Lauren Bowles is known best for her role of Holly Clearly in HBO’s “True Blood”. She recently appeared in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” with her husband Patrick Fishler. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Lauren about here role in “True Blood” as well as working with the Farrelly Brothers.
Mike Gencarelli: What do you like most about working on “True Blood”?
Lauren Bowles: The craziest part about it is I was a huge fan before I was even cast to be on the series. The first time I walked on to the Merlot’s set wearing the short shorts and the iconic t-shirt, I truly felt like I was Dorothy walking out into Oz. I was this ultimate fan that somehow infiltrated this world. It was absolutely surreal and it’s been a dream come true!
MG: How do you prepare for your character, Holly Clearly?
LB: There’s not that much that goes into but I do have my Aunt Josie who helps me Southern my accent up some, as she is from North Carolina. She’s not quite a Bayou girl but I have family from the South, so it’s helped with the accent. I always make sure that I know the scene and my lines as well as having the right emotion. I did do some reading on the Wiccan religion also.
MG: How is it working with the rest of the cast?
LB: This is where I am going to sound like I am telling you udder bullshit (Laughs) but it is the most awesome set. You can generally get all the best scuttlebutt from hair and make-up. So on my very first day I asked them for the skinny and they told me everyone is awesome. She was truly right as there are no bad apples. I am so happy to be on the set as it’s very blissful. I have worked a long time in this business and this type of set up is very rare.
MG: What can we expect from your character Holly throughout the rest of the season?
LB: I can’t really say too much however I can tell you that she is definitely learning the scope of her witchcraft power and at some times is conflicted by it. I can also say that there also might be a little loving coming Holly’s way.
MG: How do you feel that this show has compared to the other that you have worked on in the past?
LB: It so unique. There are a couple shows that I have been a regular on but lately I have been doing a lot of guest spots. When you get that one shot where you can develop a character it’s so much nicer. The major bonus “True Blood” has over a lot of network formula based shows is that it’s really character driven.
MG: You have worked with Farrelly brothers on a couple films can you give us a little back ground on those?
LB: I have actually worked with them on three projects and there are not enough accolades I can give them! They are just really great guys and I love them so much. They are obviously these huge Hollywood comedy directors but you would never know in meeting them. They are just so chill and relaxed. They like to cast well and let the actors have fun. What they will do is shoot one scripted take and then let the actors go from there. I love working with them!
MG: Do you have any other projects coming up?
LB: My husband, Patrick and I just did and episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” which just aired. It was great that we both got to be in it as we never get to play husband and wife. The end the season shooting for “True Blood” was just so crazy. So I am just relaxing and spending some time with my daughter for now but I am planning to do some theater work in the coming Fall.
