Dawn Marie is an actor based in Los Angeles, trained in the Meisner technique and mentored by the late James Caan. Her dynamic career spans film, television, and commercials, featuring notable roles in projects like Lifetime’s “Surviving the Sleepover” and the feature film “Long Shadows,” where she stars alongside Dermot Mulroney, Jacqueline Bisset, and Dominic Monaghan. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Dawn to discuss her journey in the industry and her latest role in “Long Shadows,” which is currently showing in theaters.
Dawn, thanks for taking the time to speak with Occhi. Can you take us back to your very first introduction to acting? What sparked your passion for performance, and how did you know this was the path for you?
Thank you for having me! When I didn’t get into my dream school after community college, I decided to take some acting classes. It had always been a secret desire of mine since I was a little girl, but I never really pursued it. The classes were Meisner-based, and I read his book “On Acting,” and I was so inspired, and it was so different from what I had always thought it meant to be an actor. He talks a lot about truth and “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” which truth has always been very important to me. I remember sitting in one of those early classes one day. We were discussing the book, and this feeling just overcame me that this is what I was meant to do. It still took several years before I would pursue it on a professional level, but that was the moment I knew I had to explore it deeply.
You trained in the Meisner technique and were mentored by the legendary James Caan. How did his guidance shape your craft and your approach to the industry?
I studied Meisner for a couple years or so, and then I spent about 4 months in class with James Caan. After class, a small group of us would go out for dinner and listen to his stories. Being in the class and getting to talk about acting one-on-one with him really just put a fire in my belly, more than anything else.
What’s a lesson or piece of advice from James Caan that has stayed with you throughout your career?
The thing that stuck with me the most from him were his words, “fuck the dialogue.” He would say it’s all about the behavior. You could be saying any nonsensical thing, and it wouldn’t matter – what would matter was the behavior behind it. It’s something I still think about often.
Looking back, what has most surprised you about the realities of working in film and television compared to your early expectations?
I think I thought at some point you “make it” and suddenly you have a lot of money and job offers, when that’s not the case much of the time. I’ve been on TV, and now on the big screen as well (woohoo!), but it’s still a daily grind!
Has there been a moment or project that fundamentally challenged or changed your perception of yourself as an artist?
I did a play called Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, directed by the amazing Robyn Cohen, that changed my life. I reached places in my body and in my voice and in my soul that I never thought I could reach. Working on that part made me feel like I could do anything.
The entertainment industry can be tough and unpredictable. How have you learned to navigate its challenges—both creatively and personally?
I haven’t! It’s been tough, and I’ve recently found myself wanting to throw in the towel and escape to become a florist and read poetry all day.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest misconception people have about actors or the acting profession?
I think it’s the same misconception I spoke about myself having. That once someone is on TV or in a movie, they’ve “made it”. That’s not the case at all. Also, that actors live some luxurious lifestyle when most of us don’t! Also, that actors are these loud, outgoing people who love attention. Many of us are introverts!
Your career spans film, television, and commercials. How do you adapt your process for different media, and what do you find most creatively fulfilling?
Well, I use the same principles in all mediums- being as truthful as possible. I think commercials are fun – much more improv-based – and TV these days has been really good. But I love film – maybe even specifically indie films, because I find that it has the most artistic freedom.
In Long Shadows, you play Rebecca Dollar. What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare to embody such a complex character?
When I read the script for Long Shadows, I immediately fell in love with Rebecca Dollar. She was the epitome of a steadfast, grounded mother and a dreamer artist, which is so deep a part of who I am. At the time, my son was just over a year old, and I really related to Rebecca’s desire to nurture her son’s interests and inspire him to make good choices.
The film explores themes of redemption, power, and survival in a rapidly changing world. What do you hope audiences take away from Rebecca’s journey?
One of Rebecca’s lines in the movie is “In the end, goodness must lead the way.” I think that line says it all.
Can you share a moment from the set of Long Shadows that was particularly memorable or transformative for you as an actor?
There was a feeling on that set that was peaceful and quiet, and you could tell everyone was dedicated and happy to be there, making something that they believed in. It felt magical. And I’ve been pinching myself for being so lucky to have had that experience and to be a part of it, doing what I love. I want to bring that energy to every project I work on in the future.
Outside of acting, you love the ocean and writing poetry. How do these passions influence your work, and do they offer you a different creative outlet?
Whenever I’m feeling stuck, I go to the ocean, and I write. And I always find my answers.
Photo by David Muller Photography – © James Dauterman
Dawn Marie in ‘Long Shadows’ Photo Credit: Tiiu Loigu
Dawn Marie and Gavin Warren in ‘Long Shadows’ Photo Credit: Tiiu Loigu
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