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.

Post from: SF Universe

* * *

The “Best Damn Psychic in the State” Returns to Supernatural

by Liana B. (mousitsa@sbcglobal.net)

When first glancing at Traci Dinwiddie we see a gorgeous woman with mesmerizing blue eyes. Unfortunately those blue eyes were burned out of their sockets when the character she portrays on Supernatural, psychic Pamela Barnes, attempted to take a peek at the true form of the angel Castiel. Supernatural, the hit CW series about demon-hunting brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, is in its thrilling fourth season, which has been truly exceptional by all accounts. We are happy to report that the beautiful, but now blinded psychic, will make a return appearance for Thursday’s episode titled “Heaven and Hell”. This episode will offer a heart-pounding roller coaster ride as the mid-season finale, marking the beginning of the dreaded winter hiatus where we say farewell to new episodes until the middle of January.

Traci was gracious to take time out of a busy schedule to answer some questions exclusively for SF Universe. She was recently in Wilmington, North Carolina (which she considers home when not in Los Angeles or filming in Vancouver) hosting a block of short films at the Cucalorus Film Festival, including one in which she starred titled “Open Your Eyes.” This particular Film Festival holds a special place in her heart such that she wouldn’t dream of missing it; and it’s also a good excuse to go home and see the family.

Before presenting the list of questions, I welcomed Traci to the wonderful world of Supernatural. A world where the devoted, yet loudly opinionated and overly protective fans are known to rip the limbs off any female characters, especially recurring ones. Now that a little more time has passed, she’s had a chance to reflect on the feedback.

Fan Support

“I have received phenomenal letters from Supernatural fans. It’s been one of the sweetest little surprises from taking on this role. I try hard not to read comments in forums because the occasional mean ones can really sting. See, I’m human!”

She hit the nail on the head… negative remarks about Pamela Barnes have generally been few and far in between. In fact, congratulations are in order since Traci managed to do something rather remarkable… win over the audience in just one appearance with her bold and confident character. It also didn’t hurt that she had great chemistry with her fellow actors, and her talent came through as she took the words on the script and brought them to life. Thus, she not only made it through her first appearance in the season premiere episode relatively unscathed, the fans loved her so much that she had them clamoring for more! And this week they get their wish.

That’s Gotta Hurt!

When pressured to provide some details for Thursday’s episode, Traci responds “Well, I just heard that there is a teaser out already, so I’ll assume you’ve got your fix until Thursday.” A smart answer for one who wishes to avoid the ‘wrath of Kripke’ in giving out any spoilers. Although I did manage to get one little detail: it appears that Todd Scott, the stuntman for Jensen Ackles, ‘took one for the team.’

“Todd takes a dive into something that smashes to pieces. He didn’t hold back for anything! I saw the look on his face when he hit it and I was seriously afraid for him! Then, he did it AGAIN!! **wink** You’ll see Thursday!”

Uh oh, it sounds like Dean might be in some trouble… again.

Ticket to Ride

Traci also reflects on her time on set with nothing but praise for the cast and crew and fun times mingled in with those long hours. She has had a chance to get acquainted with the famous Metallicar, er, I mean the 1967 Impala.

“I got a glimpse of the ‘onstage’ one. It’s built for the interior shooting. Nice ride. Although, I think Pamela is more of a Harley babe.”

No argument about that, based on her characterization! And speaking of a “Harley” of a different type, this animal lover also had a chance to meet the unofficial mascots of Supernatural, Jared Padalecki’s dogs.

“Yes, I did meet Harley and Sadie. Awesome dogs! I love that Supernatural is such a dog/animal friendly set.”

Series stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki have developed quite a reputation on set for pulling pranks on their guest stars. But so far, Traci has been spared, even though she has remained on high alert. I suggested that she might want to consider a pre-emptive strike on the pranksters… getting them before they get her, perhaps even be open to a few ideas from fans in this regard.“Oooooh Yeah! Bring it!” she exclaims enthusiastically. Rumor has it that she has referred to the Boys as ‘the hot rod fellas’, but it’s completely innocent. “Oh, just a little reference to their personal appearance…*HOT* and the fact that they cruise around in a hot rod seemed to fit.” To which she will get no argument!

Come back tomorrow when Traci takes on the really important questions in life such as Captain Kirk or Captain Jack Sparrow.

Supernatural “Heaven and Hell” premieres tonight at 9:00 on The CW.

Photo credit: Sergei Bachlakov ©2008 THE CW NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Post from: SF Universe