Danielle Solzman
Even Stevens and Kim Possible star Christy Carlson Romano took some time on Thursday night during Wizard World Chicago to talk with Solzy at the Movies. Last year, the Disney alumnus starred in Bear with Us directed by William J. Stribling and co-starring Collin Smith among others.
I’m acquainted with William Stribling.
Christy Carlson Romano: I love Will! That’s awesome. How did you meet Will?
I reviewed Bear with Us last year.
Christy Carlson Romano: Oh, cool. What did you think?
Loved it!
Christy Carlson Romano: Bear with Us is fun. It’s very different in black and white.
It was so hysterical and Collin’s from my hometown.
Christy Carlson Romano: I love Collin! Kentucky?
Louisville.
Christy Carlson Romano: Louisville, very cool.
Speaking of Bear with Us, where you on set the day that nine bears appeared uninvited.
Christy Carlson Romano: (Laughs) I don’t know about nine bears but I was on set the day we got chased off set by a bear because the blood that we got—there’s a blood scene. Because the film was in black in white, they used chocolate sauce and that was really dumb. Even though the person doing makeup is really great, they didn’t think through not to use chocolate sauce so that was a little bit of a problem and all the bears to come to chase the chocolate sauce in the woods.
What goes through your head when that happens?
Christy Carlson Romano: I actually have video of it. I wish I could send it to you. It’s so funny! We were all barricaded in a car honking our horns trying to chase it away because it was on our set. When you’re on set, the time is ticking and you really want it to slow down but the bear is in the middle of our shot. But yeah, it was hilarious. It was very much life imitating art.
With come from the Disney Channel scene, what’s your best advice you can offer to those young stars coming from that background and looking to break out from the Disney image?
Christy Carlson Romano: I think that they should be true to themselves because just because you work for Disney doesn’t mean that you’re not being yourself. I was very blessed and honored to play some strong female characters. That informed a lot of who I am today in lot of people’s eyes. I don’t think that’s a negative thing. I’ve embraced that and now that I’m older and a mom of a daughter, I can appreciate that even more. I don’t think you need to throw your clothes and go crazy just so people can take you more seriously. I think it’s about branding yourself wisely.
What do you look for in a script when you’re deciding on roles?
Christy Carlson Romano: I usually gravitate towards strong female characters who being challenged.
Is this your first time in Chicago?
Christy Carlson Romano: Nope. I was here for work a couple of years ago. I’ve been acting here in theater. I love the theaters here. It’s a very good theater scene here so I’ve enjoyed Chicago. I love Garrett Popcorn. Love it!
Thanks again and enjoy the weekend.
Christy Carlson Romano: Thank you. It was nice to meet you.
