Check out our interview with international young actress Hadar Cats who stars in the upcoming film My Dad’s Christmas Date (Jeremy Piven, Joely Richardson, Anna Watson).
The film is distributed by Gravitas Ventures and debuts November 6th, 2020 in theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime/Hulu. Hadar has a lead role as ‘Emma,’ best friend to ‘Jules’ (daughter of Jeremy Piven’s character). The story revolves around a father grieving over the death of his wife 2 years earlier and a daughter who wants to see him find happiness by creating multiple dating profiles to find the perfect woman for her dad.
Follow Hadar @hadarcats
Hi Hadar, please tell us a little about you?
I’m 17, I’m an actress. I grew up in Rome. I go to a British International school. I speak Italian and Hebrew fluently. I have two brothers, a cat and three incredible dogs.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic, hard-working and outgoing.
Who is your role model?
I don’t have one specific role model; I’m inspired by so many people. I have to say my mother is one of my biggest inspirations – she’s incredible. In terms of people in the public eye, I’d have to say Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lawrence. They are amazing women with amazing talents!
How did you get started into acting?
I’ve always been drawn to performing, I think it’s always been a huge part of me, I was part of every school play possible. Then when I did my GCSE exam in Drama. I performed a monologue from ‘People, Places and Things’ which I found to be an extremely rewarding experience. When my mother saw the performance, she told me she saw something special there and that was the inspiration I needed to believe in myself and get started seriously pursuing acting.
How has this changed your life?
This has changed my life in so many ways. Firstly, I’ve met some wonderful people through the film who remain good friends. I’ve gained so much understanding about the process of making a film and what’s required of an actor. I would like to think I’ve improved in my acting and learned valuable lessons, which I can take into future projects. I really feel the film has set me on the path to more acting and it’s a big change in my life that I am completely embracing.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
There are so many good parts that it’s hard to choose a single best thing about being an actress, but I’d probably say that the experience of really putting yourself into a character’s shoes and trying to live your life through them for several weeks is something unique and probably the thing I relish most about acting. The worst is probably the balancing act I have to perform between school, horse riding, sports, and everything else – it can be a bit of a struggle fitting everything in!
Tell us about your work in “My Dad’s Christmas Date?”
“My Dad’s Christmas Date” is a film set in York during the Christmas period, and centres on the relationship between David and Jules, a father and daughter who have lost their wife/mother. It involves them figuring out the new dynamic in the family, where Jules is quite a headstrong teen and her father is a little incapable.
And about your lead role as Emma?
Emma is Jules’s best friend (played by the wonderful Olivia-Mai Barrett). Playing Emma was incredible fun. she’s such a quirky, bubbly personality and I really felt like there was a part of me in her. She’s loyal to Jules, and tries to help her through the family changes and challenges.
How was working alongside Jeremy Piven and Olivia-Mai Barrett?
Jeremy was very funny, always cracking jokes on set, his improvisation is incredible. It was a real honour to work with such a talented actor. I really aspire to have the kind of career he has had and so I really looked up to him and tried to learn as much as I could. Olivia is amazing, a really talented actress and a fun person to be with.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
At this stage in my career I am open to as many different roles and challenges as I can get, but I would love to play a character like Rue in Euphoria, as she’s very different to me as a person and that would allow me to really go beyond my comfort zone.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I adore cucumbers.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate in any form.
What’s next for Hadar Cats in the last months of 2020?
My main focus in the next few months is probably going to be school, as I’m in my final year. I’m also doing a lot of acting classes in preparation for something exciting!
How is a normal day in your life?
A normal day in my life involves sport in the morning before school. Then I’ll come home and ride my horses, before settling in for a couple of hours of homework. If I have time, I might catch an episode of something or a film with my mum.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Living I would have to say either Meryl Streep or Hugh Grant. Dead, I’d have to say my grandfather or physicist/chemist Marie Curie.
Best advice ever given?
Anything that comes out of my mother’s mouth.
Do you support any charity?
I am passionate about animals and animal rights. I support many animal related organisations like the RSPCA and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
My pets, my phone, and music.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In 5 years from now I’d love to be working in film and television, with a few great roles under my belt.
Favorite song? Why?
Anything Ariana Grande because she’s such an exceptional talent.
What music do you like?
Apart from Ariana Grande I like a wide range of genres: I can be listening to 2Pac one minute, a Disney sing-along the next, or Schubert on the way home from school. I tend to obsess about new songs I like and have them on repeat for days, which drives everyone around me insane.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a fantastic tool to get people in touch and to keep them connected. I think especially during these hard times, it’s been a priceless way for people to see and communicate with each other who otherwise would have to be apart. I, for one, love sharing things about myself, like my pets and other parts about my life others my or may not get to see.
Where we can follow you?
My Instagram and Tiktok are @hadarcats
Quote: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.’ – the ever-classic Forest Grump
Favorite Singer/Artist: Ariana Grande
Movie: Call Me By Your Name
Travel Destination: The Galápagos Islands
Sports Team: AS Roma
TV Show: Friends, Euphoria
Book: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Photo credits:
Photos: Luke Ayers / Shandrew PR
Hair and makeup: Annie McConnell
Stylist: Natalie Read
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