Heather Beers recently took time to give MormonMedia.com a rare and insightful interview. Her latest film Once Upon A Summer is due for release September 29^th on DVD, with select screenings in several states throughout the summer. Heather shares her thoughts on her breakout role in Charly as well as other projects she is involved with.

Mormon Media: Most people recognize you as “Charly” even now. Do you ever get used to that?

Heather Beers: The first year or so after the film came out I didn’t realize people were talking to me when they would call out “Charly!” I have gotten more used to it since. I recognize it takes courage to walk up to a stranger and ask if she’s the one you’ve seen in a movie. Overall, I think it just underscores the power of the film’s message—we’ve all lost people we love and a movie like Charly that speaks to hope in the face of tragedy is something people tend to remember.

MM: How long have you been in the business?

HB: My mom directed community theater from the time I was little. So my sister and I were heavily involved in theater growing up in southern California. Since then I’ve launched into television and film work. It’s been fun working on a range of projects, from independent films, to big studio movies, to commercials and voice over work.

MM: What do you do when you are not making films?

HB: My hubby and I have our own advertising and public relations firm. We work with great clients we thoroughly enjoy. I also freelance for magazines like Utah Business Magazine and Utah Style & Design. Other than that, we love to be with family and friends.

MM: How does your family react to your celebrity status?

HB: I don’t think any of us consider me a celebrity—I’m just Mom. They’ve been really supportive of my acting. I can’t say enough how grateful I am for that. It’s a sacrifice on their part when I am working. They’ve been beyond generous with their love and support.

MM: Your most recent film, Once Upon A Summer, comes out in September. What made you want to be part of this film?

HB: At first? Rob Diamond, the director. I had worked with him on an art house film a few years earlier. When he called to ask if I’d be involved in Once Upon A Summer, I said yes before I even read the script! Then I read it. I laughed and cried. I knew it would be a privilege to be a part of telling this story.

MM: Was there something particular about your character, Andy, that you connected with?

HB: Her sincerity and her good-natured love for the people in her life. Since the story is based on true experiences it was rewarding to portray someone who’s real, especially someone who made such an impact on the world around her.

MM: What do you hope people get from this film?

HB: Joy! At the first screening I attended you could hear the entire theater full of people laughing out loud throughout the film. There are so many genuinely funny joyful moments in the film—intertwined with thought provoking moments—that I feel this movie will be a favorite for a lot of people.

MM: Out of your body of work what are you most proud of?

HB: That’s like asking which child is your favorite! I’ve enjoyed different roles for different reasons. For example, Charly—the character arc was a thrill to dive into. Baptists at Our Barbeque—it was a happy light-hearted role. Disney’s Life Is Ruff—my first real stab at a little comedy, and that was fun. Now my boys—they’re probably most proud of voice over work I did for a character in an XBOX 360 game!

MM: What do you want people to know about you that they might not know?

HB: I ADORE the little things in life: sunsets, sunrises, blossoms, a good book, chocolate cake, playing games with our kids and bubble gum. Lots of bubble gum. I can go through a whole pack in less than an hour. Have you ever tried Skittles bubble gum? Delish!!

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.