God Friended Me: Violett Beane Interview

Actress Violett Beane grew up in Austin, Texas, falling in love with performing at a young age. She took theatre all through middle and high school; but it was in her senior year that she turned her focus to TV and film, going on to book a recurring role in the HBO series The Leftovers during the show’s second season.

She followed that role with a guest appearance in an episode of Chicago P.D. and soon enough she landed a recurring role on the FOX medical drama The Resident before landing the role that put her on the map: Jesse Wells (aka Jesse Quick) on The Flash. She also appeared alongside Pretty Little Liars alum Lucy Hale in the horror flick Truth Or Dare.

It is her most current role as Cara Bloom on the new CBS drama God Friended Me that has been getting attention. The show follows Miles Finer (series lead Brandon Michael Hall), an outspoken atheist, whose life is turned upside down when he receives a friend request from God. Miles follows the signs and accepts the ultimate friend request suggestion to Cara Bloom, an online journalist. Brought together by the “God Account,” the two find themselves investigating God’s friend suggestions and inadvertently helping others in need.

NiceGirlsTV was given the opportunity to interview this talented actress just as God Friended Me is preparing to return for its winter premiere after its debut season’s holiday break.

What drew you to the character of Cara on God Friended Me? Do you share any similarities with Cara?

I love playing Cara and really connect with her. I would say that there’s a good amount of me in Cara. Like Cara, I don’t let things go. I like to get to the bottom of things. I feel like we’re both pretty stubborn people. I’ve been able to bring a lot of myself because of our creators, Bryan Wynbrandt and Steven Lilien. They have been so communicative since the beginning. They were in my very first audition and they’re so excited to show the world this show. We’re constantly chatting with them about our characters and where we want to go with them, which is amazing. I’ve never had that much say in a character. I really appreciate that.

How was it working with Michael Vartan? How cool was it to have the Alias star playing your dad?

He was great! I loved shooting the scenes with him and Rachel Bay Jones, who plays my mother on the show. It was so interesting to show that side of Cara around her parents, instead of just her friends.

Can you tease anything about upcoming storylines for God Friended Me or have you been sworn to secrecy?

Pretty much sworn for secrecy! But what I can say is that the team gets very close to figuring out who is actually behind the “God Account” soon and the mid-season finale is very intense.

Do you have any new projects coming up that can you share with your fans?

Right now God Friended Me is keeping me pretty busy until next spring. After that, I will be filming a movie next summer that I think fans will be really excited about once the news gets out.

What special skill or talent do you have that your fans might find surprising or interesting?

Hmm. I can lick my elbow. Ha ha.

Do you have a dream project that you’d love to complete someday?

I’ve always wanted to be a part of a period piece, something in the Renaissance times or Victorian times. I think that sounds so amazing. The wardrobe, the hair, the makeup, all of it!

What one piece of advice would you offer someone wanting to break into the industry?

I think it’s crazy but you just have to keep doing it. If you are already in theater, I think that’s awesome. That’s how I started acting as well. Then look for an agent in your hometown. I’m sure there is at least one that has access to casting directors and send a tape. I didn’t live in L.A. but I taped stuff and booked stuff, and eventually I moved out. I would just say use all the resources you have at your fingertips. Just keep doing it.

Violett is a passionate supporter of environmental and animal causes as well as abortion rights, ending rape violence and gun control. She also loves to travel, enjoys doing DIY renovations of her home, creating vegan recipes and spending time with her bunny and her puppy.

You can follow Violett on Instagram.

God Friended Me returns to CBS with new episodes of its debut season on Sunday, January 6 at 8/7c.

[Main Image Photo Credit: Jeff Riedell/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.]

[Violett Beane Photos Credit: Storm Santos]