When you interview celebrities, you have a list of some that you’re terrified to interview. It’s not because you think that they’ll be mean or that anything will go wrong. It’s because you admire them so much that talking to them feels like you’re going to let your inner fangirl out.
For me, that happens when I speak to anyone associated with One Tree Hill. India de Beaufort is one of those people for me. It’s not just the 12 episode of One Tree Hill, it’s also the roles in Jane by Design, Blood & Oil, Younger, One Day at Time, Firefly Lane… there’s just been a lot of shows that she’s been in that I have loved.
India is a talent. She picks really great roles.
And then there’s her Instagram game as well. She takes you along on her DIY and styling adventures. Seriously, she’ll show you how to style anything. I’d also like her to come build my closet. Hers looks amazing.
The actress plays ADA Olivia Moore on the reboot of Night Court. She’s this boss b**ch who sees where she is as a step to get where she wants to be. She’s kinda of unbothered by being there, but you can also tell it’s the last place that she wants to be. She’s definitely unlike anyone that de Beaufort has played.
So why play someone that isn’t the most likable person? Well India says, “I have a hoot playing her. She’s so fun. I think a lot of people tend to shy away from characters that might not cast a person in the best light. I think those are the characters that I tend to lean into. Because it’s just really liberating and you get to get up to all kinds of mischief.”
She continued, “I would say at the beginning of the first season, if you didn’t like her, I was probably doing my job well. Then over the course of the season, you’re supposed to slowly get worn down by this caffeinated, anxious, neurotic, driven, ambitious prosecutor. Then at the simultaneously was the audience hopefully is caving. She’s cracking too. We’re getting to see more and more of her vulnerability and warmth and loyalty to this band of misfits.”
India has a point. Moore isn’t the most likable character, but what I love about her is just that. She’s not the most likable person – which makes her human. She isn’t perfect. She is guarded. But in each and every episode there is growth. There is a part of her that lets down walls and what we see is a character that is consistently growing.
India has been a part of a lot of iconic shows and every job, every part of fandom has to teach you something. It just does. We know that every job that we have teaches us something and it’s definitely worth asking what being a part of all of these amazing shows have taught her about herself.
She said, “I think most actors think- most of the time are scared to be unemployed. When I hear you say words back to me of shows that I have been on, I’m like, oh, man, okay, cool. I managed to stay out of unemployment on and off for a decent chunk of time because really in the middle of, in the beginning and the end of all those jobs, my biggest thought was, oh my God, I’m never going to work again. Then something comes along and it always feels universally meant to be when it does. It’s usually right after I book a flight to go home and see my mom or my family that is like, no, you’re not going, you got a job.”
It’s something that we hadn’t thought about – repeating the shows back to her that she’s done and how that may have affected her. Which, in hindsight, we get affected by the memories of them, so it makes sense that she does too.
She continued, “I think the biggest thing I’ve learned about myself is just how grateful I am that I get to do, and it sounds cheesy, I know a bunch of people say it, but that’s because you have to remind yourself on a daily basis that a lot of people have big dreams. If you get to do something you love every single day for work and pay your bills, and at least with this show, go home and pick up my kid from kindergarten and sit down at the table and eat dinner with my family, life doesn’t get much better than that. I just keep my fingers crossed and hope that I can keep pulling the wool over people’s eyes and sneaking in for just a little longer.”
Time is wrapping up and I think what’s the last question to ask. I’m nervous, but I realize that we’ve been laughing this entire time and so therefore, I really shouldn’t overthink it. But this is me and I ask a question that is somewhat deep.
What does she hope that people watching the show 20 years from now say about the show?
She says, “I don’t think we’re trying to answer big questions or solve big things or,- I think we’re just trying to make something comforting and safe and filled with love that you can watch with your kids. I know a lot of people, when I talk about the show, say, “Oh, man, when I was a kid, I used to, John Larroquette was my favorite when I was a kid. I used to watch this with my family. I used to watch this with my parents. What a blessing to get to be a part of something that reminds somebody of their childhood because it’s the most magical time of your life and there’s only one of them.”
And she finishes off the question by saying, “I think anything that allows you to flash back to that moment, it’s an honor to get to be a piece of anybody’s innocence. I’ll be grateful for any mention along those tracks.”
And it makes sense. It’s honestly one of the best answers, because well, Night Court (the original) was a part of my youth, and I can remember every moment of the time watching it.
We sometimes don’t realize the moments and how they affect us, until years later. This interview, I believe, will be one of those that get me later.
We say our goodbyes and I know it’s been a little surreal for me. I take a breathe and take it all in. I am thankful for this little life and experiences just like this.