Tara” co-created by the legendary Oscar-winning producer and director Steven Spielberg and Oscar winner Diablo Cody. Hayley is thrilled to showcase her comedic side with her role on “Tara,” as the son Marshall’s best friend. “I love playing Petula,” Hayley says, “I love the wardrobe, the glasses … I get to say such snarky things!”
Hayley has also made guest appearances on “ER,” “Without a Trace,” “24,” and “Criminal Minds.” She also co-starred opposite Forest Whitaker, Dakota Fanning, and Jennifer Hudson in the feature “Fragments.”
Below is the interview we did via e-mail last week:
How do you respond to people when they say you could be fellow Showtime channel star Mary Louise Parker’s daughter?
It's really flattering! She is so pretty and such a good actress; it would be awesome if I could play her daughter in something.
You’re so young and yet have appeared in so many shows…does that give you hope or does it make you reflect back on life and say, “Wow, I work too much?”
I'm still just having a good time. I suppose someday it might seem like any other job to me, but for now, it’s fun!
You have worked with many people like Oscar Nominee Toni Collette, Lauren Graham, Tim Roth, Forrest Whitaker, and so many more actors…have you ever been intimidated by them or scared to do any scenes with them? Who is your favorite to work with?
It is pretty daunting doing a scene with someone so accomplished, knowing the caliber of actors they are used to working with, but luckily they have all been very nice. I'm having an amazing time working with Tim Roth on Lie to Me. He has really taken me under his wing. I love watching the scenes between him and Jennifer Beals who plays my mom; they play off each other so well.
You have worked with Ellen Page. Some people consider her a great young actress and a role model for her portrayal of a pregnant teen in Juno. You consider her a friend, so do try and emulate her or do anything similar to her?
I admire the fact that she has stayed away from typical teen projects and makes unique choices in her performances. She really is singular and unparalleled. I would love to have her confidence, to not be afraid to make the more intimidating choices in my acting.
You are probably often compared to other young Hollywood actresses. What makes you different from the Lindsay Lohans, Vanessa Hudgens, Scout Willis, and Miley Cyrus’ of Hollywood?
I think I am much more shy and self-conscious than those girls, I don't know how I would react to the constant scrutiny they are subject to. I think I would be pretty terrified, frankly!
Do you consider yourself lucky that someone recognized your talent early on and you have become a success early on instead of doing the typical Hollywood adventure of waiting tables and countless other jobs?
Definitely, not only that I started out early, but that I also had a supportive family and a mother who let me drag her all the way to California from Oklahoma!
I remember you from Gilmore Girls…was that your first big break and why was that your “dream job”
Gilmore Girls was the first show I ever worked on and was my absolute favorite show at the time. I figured it could never be better than that! Though I think I consider my first big thing to be An American Crime. Working with Ellen Page and Catherine Keener on that film taught me so much about acting, just watching how they worked was amazing.
What do your parents think of you working on such a racy show like United States of Tara?
They are pretty easygoing, and I think they get a kick out of the show. It was a fun show to be on.
Have you met or worked with Steven Spielberg and Diablo Cody?
No, I think if I ever had I would have been too nervous!
You appeared on an episode of “Pushing Daisies” before it went off the air. That show is vastly different from the dramas you have appeared in, so do you prefer more fun shows like that or more serious stuff like “ER”?
I think a little bit of both is fun, that way it never gets monotonous.
Were you a fan of John Corbitt from Sex and the City before you met him on Tara?
Yes! Though I never did get to meet him. He is pretty dreamy.
Do you ever wish you had a different life, a different childhood besides acting? If so, what would your aspirations be?
I honestly can't remember wanting to do anything else. I did a lot of musical theatre when I was younger, so I would love to go back and do that again someday.
How do your friends and family respond to this exciting lifestyle?
They think its cool. They are really supportive and everything. And luckily it hasn't made any difference in the way they treat me.
Who in the industry do you want to work with?
Definitely JJ Abrams. Judd Apatow and his whole group. I am a longtime fan of Freaks and Geeks.
Any plans for going back to school or starting any other focus, like fashion or accessories?
I do plan on still going to school. I figure I should probably have a plan B. I'm still not sure what I would like to do though!
Favorites:
Books- Its Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, Harry Potter, The Thin Man by Dashiel Hammet, any of Stephen Kings short stories
Band/singer- Guster, Sleater-Kinney
TV shows- Lost, The Big Bang Theory, Ace of Cakes
Movies- The Usual Suspects, Moon, Pretty in Pink, and Harry Potter of course!
Vacation spots- I haven't been on very many vacations, but I like Coronado Island and Disney World was fun.
Colors- Blue
Actors- Kevin Spacey, Sam Rockwell, Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman
Actresses- Natalie Portman, Julie Andrews, Angelina Jolie
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Comments
She kinda young. If she doesnt' get over being shy, she is never going to make it in hollywood.
I´m having a blonde moment but what did was her role at Gilmore Girls?
Once again, I don't know who she is but now that I read this I will see her face everywhere.
She'll make it in Hollywood. Since Flashdance catapulted her into the limelight, Jennifer Beals has claimed to be shy. However, Beals as her mother is unbelievable.
i dont read anything above me or the whatever...............
i just like her ??
kind of cute to meh........
beautifull girl
I love her eyes, she is so beautiful.
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