I had the chance to chat with Helena Marie about her role in the series, My Perfect Landing. This series is all about adapting and when her character finds herself pushed to make a change we will see struggles with real issues. Thank you to Helena Marie for answering all of my questions.

Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

I’m an actor, born and raised in Montreal, and now call Toronto home. I’m someone who likes to find the humour in everything and I have amazing people in my life who seem to happily put up with my jokes. I’m also obsessed with my dog, Charlie. 

How would you describe My Perfect Landing?

My Perfect Landing is a family show which features a ton of incredible gymnastics. It follows the Cortez family as they move from Miami to Toronto. We watch as they adapt to a new country, new school, and new friends, all while trying to move on from the past. The show doesn’t shy away from dealing with real issues, but still manages to maintain lots of silliness. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be in awe of these incredible gymnasts. 

What can viewers expect from your character Whitney Cortez?

Whitney has a layered past which she hasn’t really dealt with, so she can be overprotective of her kids. This causes problems with her daughter, Jenny, who wants nothing more than to follow in her mother’s footsteps of becoming a professional gymnast. Whitney has a big heart, so she tries really hard to be the best mom ever, even though she’s not always successful. 

What do you hope viewers take away from the show?

My hope is that kids and parents alike will be touched by this family, see themselves in the characters, and be inspired to follow their dreams. There’s definitely something in it for everyone at any age. 

Bullet in the Face was your first major role, could you tell me about your experience and role?

I originally auditioned to play the leading lady, but I was way too young and still just learning, so clearly that wasn’t going to happen. A few weeks later, while on the set of an indie film, I randomly met the creator of Bullet, Alan Spencer. A few days later my agent contacted me to audition for another role at Alan’s request. But the role was described as male. And for a minute I actually thought “Oh! I get to play a man!” What can I say, I was new. I sent in the audition and the role was mine! Working on a big set like Bullet was great – and intimidating. I was so nervous, and it didn’t help that they put me in five inch heels! But I made it through somehow and that experience helped me gain confidence in my craft that I’m forever thankful for. Also, I grew up on Star Trek, and Brent Spiner (who plays Data) told me I did a great job in Bullet. I’m pretty sure my mom has that messenger conversation with him framed. 

Could you discuss your upcoming Lifetime movie His Fatal Fixation?

This story follows a young woman who is attacked and maimed by a crazy stalker. When she falls for the plastic surgeon who fixes her face, she gets more than she bargained for – like some serious attitude from me, the wife of said plastic surgeon. Then, people around our strained love-triangle start dying…! I gotta say, I love these “whodunit” movies. They have everything: Passion. Mystery. Murder. It’s a great combo. 

Do you have any other projects you’d like to discuss?

Yes! I’m also in another made-for-TV movie called Matchmaker Mysteries: A Killer Engagement. I play a South Philly hair stylist who falls in love on a dating show, set up by The Wonder Years’ Danika McKellar. Let’s just say things don’t go quite according to plan in matchmaking paradise. It’s playing now on the W Network and the Hallmark Channel. 

Where can our readers keep up with you online?

I’m on Instagram, of course! Follow me at @_helenamarie and check out my website at officialhelenamarie.com

Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on Twitter, @thenerdygirlexp. You can find me on Twitter, @kleffnotes, on my blog, kleffnotes.wordpress.com, and on my kleffnotes YouTube channel.