Aspiring young actress Caralyne Elizabeth Fondulis, of Wareham, Massachusetts, has acting in her blood. Inspired by the Broadway musical, “Rent,” Caralyne dreams of an acting career. Getting her first major film break, she was recently chosen as a background actor in The Lightkeepers, a new film currently shooting in Cape Cod starring Blythe Danner and Richard Dreyfuss. This former American Academy of Dramatic Arts student believes she gets her talent for acting from her great aunt, Jesse Ralph, a character actress who worked alongside Clark Gable and Shirley Temple. Caralyne can also be seen playing vixen, Irene White, in an upcoming web series called “Gavin Lance,” a comic book themed, action web series airing June 15th on computers near you. Although she plans to move to LA, she has decided to stay in Massachusetts a bit longer and take advantage of the growing movie industry in New England.
Caralyne Fondulis
HEC: How did you get started in your career as a performing artist?
Well, I started dancing when I was two but, since I was so painfully shy and could not be away from my mom, she would hide behind props on stage so I wouldn’t cry. As I grew up I got a lot better and would put on skits and dances for the neighborhood and family friends. I was always doing little singing groups with friends; I just loved anything creative and hated going to school. When I was in the seventh grade I went to NYC and saw RENT. Original cast and first musical: that’s what made me want to be an actress. That’s when I realized “Oh, I don’t have to work in an office all day.” I wanted to make people feel the way I did when I was watching that musical. Theatre is such a powerful thing. I want to be a part of all performing outlets. I simply love it; well…breathe it.
HEC: How has your education helped you?
My training as an actor has made me realize more about myself as a person rather than helped me with “acting”. I think that’s pretty great because in order to be a good actor, you have to understand yourself before you even BEGIN to comprehend this whole other person. I am not currently in college but everything I have learned up until now and everything I continue to learn helps me understand my characters. I think education plays a huge part in acting. You have to know your stuff in order to make another person’s life believable. It can’t all be 2D.
Caralyne Fondulis on the set of The Lightkeepers
HEC: What was it like as a background actor on The Lightkeepers?
The Lightkeepers, I think, was a rare experience as an extra. A lot of the people on set were seasoned extras and even they were shocked. It was an intimate experience. There were only 28 of us, maybe a little less because some people didn’t show up. We got our hair and make up done as well as wardrobe fittings. Being a first-time extra and coming to the set of The Lightkeepers, I felt first class. All of the actors in the movie were really, really nice. I have never met such wonderful people before. It was so much fun, but LONG. I advise all extras to pack a bag of activities.
HEC: What are the best/worst parts of your current acting role in “Gavin Lance”?
Oh, I think it’s all the best. My character is Irene White. She’s something else. She is sort of like Robin Hood, but if Robin Hood were a girl and wore all black, ha. She’s a vixen. Who doesn’t want to dress up in black tights, a black body suit and trench coat then seduce men- make them your play toys? The script is really good. Everyone involved is awesome and committed. I think it’s something great.
Caralyne Fondulis as vixen Irene White in the upcoming webseries, Gavin Lance
HEC: Any advice for new graduates?
That when you say you want to be an actor people are going to look at you like you are on drugs. Um, but on a more serious note, I feel like I’m a new graduate. I’m no seasoned pro. As long as your heart and soul are in it and acting is something you truly enjoy, like it gives you that little child-like happiness that you maybe don’t feel for other things, then you’ll get what you want. Don’t give up, don’t look back. Take any project that isn’t a porno, unless that’s what you want, which, in that case, go get ‘em. Every experience is worth it and, as long as it’s not just for some status thing, your life will always be fulfilled. Oh, and it’s hard; really really hard. But worth it.
HEC: What has been your most memorable job experience thus far?
I think everything I’ve done has been memorable. I always take a piece with me after wrapping. I think so far every role I’ve done in theatre or film has been really great. Even in small time projects, I’m still lucky that people see something in me. I just hope that my luck grows along with my talent.
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What a wonderful article – Caralyne you are very gifted – can’t wait to see more!
thats my lovely beautiful talented little but big sister.
i love it.
shes famous
I’m in love with this young woman. she has shown me what it is to be an actor and what life is like through the eyes of one. she articulates her being as an actor so well. she can depict any character to the point that you almost forget who Caralyne Fondulis really is. She is the future of acting and show business. She will bring a crazy beautiful style of acting to the table.
Caralyne is a very talented and grounded young woman…I have no doubt whatsoever she will accomplish her dream….she is definately on her way.
She looks like a leading lady!
This was a wonderful interview, hopefully it is the beginning of many more….Caralyne is a talented actress and will realize her goal as an actor. We are all so proud of what she has already accomplished and what she will accomplish in the future