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Pickerington native makes name for herself in Hollywood
(by Christine Bryant, Eastside Editor - April 28, 2011)
Pickerington native Lindsay Hollister is no stranger to the big screen.
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Lindsay Hollister
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Pickerington native Lindsay Hollister is no stranger to the big screen.
In fact, TV watchers and movie theater goers may have recognized the familiar face that once graced the stage of Pickerington High School.
Hollister, a 1995 graduate, has landed supporting and lead roles in several movies, including the 2008 remake of “Get Smart,” where she got up close and personal with star Steve Carell during a dance scene.
She also has had guest roles in several hit TV shows, including “Law & Order: SVU,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Cold Case” and “Desperate Housewives,” and recurring roles on “Days of Our Lives” and “Joan of Arcadia.”
Her most recent big screen appearance came this year when she starred in “Blubberella,” an action comedy about a plus-sized woman who is an action hero.
The actress known for her voluminous personality and looks, however, has not forgotten where she planted her acting roots, crediting much of her success to her former theater teacher.
The Eastside Messenger spoke with Hollister, who looks back at her journey onto the silver screen and gives advice to those hoping to follow in her footsteps.
Growing up in Pickerington, what are some of your fondest memories of the area? Do you still make it back to the area at all?
I really loved growing up in Pickerington. I feel like I had one of those all-American childhoods. There was such an amazing sense of community where kids were allowed to just be kids. Pickerington grew steadily as I got older. I was incredibly lucky to have a quality arts program. I was in band and theater. Since my parents moved out of the city, I don’t get back often, but I’m very proud to be from the Midwest. We are known to be the nice ones out here in L.A.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
My sophomore year I took the basic theater class and Margaret Lawson was doing “Rumors” by Neil Simon for the fall show. She had our class read it out loud and I read one of the parts. She put me as a lead in that show and I knew from the minute I stepped on stage. I've never looked back. Without Margaret Lawson’s incredible program, I’m not sure where I would be today.
Were you involved in high school theater and what productions were some of your favorites?
Yes, I played a number of memorable roles. Cookie in “Rumors,” Mrs. Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie” and my absolute favorite was being able to play Ouiser in “Steel Magnolias” my senior year. Shirley MacLaine played that role in the movie. It’s a show stealing part and people still mention it to this day.
Do you have any memories from high school that helped influence your decision to go into acting or pushed you to be where you are today?
Again, if it wasn’t for Margaret Lawson’s incredible program at Pickerington, I don’t think I would have gone into acting. To have all that experience before I even went to college to study it was invaluable. And just Margaret doing shows where character people could shine too was something. I know I would not have been guaranteed to get in other schools. She’s still teaching today and I hope those kids realize how lucky they are to have her, that program and those facilities.
When did you make the decision to go to Los Angeles, and was the decision difficult?
I knew I wanted to do film and TV before I went to Miami of Ohio to major in theater. I don’t sing and I don’t dance, so New York City was always out for me. Yet, I knew I needed training. I’m very glad I didn’t move out to L.A. right after high school. I wouldn’t have been ready.
What was your first role that you landed? Did you go on many auditions before getting your first acting job in L.A., or did your career take off right away?
I got an agent right away because of my look. They sent me out for a year trying to get me my SAG union card. I auditioned for a hit show at the time called “Boston Public” and got it. This put me automatically into the union. I went on to do four guest star spots on that show. Because it was so popular it was getting a lot of industry attention. I was really lucky that role came along for me so soon after moving here. It doesn’t happen that quickly for most people.
Who have been some of your favorite actors you have worked with and some of your favorite roles?
Mariska Hargitay on “Law & Order: SVU” could not have been nicer or more supportive to work with. The show gave me a straight offer to be in this episode titled “Mean” about high school bullying.
Most people recognize me from that show or “Nip/Tuck.” I played Nanette Babcock in the third episode of that show. People didn’t even know what it was when my episode aired, but it quickly gained a cult following.
I did a very dramatic episode of “Cold Case” where I played a college student killed in a frat house fire. That episode called “The Promise” really touched people’s hearts and was the highest rated “Cold Case” to that date.
The cast of “Scrubs” was incredibly cool as were the actors on “My Name Is Earl.” Working with Anne Hathaway and Steve Carrell on “Get Smart” was a dream come true. Any day spent dancing with Steve Carrell is a good day. Very nice, down to earth people with no entourage, no ego, no attitude. We would be lucky if all stars were that way.
What advice would you give students in high school about pursuing their dreams?
Get training, be bold, be fearless, know your self worth, and do it while you’re young. Don’t wait.
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