In Conversation With - Cathy Baron (Justified's Teri)
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For my next guest, it's a welcome return to 'Justified' and the lovely actress Cathy Baron. Born in the beautiful city of San Antonio, Texas, my spiritual second home, yes I've been there a few times, Cathy has established herself as an actress on television and in films. So, it's a warm Texas welcome to Cathy.
What are your early childhood memories in Texas and did you have any early ambitions about what you wanted to do when you grew up?
"Most of my early childhood memories are in San Antonio at my grandparents' house. My siblings and I spent our summers and spring breaks at their home and were very close to them. Other childhood memories that stand out the most to me are dance classes and competing in dance competitions. As a child, I wanted to be a dancer and an actress. I have videos of me in front of my parents VHS camera acting out commercials when I was as young as 8."
(Cathy's grandfather, Bill Gautney, was a famous guitarist, taught as a young boy by Les Paul himself. Bill played for his close friend, Hank Williams, and also Patsy Cline.)
You are a trained professional dancer. When did you start dancing?
"I started dancing around the age of 4, I believe. I started out in ballet and tap."
You were a dancer for three sports teams in Austin. What memories do you have of those?
"I danced for an ice hockey team, the Ice Bats, while in Austin. THAT was interesting. We wore these shoes called broomball shoes and would actually perform dances on the ice! Of course, one or two people fell down every time we performed. I then danced for the Austin Wranglers, an arena football team, where I met one of my best friends. Lastly I danced for a NBA Development League basketball team called the Toros. The best times on these teams were the rehearsals, dancing the night away and being silly. I miss those days! Dancing is a huge passion of mine. I feel most alive while dancing."
You graduated at the University of Texas, with a B.Sc in Nutrition. What influenced your choice of study?
"My grandmother passed away from Leukemia. Before she died, she asked me to be more aware of what I ate. She believed that she became sick because of her eating habits and lifestyle and wanted me to take care of myself, so that I could avoid the same. I then became interested in Nutrition and now use the knowledge I gained in school in my everyday life."
(Cathy is a keen supporter of the new healthy lifestyle app, 'LifeKraze'.)
How did you get into television work?
"I did a lot of theatre in high school and I took on camera acting classes in Austin while attending college. I did a few roles in student films and low budget features in my free time. I knew that once I graduated from college, I was going to move to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams of dancing and acting. And once I graduated, that's exactly what I did."
Cathy has appeared in a number of TV series, including 'A Good Knight's Quest'.
She has also appeared in the films 'Dead Stop' and 'The Eves'.
.....and then ultimately, along came 'Justified'.
I read that you actually auditioned five times for the show. What roles did you audition for?
"Yes, I auditioned five times before booking the role of Teri. I auditioned for Katrina, Sophie, Roz.....I can't remember the other roles. None of the roles were right for me up until Teri was available."
How was it joining the cast of a well-established, successful TV show?
"The first day was exciting and terrifying at the same time, but everyone is SO incredibly nice and inviting. I adjusted nicely. Every actor on the show is extremely talented and sometimes I had to pinch myself that I was really there."
What was it like when you first went onto the set?
"Joelle Carter was one of the first people to have a conversation with me on my first day on set, and she made me feel extremely welcome. She's amazing."
What challenges does the role of Teri bring to an actor?
"What I imagine has happened to Teri in her life up to this point has hardened her, but underneath that hardened person is a scared little girl. She's just trying to survive, but she has a deep rooted desire to be wanted, and given attention to, because she never got these things as child. So she struggles with that."
Away from acting, you like to paint and have had your work on display. When did you start painting and how often do you get the chance to paint?
"I haven't had the chance to paint in months, but really want to get back into it. I started painting when I was about 15. I'd paint the walls of my room because I didn't have an easel or canvas to paint on in my parents' house. My room looked like an Alice in Wonderland fantasy world until I moved out and my mom painted over it. I'm driven by color and interesting use of texture, and often paint buildings or silhouettes. I have a couple of art videos online if you'd like to see my recent work."
What other hobbies do you have?
"I love cooking, writing, dancing, editing artistic video, travelling, karaoke, DIY projects, reading, and laughing. I'm also a bit of an adventurer and like hiking, skydiving, parasailing, and the trapeze."
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What are your longer term ambitions?
"I want to be the best version of myself. I want to continue to grow as an artist in all areas and be open and vulnerable as an actress. I want to be authentic in my work and relationships. I want to have no regrets."
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