BSCkids recently got the opportunity to sit down with young and talented actress, Mimi Kirkland, co-star of the upcoming film, Safe Haven. Mimi spoke with us about her role in the film, her co-stars, as well as which celebrity she would like to meet and the difficulties of being a young actress.
Mimi Kirkland may only be eight years old, but she is already making her big screen debut in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ SAFE HAVEN, which hits theaters on February 14, 2013. In the film, Mimi plays the scene stealing role of ‘Lexie’ – daughter of Josh Duhamel’s character. Lexie is the youngest member of the cast, which also features Julianne Hough, Cobie Smulders, and Noah Lomax. This is the breakout role for Mimi – who previously had only done commercial work locally in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.
BSCkids: Mimi Kirkland
What made you decide to be an actress at such a young age?
I thought it would be a fun experience. I liked entertaining people at school and seeing them laugh. At my pre-school graduation, my teacher asked us, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” In front of everyone, I said I wanted to be an actress.
How supportive was your family when you decided to act?
My family was very supportive.
Tell us about your role in the film, Safe Haven.
I play a 6 year-old girl named Lexie who is the daughter of Josh Duhamel’s character, Alex Wheatley. She is very sassy and loves to color and makes beaded jewelry. She is very close to her dad and brother Josh (Noah Lomax) because their mother died.
Do you share any similarities with your character?
Yes. Because I love the beach, I like to color and I’m very close to my Dad. Lexie is also very talkative and outgoing just like me.
You worked with some very well known actors in the film, what is the most important lesson you learned from them?
To be yourself and have fun with what you do.
Do you have any funny stories from the set of Safe Haven?
There are a lot of funny stories. One story is when Josh, Noah and I were doing a scene where we’re walking away from the General Store to the Parade. When they said cut, Noah, Josh and I raced back to the General Store. The first person to touch the door would win. I usually would win which is unusual since they are taller and older and have longer legs. It made me laugh.
Do you have plans to move full time to L.A.?
Not yet but I can visit any time!
What is your favorite television show currently on air?
Good Luck Charlie
If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and why?
I want to meet Justin Bieber because he’s my favorite singer and he’s really cute.
What is your favorite activity to do when you aren’t acting?
My favorite activity is to be with my family. Movie nights, going to restaurants, and karaoke are some of the fun things we do.
Do your friends treat you any differently since you got your role in Safe Haven?
No they don’t treat me differently. They are excited and keep asking when Safe Haven is coming out.
What is the most difficult aspect about being a young actress?
It’s really hard to get roles. I’ve tried out for a lot of commercials, movies and TV shows that I didn’t get but you have to keep trying out for them. It’s also not easy because you have to memorize a lot of lines and play a lot of different characters. It’s hard to switch gears for the characters you have to be.