Interview: Catching up with Danielle Savre

The real Danielle is a complete reversal of her character as Jackie Wilcox on Heroes. She’s just an easy going Cali girl with a serious shoe fetish, and a really cool job where she only plays a frenemy to Hayden Panettiere. Happy, humble and a total sweetheart, Danielle is on the right track and making big strides.

The Date- September 30th, 2009

Her Location: At Home in Simi Valley, California

Danielle called on her day off from filming her episode on CSI Miami.
Andrea: I can’t believe you’re “working” on your day off; what else are you doing?

Danielle: Cleaning the house and paying bills, mostly.

Andrea: Seriously? No paparazzi tip offs at clubs or Googling yourself to see what comes up?

Danielle: With that stuff, I hear things from other people but I never see them. Generally I try, and stay away from online gossip sites.

Andrea: And the Paparazzi?

Danielle: You know, I saw actresses like Meryl Streep, when she was younger, and I saw how private their lives were even though they were so famous. It’s not like that anymore. There were paparazzi on the set of “Heroes”, and they were taking so many pictures. Right after, people were calling me and telling me they saw a picture of me online, the next day. It’s really sad.

Andrea: So you never like to watch yourself in movies?

Danielle: No! I’m my worst critic!

Andrea: Is it hard to see yourself as someone else?

Danielle: American Primitive is hard for me to watch. It’s so hard for me to watch myself as Madeline. Also watching Kaya was hard, because there was so much criticism around the show. Bring it on, I just can’t watch anymore!

Andrea: How fun was it to be a part of the “Bring It On” legacy?

Danielle: I loved it. I respect cheerleaders so much now, I had 5 weeks of training and it was hardcore. There’s a whole network of cheerleaders that band together. Now wherever I go I’m part of the ‘Cheer Club’ thanks to my work in Bring it On All or Nothing. It’s the one film everyone quotes to me, especially the big butt quote. I will never live that down.

Andrea: And you got to work with Hayden in both “Bring It On: All or Nothing” and “Heroes”! Is it hard working with a good friend?

Danielle: It’s awesome.  In this industry, a friend is someone you get to see maybe four times a year. Shooting with a friend is unheard of, and we had a blast. Hayden was hilarious.

Andrea: Be honest, do you still remember the cheers?

Danielle: Me and Hayden remembered them perfectly! In between takes we’d do the chants and movements from the film. The crew thought we were crazy!

Andrea: You’re so different from your character on “Heroes”.

Danielle: Sometimes it’s nice to get to play a character different from myself. On Heroes  It was fun to be totally acting like I hated Hayden and then as soon as they call cut, we’re laughing and friendly again.

Andrea: When you audition for a job, you go up against so many other actors. How do you cope with losing a part?

Danielle: Everything has it’s ups and downs, and that knowledge keeps me from being jaded. I appreciate every job because I know how difficult it is to land one. Thousands audition and only one person works.

Andrea: Speaking of hard, in an industry of rock hard abs and thighs, how do you keep your body fit?

Danielle: You’re going to hate me for saying this, but I love to run! People say “No but, what else do you do?” but that’s it, running’s my escape. I go out with my iPod on shuffle and just run to clear my head. Working out puts you in a good mood. I actually had to gain weight for American primitive and then lose it after. To lose weight, I had to eat protein and veggies. I always watch what I eat.

Andrea: You did a show called “Kaya” where you played a singer, and you were in a girl group named Trinity for a while as well. Any chance you’ll be dropping an album in the future?

Danielle: Yes! I just finished the fourth track off my upcoming album. I’m working with a great producer, Jack Elliot. It’s different from what I did with Trinity. Trinity was very pop, but this is more danceable. It’s a different sound.

Andrea: Any Make-up secrets we can steal?

Danielle: Less is more. And this sounds cliche but, if you take care of your skin you really don’t need much make-up. I personally love mascara, if there’s one beauty product you should always have it’s mascara

Andrea: And for the lips?

Danielle: I am a lip gloss whore! Who doesn’t like lip gloss? You’d have to be crazy not to.

Andrea: What’s your take on fashion?

Danielle: I love fashion. I like dressing up, but I don’t necessarily follow trends. Runway kinda weirds me out! It’s too out there! My closet is a mish-mosh of fashion. I love heels. You can never get enough. A great shoe can really make an outfit. With me shoes are my obsession, clothes are just an after thought. And yet, to set I wear flip flops.

Andrea: Your best fashion tips?

Danielle: Regardless of how much money you make, you should never overspend on a dress. I always hunt for good comfy shoes. Oh, and you can never have too many black heels!

Andrea: So where do you go from here?

Danielle: I want to transfer NYU. It’s a big goal. People tell me that I already learn so much on set as an actor. But they’ve already been to school! I love being on set and I always have questions. I constantly grill the producer, the director, and everyone about how things work. I love being behind the camera. Women don’t really have longevity, in film so I want to learn about this business. This business is a part of me.

Interviewed by Andrea Palmer