Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Luke Ayers / Shandrew PR
We got to chat with actress Hadar Cats about her role in My Dad’s Christmas Date and balancing her career with school and horseback riding.
Growing up was performing always something you loved?
Ever since I was three, I have been a keen performer. I would sing and dance and put on shows for my family. I even made tickets for them which they would have to pay for in order to have the ‘privilege’ of seeing me perform. I must have been so annoying!
What drew you to My Dad’s Christmas Date?
I loved the character of Emma and I liked the redemptive quality in the story, and the fact that it was a family-oriented film.
Are there similarities between you and your character Emma?
Emma reminded me a lot of me. We both have quite positive, outgoing personalities, and I like to think I’m also a good friend that people close to me can confide in and rely on, as Jules does with Emma in the film.
You live between London and Rome and you go to a Swiss boarding school. Do you feel as though being able to travel and meet all different types of people has helped you in your acting career?
I definitely think my multicultural upbringing has helped me. I’ve met people from all over the world who speak different languages, have different cultures and different ways of life. I think this has made me a very open-minded person. It’s also exposed me to a lot of accents which comes in handy as an actress.
Outside of acting, you’re a horseback rider. How has it been balancing your career with your riding and school studies?
It demands a lot of organization and planning ahead. I have a short window of time after school to come home, go to the gym, ride and study. I also have to catch up on work when I’m away in competitions or on set. But it’s all worth it because I love everything I do.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
I would just say put your heart and soul into it and really try and seize every opportunity you can possibly get to act or take part in a performance because you never know who’s watching.