From the halls of DeGrassi to the hills of L.A. Cassie Steele stars in The L.A. Complex as Abby Vargas, a twenty something year old aspiring actress looking to make it big in Los Angeles. As a Canadian moving to the US to find her big break, Abby moves into an apartment complex filled with other aspiring artists. The show is already a hit in Canada on MuchMusic, and is now set to get its big break tomorrow in the U.S. when it premieres on the CW. Real Style Network spoke with this young actress to ask her about her new role.
Real Style Network: What was it like making the transition from Degrassi to The LA Complex, which has a much older tone to it?
Cassie Steele: In the beginning I was overcome with nerves. I didn’t expect to feel so vulnerable, but as soon as the first scene was shot I realized how different this experience was going to be, in a really great way!
Real Style Network: The LA Complex is getting compared to Degrassi. How do you think the shows relate or are similar?
Cassie Steele: They both follow characters that have very real and relatable problems. Whether there are consequences or not, it’s how they react and deal with things that draws the audience in.
Real Style Network: Your character is an aspiring actress. How did you relate to the struggles that she is going through trying to make it?
Cassie Steele: I think most actors out there can relate to Abby. The hardest part is when you’re in between those jobs, you never know if something is around the corner or a long ways away. If you’re not from LA, moving there – or anywhere, is a really big expense, especially without a steady paycheck.
Real Style Network: Do you think this is a real look at the lives of aspiring actors?
Cassie Steele: It’s definitely real, maybe a little too real! I just hope people out there can relate and see the everyday lives of an actor, and have fun along the way.
Real Style Network: Did you ever go to LA to try to make it? What was it like?
Cassie Steele: I did, and I’m still trying to make it. It’s an ongoing battle and always has been. There are a lot of ups and downs, but I really can’t see myself being happier doing something else.
Real Style Network: The show has been picked up by The CW. Do you think that Americans will relate to the story?
Cassie Steele: Definitely, it doesn’t matter that the majority of characters are from Canada, it’s relatable to anyone. Picking up and moving your life to another city for a dream is a gamble, and I think everyone knows what it feels like to be out of your element. Scary and exciting, 24/7!
The first season has all ready completed on MuchMusic, but you can watch it from the beginning starting tomorrow night at 9pm on The CW.
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