An accomplished pageant contestant, model and actress, Cindy McDonald is turning her decades-long experience in the industry to help further her career as she gains more recognition and exposure. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early experience as a beauty pageant contestant and how it translated to her acting career, her experiences on several films and upcoming projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general?
Cindy McDonald: I've been acting since age 9. I was always intrigued by Halloween as a kid and it was then I realized my interest in horror films. I raised pumpkins and sold them every year in my local community also. In those days dressing up in a Halloween costume was rather limited on selection. I was Casper the ghost one year! I absolutely love horror films and love working on them as much as possible.
Me: Were you into genre films growing up? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?
CM: I didn't work in acting a lot as far as movies when I was a kid but got started in the passion of acting for some school plays. I took a break away from it for a while and at the age of 15 got involved in my TV Broadcasting class at my high school for 3 years learning production in front and behind the camera and filming. I was on-air talent at age 16 in my local community. The horror films that piqued my interest at an early age are still my favorite Halloween!
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
CM: I first discovered the joy of acting when I was chosen to play Rudolph in a school play. I remember using red lipstick on my nose for the part. It was fun yet a bit scary at first but once the clapping from the audience happened it was all worth it. I knew from that point on I loved being on stage and performing in front of crowds. The one aspect that I find most interesting about acting is diversity. Acting is an art and a skill.
Me: Is there any specific type of character you prefer playing? What do you look for in a character to be excited and interested in playing it?
CM: I love all roles! I have had the opportunity to play anything from a zombie to a bikini-clad redneck in the Kid Rock video Po Dunk! I really just enjoy being talent. I have appreciated all of the jobs that have come across thus far. I've worked on 40 productions in acting in the last 10 years in movies. I have worked as talent in around 10 TV commercials as well as being a makeup artist for countless advertising campaigns. I'm a location scout, prop and wardrobe specialist and former casting assistant. I'm also a certified pageant judge who was the lead judge for the Toddlers and Tiaras series. I love playing different parts in the biz.
I look for a role that is solid and has meaning and a well-written script. It has to be a character that can be expressive and professional all in one.
Me: What do you do to stay in character while on-set? When you're not filming, how do you pass the time between takes?
CM: I stay in character on set at all times I'm so excited to be a part of the project that I don't want to lose the concentration. I go into it with heart and seriousness it takes perseverance to land the part so that's the best to be! I kill time between takes talking to other actors on the film, read or just sit and relax a lot of times downtime means heading to eat or if lucky getting pics taken with celebs! My recent project with the Hallmark Channel included a photo with Jon Voight!
Me: Having worked as a model and pageant contestant early in your career, what tools and skills do you acquire working on those that transferred to future film projects?
CM: I've been involved with pageants for over 36 years and a professional model for over 32 years. Pageants and modeling both taught me self-esteem and on-stage performance. I absolutely did not win the first few pageants that I was in you learn and grow with each new competition. I competed in bikini contests for 11 years. I never placed any lower than runner up. Pageants and modeling teach you to have to accept rejection thus prepared me to accept rejections in acting and the talent business in general. I still compete in pageants to this day and model and act. It's in my blood and will remain that way till I hit my grave!
Me: After moving into feature films, your first genre experience was an appearance in 'Spirit Stalkers.' How did you get involved with the film?
CM: I was cast in Spirit Stalkers after a local casting was announced seeking extras in the film. I had to audition in front of the directors and it was recorded. I had 2 parts I played in it and it was a blast! It can be purchased on Amazon now.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
CM: The cast and crew were all terrific! One of the scenes we shot in a movie theater with about 60 other extras. It took about an hour and everyone did great. Everyone loved being it and reacted well to the location and duration.
Me: You were also involved in 'Lucid' as a sleepwalker. What about the character appealed to you?
CM: I was really just excited to be a part of another horror film. It was so cool we slept walked in our pajamas on a street in a residential area and it was all ages of actors. We filmed about an hour and a half in our jammies acting like we were in a zombie-like state.
Me: From there, you played the title character in the fan-film 'Catwoman: The Heart of Gotham.' Was this type of character challenging for you to play in this kind of film?
CM: Catwoman has been an iconic character for many years so just being asked to play it was a dream. The film itself was created to help train a few new actresses in the field that's why it was called a fan film. We had over 15 thousand hits on it from YouTube. It was a lot of fun and we did some great PR shots for the film as well done by pro photographer Rick Hunt.
I usually study the character of each film as its part of the job. I studied several Catwoman films to get prepped for the filming as with every role there is always a challenge that's the nature of the beast and what keeps actors moving forward in their careers.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
CM: One of the funniest times I have experienced on set was being in the video Po Dunk by Kid Rock. My role was to jump in a mud pit. I remember smearing mud all over myself and we also did mud wrestling mud flying everywhere and mud pies abound.
Me: As well, you were also involved with films 'Bloody Sisterly Love,' 'Frances Stein' and 'The Promise' among others. Did it excite you to be involved in these projects in such rapid succession?
CM: As an actor, it is exciting to always have back-to-back projects and it keeps your skill polished. The key is always to be in constant demand and to have fun. Yes, it was a great feeling for sure working on all of these films.
Me: Working as a producer on several of these films, how much involvement did you have with these films?
CM: I have several producer credits and my involvement was either helping with details on scripts or casting. I helped direct other talent on the films. I also helped with location and funding.
Me: Beyond these factors, what do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
CM: I keep my spirits up at all times no matter what. It's very important to keep plugging away even in downtimes. I have had some downtime like a lot have during the pandemic. I study films consistently.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
CM: I have some roles in about 3 independent films this summer. I had several projects on hold due to Covid. I am also in more pageants and modeling as well. I recently did an article with International Face magazine for International Women's month.
Me: Lastly, being that this is Women in Horror Month, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
CM: The key to success is to never give up no matter how long it takes to obtain your goal! Don't ever let someone else talk you out of living your dream and never let age be a factor it is just a number and it's never too late..never!
This interview ran as part of our Women in Horror Month celebrations. Click the banner below to check out all of our reviews and interviews about the occasion:
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