Exclusive interview with Elaine Hendrix

June 12, 2012 | On June 18 the new webseries "Fetching" starts airing on AOL On Relationships. Elaine Hendrix plays the role of dog owner Sheila. In this interview Elaine talks about this new project, her work as an animal activist and also a little bit about her time on "Joan of Arcadia" as teacher Ms. Lischak.

Note: © myFanbase 2012 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.
Foto: Elaine Hendrix - Copyright: NY Smash
Elaine Hendrix
© NY Smash

1. You started out as a model and dancer before you got into acting. Was it a good preparation? Do these jobs have a lot in common?

Modeling was good preparation for dealing with ruthless, cut-throat, soul-stealing, ego-crushing rejection, while dancing was good preparation for discipline, preparedness, professionalism, and body awareness. (You can tell which one I liked more). What they all have in common is the element of performing. (and that's what I love most of all).

2. You play the part of Sheila in the new webseries "Fetching". What drew you to play this character and what is she like?

It wasn't the character that drew me to the project, it was the fact that the project related to animals. Playing Sheila was the bonus, because she's soooooo fabulously fabulous. She's my alter ego, the one I only let out on screen.

3. Writer Amy Harris is known for her work on "Sex and the City" and "Gossip Girl". Does "Fetching" compare to one or both of these shows?

I haven't watched that much of "Gossip Girl" (sorry Amy), but I've seen almost every episode of "Sex and the City" (including the two movies). I would say "Fetching" is the AOL-rated version of "Sex and the City"... without the four BFFs... or New York City... or cosmos.

4. The show centers around a doggy daycare. What is it like to work with dogs a lot?

There are a lot of lint rollers on the set. I've actually worked with a lot of animals in various projects and it's different every time. Some trainers don't want you handling them unless you have to, some trainers want you to handle them as much as you can. It depends on your relationship in the story. Being an animal activist, I'll simply be around animals any chance I get.

5. You have dogs yourself, right? And you work with animal rescue organisations. Can you tell us about your projects in this field?

Oh, I have a whole menagerie at home. They're amazing. As for my animal advocacy work, I travel North America rescuing, lobbying, protesting, testifying, educating, building new habitats, adopting, fostering, and providing general care all on behalf of animals. My greatest passion to date is becoming a founding officer of Animal Rescue Corps. This work is a full-time second career for me.

6. Is working on a webseries different from working on a TV series?

Surprisingly, no. The only real difference is that it's filmed faster because the scripts are shorter. We are hoping "Fetching" will get a second season, so we need everyone to watch it, please.

7. What do you remember best from working on "Joan of Arcadia" on which you played Physics teacher Ms. Lischak?

I loved that series. We joked that ghosts are more popular than god because we were replaced by "Ghost Whisperer." The thing I loved (besides the amazing cast and crew) was that the producers encouraged me to be as creative as I wanted with 'Ms. Lischak.' Little known fact: her first name was 'Elaine'... another reason to love it.

8. On "90210" you played Adriana's publicist Renee. As an actress you get a taste of different kinds of jobs. Could you imagine being a publicist yourself?

Absolutely not! (no offense to the publicists out there). I just don't know that I would want to deal with some of the egos in this business. However, I've certainly had to be my own publicist at various times in my career, so on another hand, I know exactly what it's like to be one. I gratefully leave that to the pros now (who thought this question was amusing, btw).

9. If you could play a character from another TV show for one day. Who would that be and why?

I would play 'Elena' on "The Vampire Diaries" on an episode where she gets to kiss 'Damon'. Needless to say, I'm a big Ian Somerholder fan.

10. myFanbase is an online magazine about U.S. television shows. Do you have one or more favorite show(s)?

I try to watch every show at least once. I think television is making some of the best programming ever. I have had many favorites throughout the years, and some of my present ones are "The Vampire Diaries," "The Voice," "Grimm," "The Middle," and "Parks and Recreation."

Thank you, Elaine, we wish you all the best for your new show and future projects!

You're very welcome. Thank you for your support. I look forward to sharing your site with my family friends and fans.

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase