Charlot Daysh is an award-winning actor and writer to watch. Originally from Stavanger, Norway, she is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Charlot will be starring in her biggest role yet in the new thriller film ‘Cry of Silence’ making its premiere on Hollywood Suite on May 1st. Charlot also recently starred in the drama feature ‘Finding Odera’ which screened at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival. We caught up with Charlot to discuss her career and current projects.
For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in the arts?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the world of performance art. As a child, I was always drawn to music and acting, dancing before I could walk and singing before I could talk. At age 4.5 years, after watching a musical with my grandmother, I was mesmerized, and a fire had been ignited. Without hesitation, I raced to the stage, eager to get my poster signed and ask to join the cast. Despite being told that the audition age limit was 6, my determination caught the attention of the director. They graciously agreed to give me a chance and invited me to audition. I ended up getting a part, and from then on, I immersed myself in theatre, performing with the same theatre company every year for almost a decade. Movies like ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘Mary Poppins,’ ‘Matilda,’ ‘ET,’ and ‘Annie’ were a few of my early inspirations, sparking a desire to create and perform. I loved making short films with my parent’s home video camera and putting on shows with my younger brothers.
Please tell us more about growing up in Norway. Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
I grew up in Stavanger on Norway’s southwestern coast, known for its Viking history, lively culture, and beautiful natural scenery. My childhood was filled with memories of musical theatre, idyllic summers at the cottage, family travels, and caring for my beloved pet rabbit, Trampe. I spent countless hours outdoors, letting my imagination run wild and creating performances with my brothers and friends. From a young age, I was fueled by a strong belief instilled by my mom—that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. This belief empowered me to dream big and pursue my passions with determination. I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents, who encouraged me to follow my bliss. During summers at the cottage, my grandparents would join in on the fun, helping me organize performances on the dock for our neighbors. This sense of support and encouragement from my family has always been a cornerstone of my life. When I started doing musical theatre, I had the privilege of learning from the incredible performance duo Bente and Oli Harestad Haukass, who were instrumental in shaping my development as an actor and performer. Their guidance and mentorship have had such a profound and lasting impact on me.
You represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest at age 11. The contest is a big thing in Europe. For our American readers, please tell us more about the event and your experience being selected.
I saw a commercial on TV for ‘Melodi Grand Prix Jr,’ a singing and songwriting competition in Norway, and eagerly asked my friend Joakim Harestad Haukass if he wanted to write a song together and submit it. When we received the call from NRK, the broadcaster, informing us that we had been selected, I was over the moon—it was truly a dream come true. Winning this competition led us to represent Norway in the ‘Jr. Eurovision Song Contest.’ It was a magical experience that taught me so much and helped propel my growth as both a performer and an individual. One of the lessons that stood out was that of “feeling the fear but doing it anyway”. With an international audience of millions, I felt incredibly nervous leading up to the live televised event. I had to learn how to center myself, become comfortable with the nerves, and learn how to accept the fear, but not let it stop me.
Which three traits define you?
Creativity is at the core of who I am. Whether I’m working on a new project or problem-solving in my personal life, I always approach challenges with a creative mindset. Resilience is another defining trait, forged through navigating the competitive nature of my industry. Empathy is also a trait I hold dear, I believe in the power of understanding and connecting with others. I always strive to support and uplift those around me in any way I can. It also drives me in my work as an actor, through empathy, I can connect deeply with any fictional character I am playing.
Please tell us about your latest project ‘ Cry of Silence’.
“Cry of Silence” is an action-packed thriller, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you riveted. The film was shot in St. Mary’s, Ontario, and was directed by Allen Kool and written by Robin Kool, a real powerhouse duo in the industry. The movie tells the story of a young married couple who settle into their new life together in a community terrorized by a serial killer. I play the character of Margaret Klassen, who is forced to face the demons of her past to fight for her life back. Being part of this project was an amazing experience. I got to challenge myself in new ways as an actor and loved working alongside the dedicated and talented cast and crew. You could feel the passion and effort poured into every frame. Filmmaking is such a collaborative team effort, and this film really captured that essence. We are all thrilled that the film has been on a winning streak at film festivals around the world. It will be available to stream on Prime Video and Hollywood Suite on May 1st.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
I’m involved in a few exciting projects including: “Trickle and Flow,” a crime drama series, and “Noose,” a period-piece drama series that’s currently in development. Additionally, I’m working on developing two of my own projects—a feature film and a short film.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
You can visit my website www.charlotdaysh.com and connect with me on Instagram @charlotdaysh
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