Interview with Actress Olivia Dawn York
Elsewhere Star Attracted to Characters with Twists
Jun 28, 2009
Chicago-born actress Olivia Dawn York actually grew up in Edina, Minnesota, a town just outside of Minneapolis. The Midwestern town – much like the setting for the independent horror flick ‘Elsewhere’ – didn’t have the glamour and diversity of Hollywood, but still provided a strong foundation.
“I’m glad that I grew up there,” Dawn York said. “It gave me enough time to center myself.”
Dawn York, gracious and captivating on screen and off, moved to Los Angeles at the age of 16 with her mother after her parents divorce. She brought with her a love for imagination – including the swash-buckling Errol Flynn, the sport of fencing and all things medieval.
“I’m drawn to stories or characters that have darker meanings,” she said. “They have certain twists to them or are based in medieval times. The mannerisms, costumes and intensity all intrigue me.”
Elsewhere
Dawn York stars as Darla Todd in the Nathan Hope vehicle “Elsewhere.” This thriller centers on the small town of Goshen, Indiana, its gossiping ways and embedded secrets. Jon Gries ("Napoleon Dynamite’s" Uncle Rico) plays Dawn York’s mysterious father.
“She was interesting to play, and without revealing too much,” Dawn York said. “She’s the third girl, that works with the main characters at the candy store. She’s a tortured soul. She was tough to play and has a lot of stuff on her mind.”
Errol Flynn Fan
“I originally saw Errol Flynn in Robinhood,” Dawn York said. “ I was a fan of Olivia de Havilland – I was actually named after her – I saw how much life Errol Flynn oozed off the screen. There are, I believe, eight films of his with Olivia in them. “
Fencing
Dawn York’s talents expand to singing (she’s a soprano) and affluence in French—she spent her first five years in school speaking French. But, one of her most interesting hobbies is fencing.
“I had tried soccer and softball, and I think fencing has a lot to do with my love for medieval history,” she said. “I do essay (fencing).”
Upcoming Projects
Dawn York has wrapped up work on a web series (Shape & Circle) and will soon finish up work on a modern day version of the mythological Orpheus story. Describing herself as “cuddly, energetic and intense” her commitment to her art and talents will certainly take her beyond her imagination.
She's also began shooting the sci-fi thriller "Low Grounds" in Poland.
For more information on Olivia Dawn York visit her website, www.oliviadawnyork.com.
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