Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Lisa Durupt developed an early passion for Ice hockey. Her skills on the ice earned her a university scholarship in Minnesota until a shoulder injury put her hockey plans on hold. She enrolled at the University of Winnipeg but after seeing a production of A Chorus Line, she dropped her scholarship to study theatre and film at her home university before attending the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Since then she has made appearances on several television shows and movies including Heartland and various Hallmark Channel films. We had the opportunity to speak to her about her career.
Hi Lisa! Thank you for granting the interview. You have a successful and blossoming career, becoming a fan-favorite on Hallmark. What is it like on the set of a Hallmark project?
It is a lot of fun. Every day is like Christmas so you cannot complain, even when you are filming in winter clothing in the summer, and it is boiling!
You appeared in the Twentieth Century Fox film Breakthrough as Topher Grace’s wife. Based on a true story, it follows the poignant journey of John Smith, a young boy who miraculously comes back to life after drowning in a lake. How familiar were you with the story, and what appealed to you about the role?
I was very familiar with the story, I had followed it from day one on the news. When I saw the script, I jumped at the chance to take part in such a beautiful uplifting story. The fact that it was true just made it that much more powerful to be a part of.
You can currently be seen in Love, Guaranteed on Netflix. What can you tell us about the movie and your character Denise? What did you enjoy most about working with Rachael Leigh Cook and Damon Wayans Jr?
The film is a very fun rom-com that centers around the trials and tribulations of online dating today. Denise is a very spirited paralegal that may not be the best choice for the job but will never let you down. What she lacks in common sense, she makes up in heart and loyalty.
Rachael and Damon were both great to work with. They are naturally very funny so there was never a dull moment on set.
You’ve had a string of appearances across film and television projects such as The Color of Rain, The Pastor’s Wife, and ‘Run for Your Life.’ What draws you to a role?
Those were all Movie of the Weeks or MOW’s and for those, I find it is just fun to try new things. Those are great to do as they are very short three-week contracts, so you jump in quickly and tend to see the whole project through. It is really fun. If I think I can bring a role to life in a way that is genuine and interesting, I am in.
One of your most notable cinematic roles was playing the competitive sister of Sonja Bennett in Preggoland. Your performance earned you a Leo Award nomination in 2015. How did you prepare for the role and please share your experience of being nominated for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture?
Preggoland was fantastic because it was not only with Sonja, who I love but with James Caan. I mean, who would not want Sonny Corleone to play your dad! I have a sister, so prepping for that was easy. I talked to friends who had been dealing with infertility, and I just took each day as it came at me. I was proud of that film, and to this day, it is one of my favorites.
Now, is it true you entered the film industry as a dancer and stunt performer?
Yes! I started it all-around 19. I was so late to the game. But I was interested and thought, why not? Everything I have done, I always started later, but I just put my head down and decided I would be the last one standing. So far, it has worked out.
Aside from your acting abilities, we understand you were also a talented ice hockey player growing up? What did you like most about the sport?
I love to skate! I have skated since I was two years old and was blessed with my dad’s skating style. That is the best feeling in the world to race around with the smell of fresh ice in the air, you feel like you are flying.
What other projects should we look forward to seeing you in soon?
I am currently on the long-running show Heartland, and of course, my movie Christmas With a Crown just came out on DVD and VOD. Check my Instagram for updates. There is always something coming down the line. As actors, we can’t always talk about them though until they are about to air.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Instagram is my favorite, but Twitter and Facebook are always great options. I’m @thelisadurupt.
Credits:
Photographer: Birdie Thompson @birds_eye_photo
Hair & Makeup: Allison Noelle @allisonnoellemakeup
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