Words by Carol Wright |Photography by Irvin Rivera

We got to chat with Laura Vandervoort about V-Wars, working in sci-fi, and her advice for aspiring actors.

When did you first know you wanted to act?

I was around the age of 12. I hadn’t thought about acting or this industry at all. However, when my aunt let me watch the movie My Girl, I became enthralled with the idea of performing as an entirely new person and evoking emotions in audiences. My parents agreed to let me try, starting with background work on Canadian series and eventually landing my first lead on the kids series Goosebumps and Are You Afraid Of The Dark? Eventually, I began working on a Disney movie and from there continued to audition and work. 

Your newest project is V-Wars on Netflix. What about the show interested you?

I have been working in the sci-fi genre for several years now and had some reservations about jumping back in. However, when I read the pilot and researched more regarding my character ‘Mila’ within Jonathan Maberry’s work, I know I had to be a part of the series! The graphic novels weren’t just incredible visual references but the characters were layered and fleshed out. The show and material were dealing with more than just a human/vampire war unleashing. It dealt with timely relevant issues in such a smart and entertaining way. The series explores disease, politics, borders, racism, global warming, and fear. All seamlessly interwoven into a suspenseful series. 

My character Mila also stood out as different from the others. Despite being forced into the ‘blood’ world she refuses to succumb to her urges. Instead, Mila acts as a Robin Hood. Doing her best to help those in need and removing the problem. She feeds not on humans but rather from blood bags she steals from blood banks. She has a heart and a complexity I couldn’t wait to explore. 

In V-Wars your character Mila has a difficult time adjusting to life as a vampire. Does it make your job more interesting to play characters who are complex and dealing with inner turmoil? 

Definitely. I’m always more drawn to the characters dealing with personal struggles and barriers. Within the character’s personal moral dilemmas, you have the enjoyment of finding so many unseen colours to your character’s emotional journey. There is more room to explore. 

You do a lot of work in the realm of sci-fi. What’s your favorite aspect of the genre?

Finding the humanity within these ‘mythical’ characters and hopefully finding ways to ground and humanize them. Exploring ways to make them relatable to audiences. 

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

Expect to be in it for the long haul. Rejection is a part of what we choose to do. There are so many joys that can come with being an actor. So many surprises professionally and personally, however, it is not an easy path. It is so important to have other ‘projects’ or joys in life for the ‘in-between’ moments.