Traci Dinwiddie on Cons, Belly Dancing and Her Favorite Captain
Liana B. continues her chat with Supernatural’s blind psychic Pamela, aka Traci Dinwiddie.
We continued to cover a variety of questions involving the show, and some rather random questions in an effort to get to know Traci a little better. Her relaxed personality and devilish humor made the effort extremely pleasant, and revealed a woman of many unique talents, and a refreshing view on life with an almost zen-like reflection.
You mentioned one of the most challenging aspects of filming in the premiere episode was the scene where Pamela’s eyes appeared to be burned out. What has been the most rewarding aspect?
The thrill of being a recurring character. Now, I have something to build upon. I feel like it’s my birthday each time I get a new script for her. Can’t wait to take it out of the package and read it up!!
There are several Supernatural conventions that take place throughout the year. Is this something you are aware of and possibly interested in participating in?
I’d be honored to be invited. Sounds like a blast!
Are there any other appearances on Supernatural that you are aware of at this time?
Yes! You will see Pamela again, sometime early next year!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background… all those things that will convince us you’re “normal.”
I come from a family of true animal lovers! I grew up with German Shepherds and would play hide and seek with them and my sisters after school for years. Also, I’ve always taken in strays and at one time had four dogs and a cat. There is even a picture on MySpace of them sleeping on my bed back in Wilmington, NC.
You mentioned moving around a lot since your dad was in the service. Where did you go to high school and what were your extra-curricular activities?
I went to Stratford High School in Charleston, SC and Northwest High in Greensboro, North Carolina. Okay, I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but I was a cheerleader. But not the wimpy kind. We were a competitive acrobatic squad and actually made 4th in the nation! I also played softball for several years (slow and fast pitch). My personal favorite was being the school mascot my senior year.
OK, I need to ask this one… among your skills you list Belly/Fire dancing, stilt walking, and Turkish accents. It sounds like we need some details!
I just adore so many different activities. My ancestors are Syrian and Cherokee Indian. So, I’m naturally attracted to belly dancing and drumming. I was introduced to poi several years ago and got hooked. Same with stilt-walking. I was in a women’s performance art troupe called “Brawdeville”, and we made our own stilts and poi for a show I directed. As for Turkey….I had an amazing experience traveling to Turkey with my Sufi friends back in 2003. I am a devoted fan of Rumi’s poetry, and have made wonderful friendships with many Turkish people because of it. Thus, the Turkish accent.
If you weren’t acting, what would you most likely be doing to make a living?
I’d be a drummer and a yoga teacher.
What type of music are you most likely to leave the car radio tuned to?
Jazz or my own eclectic mix of world fusion.
How would you spend a million dollars were it to land in your lap, no strings attached (after bills, of course)
I would travel the world and buy my mamacita that darn swimming pool she keeps nagging me about!
What famous person would you most like to have dinner with?
Mr. Obama.
I won’t ask about choosing between Sam or Dean since you’ve already said John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). So we’ll go another route: Captain Kirk or Captain Jack Sparrow?
Captain Crunch and a foot bath!
Any closing comments… requests… bribes… ultimatums?
If I do get invited to a convention, I truly hope to give ya a big hug! Your interest in my work and spirit is just the sweetest ever! Thank You!!
As we concluded, I tried to pretend I had done some homework because I honestly had not heard of Rumi before. Yet, she lives the essence of Rumi’s sacred words, “Let the beauty we love be what we do”. She is a self-proclaimed yogini, who has been practicing yoga for ten years now, seeing it “as a way of praying, meditating and celebrating.” She often signs off with “namaste”, which in my poor research I interpreted to mean ‘I am your humble servant’ and which is often said to a yoga instructor. But Traci gently corrected me. “I’ve always thought of “namaste” as the Divine in me honoring the Divine in you.” And at that moment there was no doubt… Traci is beautiful inside and out.
(I wish to acknowledge and offer my deepest gratitude to freelance journalist Andrew White who assisted in facilitating this interview in a timely manner.)
Photo credit: Sergei Bachlakov ©2008 THE CW NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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POSTED IN: Supernatural
1 opinion for Traci Dinwiddie on Cons, Belly Dancing and Her Favorite Captain
1967chevy
Nov 21, 2008 at 9:25 pm
What a wonderful interview! And so sweet that she is a big animal lover (like me) and follows the teachings of Rumi (like many in my family). Traci, you’re welcome at a convention anytime! Can’t wait to meet you in person someday, and can’t wait to see Pamela back on SN in the near future! :)
Jane
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