Local audiences might know Elizabeth Bowen for her involvement with Vancouver TheatreSports where she’s performed on the main stage for the past 16 years, or for her leading role in the Christmas musical Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, or her various acting gigs on television and film. But before that, I knew her as the long-time girlfriend of a dude I play ball hockey with. She’s also from my hometown of Nanaimo, though I didn’t know her then, and her mother taught in the UBC Creative Writing department when I attended but I never had her as a professor.
However, I have “brunched” with the versatile actress who plays state trooper Sue Lutz in the second season of Fargo, which premieres Oct. 12 on FX Canada, and shared a plate of nachos with her. So I’ve got that going for me. Because the heat of two former Nanaimoites discussing craft would have been far too combustible in person, I reached Bowen via email where she shed some light on accents, the hell of high school and hanging with Ted Danson.
1. In Fargo, what kind of accent did you have to speak in?
I had to speak in a South Dakota accent and was thankful the show had an excellent dialect coach by the name of David Lerigny. Because I grew up in a household of accent-lovers, I have a decent ear and was able to pick it up fairly quickly. After three weeks on set I was starting to hear the accent creep in to everyday life. Weirdo.
2. What are some tips you could give readers who might want to adopt that accent at home?
If you remember that words like “job” have a vowel sound like “jahb,” that “r’s” sound a bit pirate-like, “t’s” sound like “d’s” and there is a kind of hoser-esque bent to your “o” sounds, you’re halfway there.
3. What was it like hanging out with Fargo co-star Ted Danson?
It was so much fun hanging out with Ted on set. He is a very kind man with a great sense of humour, very self-deprecating, who genuinely seems to love it when people jokingly give him a hard time. In my head, I’d hear Cliff Clavin saying “Sammy!” on the regular. And getting to hear some of his Cheers stories? The best.
4. Where was Fargo shot?
It was shot in Calgary and the surrounding areas. The constantly changing weather that Calgary is famous for meant more work for the crew sometimes but they were so excellent that they could handle anything. We also did quite a few night shoots which literally turns your world upside down. I quickly discovered the importance of some sort of sleep aid. FYI, prescription cider is cheap and effective.
5. What does one do for fun during downtime when on location for Fargo?
A bunch of cast and crew got together to watch the Pacquiao/ Mayweather fight. There was also a karaoke night and a pretty epic end of season wrap party. Two of my closest friends live in Calgary with their four little girls so their home was my source for weekly dinners and laundry. And even though I usually loathe shopping, I did take full advantage of the lack of provincial sales tax.
6. Did your improv background help you in your Fargo role?
Although we all stuck very closely to the script on Fargo, as the writing is so good that there’s no need to mess with it, having the ability to think on your feet really does add to your confidence. Listening is so important in improv and it also helps you to be more present and open (sorry for the actor speak) in your scripted work as well.
7. What has been the most humbling acting gig of your career thus far?
Having to dress up as Tourism Nanaimo mascot “Nanaimo Barney” (literally a huge, fuzzy Nanaimo Bar that smelled of despair and broken dreams) and endure occasional gut punches by some jerky little kid.
8. Like me, you grew up on the mean streets of Nanaimo and barely got out alive. How did Nanaimo make you the person you are today?
Well, Grade 8 for me was like Carrie without the pig’s blood. That can only build character... or some sort of psychosis. Even though I grew up obsessing about the day I’d be able to move to a bigger city and have a big city life, as an adult I can see the benefits of having been raised somewhere a little more quiet. And guys? There are plenty of beautiful parts to Nanaimo. It is way more than just the mall-laden highway you drive on your way to somewhere else. You’re welcome, Mom and Dad.
9. Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life?
Idris Elba.
10. Did you take/steal anything from the set of Fargo?
No, I’m too much of a wimp. I did walk away from set with an impressive list of phone numbers. Text you soon, Ted Danson.
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