Our interview with actress, model and producer Caitlyn Larimore who can be seen on NBC’s “Heartbeat”. Caitlyn starred and produced “The River Bride”, which was awarded “Best Short Film” at the 2015 Oregon Independent Film Festival.
Aside from her work in independent film, national commercials and television, Caitlyn worked as a print and runway model for several years, which included walking in New York Fashion week for notable designers.
Hi Caitlyn please tell us about you?
Hi! I’m a Los Angeles based actress who enjoys dark comedy, filmmaking, dinosaurs, and helping strangers reach things from top shelves in grocery stores.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Pensive, weird, unicorn
Why and how did you get started in acting?
I used the hearth in my childhood home as a stage and put on (deeply philosophical) plays about bears in space, or reenactments of the Nutcracker with my brother when adults were attempting to have dinner. This was last week. Just kidding, I also did school plays, was an honor thespian in high school, and went on to get a degree in theater. Textbook theater geek.
What was the first role you ever did?
I played the King in Cinderella when I was three. I didn’t know my lines. Reviews were brutal. My first role on television was on TNT’s Leverage as an arrogant fashion show employee.
Tell us about your character on NBC’s new hit medical drama series “Heartbeat”?
I play one of Dr. Panttiere’s interns named Lynn. She is not the most social of butterflies, and is serious and competitive about being a doctor. Lynn idolizes Dr. Panttiere and tries so hard to impress her that she often implodes into an awkward, stammering mess. If you’ve ever wanted something so badly that you’ve gotten in your own way, you will relate to Lynn. I know I do!
How do you prepare for a role?
I think most actors will say that depends on the role. For Lynn, I watched medical procedures on youtube, did general research, and asked one of my good friends who is a doctor (Hi Philippe!) to give me guidance– not to mention watching how grueling his experience in med-school was gave me something to draw on. I also write a lot before I go to set. Lynn’s inner monologue was important to me since she didn’t always speak a lot.
Who is your favorite actress?
Tough question, as there are many who have talent I revere. Lucille Ball and Gilda Radner are deities to me. Kate Winslet is elegant perfection. And, Allison Janney is a long time love of mine for her truthfulness and brilliant humor… plus, we’re the same height. Tall women represent!
Now about the film that you acted and produced “The River Bride”?
It’s a short film I wrote, produced, and starred in. It’s about two strangers who meet on the worst day of their lives and help each other escape in hopes of finding the lives they want. It was an ambitious passion project that was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I learned a lot, and I’m proud of what was accomplished.
What was the feeling of be awarded as Best Short Film at the Oregon Independent Film Festival?
When I found out, I was on set shooting one of the first episodes I was in on Heartbeat. Because of how hard the film was to make, and then finding out sitting in an actor’s chair on the NBC/Universal lot -because I was hired to be there- I lost it. I’ll never forget that moment; everyone was so kind. I’m not a big crier, but they definitely had to redo my makeup after that. However, watching the film at the festival in a packed house with everyone that made it possible was the best part. My heart was full.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
It’s rewarding when it is an artistic collaboration and everyone pulls together to make an image. There is nothing more fun than chasing creativity and exploring it with like-minded people; (which is why I love filmmaking). What is not fun, and why I rarely model anymore, is the focus being only on the external of a person, and that aspect making people feel they have the right to criticize and judge the bodies of others. “Too fat.” “Too skinny.” “Real women have curves.” All of it. The sooner we stop trying to define a beauty standard for the human body, especially for women, the more beautiful the world will be.
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
Ideally, I will still be working as an actor, with at least one or two completed, self-produced features under my belt and… have some large rescue dogs.
What do you think of Social Media in the Entertainment business?
I think it should be looked at like a tool. Entertainment business and otherwise, I think we’ve all become addicted to the instant gratification and attention of our peers—so you need to set your personal limits and boundaries for privacy— but overall, I think it’s a useful, and dare I say, even fun thing when used responsibly.
Best advice ever given?
“Speak your dreams into existence.” A stranger said this to me when I was working as a cashier in high school when I was afraid to admit I wanted to be actress. He told me to always say it proudly and make it true. It was important advice for an artist, and I took it.
What’s your favorite music?
My brother would say, “anything weird, happy and twinkly with clapping.” I like a lot of different music, so we will just go with that.
What’s a normal day in your life?
Coffee. Reddit. Writing. Auditions. Writing. Sometimes meetings that give me anxiety. Writing. Traffic. Asking to pet other people’s dogs. Dinner. I’m very exciting.
Do you have a role model?
My late Grandpa Lyn. The “Lyn” in my name is because of him—(not too shabby that’s my character’s name too, no?)—He treated everyone with kindness, was compassionate and patient, and could bowl you over in laughter with his dry humor. When I’m feeling like being a jerk, I try to think of him and make him proud instead.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I have a whole slew of projects, but I’m most excited about the sci-fi short film my brother and I are working on, a sweet and sad short film DP/Director T.S. Jensen and I just finished, and my comedic feature script I wrote. Good things coming soon!
Where we can follow you?
Twitter: @dinosaurdisco Instagram: @caitlynlarimore
Quote: “While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die – whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness.”—Gilda Radner
Book: Modoc by Ralph Helfer
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction, The Fountain, The Jerk
Food: Is coffee a food? Churros.
Holiday: Arbor Day
Tv Show: Heartbeat, Wednesdays 8pm NBC, obviously. (And: House of Cards, Breaking Bad, and 30 Rock.)
