Michelene-Philippe Heine /Actress/ Singer/Voice Artist From London -- An Interview

Still waiting for Charlize Theron to accept to be interviewed by this admirer, Joseph De Cross. But how small is this world... I was ready to write a hub about this Actress from London and I got a really big Surprise, as big as the "Big Ben." She was not completely English as I thought.

We Americans, always wonder why British English is so captivating and enthralling. They might answer, "Because is English, LDC!"

How do we come out with the questions, some might ask? Is simple. You are practically in front of a Star and you feel like finding out or start asking so many things at once. So, we just go with the flow...getting bombarded myself with so many intriguing questions.

Michelene-Philippe Heine, took her time and accepted to be interviewed by LDC. She was and is super down to earth; her smile melts any ice from either the Arctic or Antarctic. She can be funny and polite like no one else. But let's get down to business...

I heard of South Africa somewhere down the Google line. Were YOU born in London?

Hahaha, good old Google. It's a bit like marmite really, you either love it or hate it, but you can't hide from it. I was born in sunny SA, sorry, South Africa, but London has been my home for over a decade and I am a British Citizen, so I feel completely "anglified," not to mention a proud Royalist.

Google works better that Scotland Yard for sure. LOL. I usually go back in time within my own selfish mind. Can you name three places where you wish you could, or could have traveled to?

Oh I'm not done travelling yet. There are so many more places I'd still like to see. I'd like to visit Egypt, Greece and Dubai, but there is a long list, I can assure you.

We were kids at once. Well, I'm still like Peter Pan, I don't want to grow up. Have you ever thought of working with children? Theater, give back activities. I don't know why I ask that question, but there you have it...

I have worked with children. Lots. One of my first professional acting jobs was travelling to schools and performing at children's parties. I still do the odd costume character dress up gig and have started a new theatre company (Reppro Theatre) which also caters for children's parties.

Kids can be the toughest and most honest audiences as you need to keep them engaged and they are not afraid of speaking their minds. But the most rewarding feeling is making them laugh!

Can you tell us a little about your family, parents, mentors?

My parents are remarkable role models. My father was a journalist, writer, director, actor and radio personality until the day he died six year ago.

Sorry to hear, My dad died on November of 2006 as well...

Oh well this is life. Regarding my mother, she is a successful author, but was also a journalist and editor for a long time, before she too started writing romantic novels and radio dramas and I have a feeling she'll continue to do so for many more years to come.

They always warned me against the hardships of the industry and tried to persuade me to choose a different career path, but I come from a long line of writers, performers and artists, so I had to follow my heart.

I will always be infinitely grateful to my friend and mentor, Geoff Motley, (director, TV and radio presenter and writer) for taking me under his wing here in London, for all his guidance, honest feedback and for always having something positive to say.

I love your answers so far! This world is full of betrayal. jealousy and revenge. You played as Catherine Henson, at this drama-mystery made for TV called, "Amy," back in 2009. Do you think real life is far worse than the scripts we screenplay writers sell for a living? How was your experience, working with other stars? Any funny anecdote?

Ah Joseph, as the question goes...Does life imitate art or art imitate life...? I'm afraid as much as I'd like to believe people have creative imaginations, I do believe art imitates life and that the world can be a very cruel place, but it is up to us to see the good in others and the beauty around us.

Funny enough though, I'm currently in a production, called "The House of Fog," and the cast was discussing how much we miss each other when we're not rehearsing or performing. It is the same on every film set or production. You become like a family and it's sad when the director finally calls out 'that's a wrap'.

I felt really sorry for my co-star, Predita Lawton, who played 'Amy North' as I had to slap her during one of the scenes and the director, Paul Burton, wanted it to be as realistic as possible. By the 8th slap I could see tears in Predita's eyes, but she was a real trooper and we got the perfect shot.

Wow! That was something else! I feel for Predita!!

I must admit I don't think she's my biggest fan, ha; and my hand still 'stings' just thinking about it. One of my most favorite experiences, was working with Hakeem Kae-Kazim, on a Glomail commercial. Since then I've seen him pop up in numerous U.S. productions, such as NCIS, Criminal Minds and Human Target to name a few. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and as jealous as I may pretend to be over his career, he deserves all the good fortune that has come his way.

What can you tell us about your last project, "House of Fog"?

House of Fog is a Hammer comedy spoof, by published playwright, Peter Brammer. I am producing and acting in the play, which I'm enjoying immensely. Set in the early 1900's (with a rather modern twist) my character is Lady Rackonsfield, with her heightened RP (received pronunciation), she's the stereotypical or should I rather say, hysterical, 'Lady of the Manor,' who gets taken in by the conspiring Count Silvio, aka Bill Slaughter.

Her house is cursed by evil spirits and the ghost of her husband, avenging his murder. It really is a bundle of laughs.

We have a magnificent cast and we're already working on our next project, Transylvania Terrace. We are performing locally and at Corporate events and have had some excellent feedback.

I would love to watch that Play, indeed! You are granted to go back to your 18th birthday, of course you keep the experience that you gained. What would you do differently after you blow those candles and eat some cake?

I would book my ticket to London!

That didn't take you long, huh? Do you have any pets, lizards, guinea pigs, hamsters or just a pussycat? (I guess Naina Sova was not the only one!)

I had 2 little guinea pigs, Sugar and Honey, but unfortunately they passed away last year from old age. I adore animals...ok, perhaps not lizards, but I've been the proud owner of dogs, cats, a rat, mice, hamsters and a rabbit, not to mention stray birds.

I can't believe how devastated I was, when My pet Hanna died... like a month ago. Have you ever experienced this kind of loss?

My most beloved pet dog of 9 and half years, Tinkerbell, died when I was 21. She was hit by a car and her injuries were inoperable. I miss her to this day.

Would you consider Hollywood on your wish list? Seems like English actors are in vogue. Just come to my mind, Daniel Day Lewis, Kate Winslet and this guy... Mister Bean, yeah!

I feel there is still much to gain from my being in the UK, however, if I were offered an opportunity to perform in Hollywood I would be there in a flash. You can't be an actor and not have the dream.

I believe you will one day, Michelene. Any secret ability or dexterity that we don't know about?

I wish. I used to be quite agile, from my karate and dancing days, but I'm a little rusty.

Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?

Oooooe the million dollar question Joseph. I've learnt to focus on one day at a time. I have big plans, but I'll keep those to myself for now.

I forgot to ask you about love. Does this world lack love? What can we do to make this world better? Have you ever experienced true love?

I am a romantic at heart, Joseph and I certainly believe that the world is filled with love. I don't think it is love we lack, I personally think it's respect for ourselves and our neighbors that seems to have disappeared from the world curriculum. Everyone is out for themselves.

There doesn't seem to be much time for anyone these days. It's the world we live in, but if we could learn to respect and learn from our elders and each other, I do think we could all work and live in harmony together to make this world an even better place.

Oh yes Joseph, I very much believe and have experienced true love. It is still a love story in the making, so I shall leave that ending for another day. I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes by 'Don Quixote' from the film 'Man of La Mancha': "Too much sanity may be madness! But maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it should be."

What a great ending Michelene! I appreciate your time and your honest answers. You truly overdid yourself. Thanks again!

Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity Joseph. May your week be blessed with many happy miracles!