 (photos via Efren Beltran Photography)
1. I know you, but some people may not. So could you please introduce yourself to the world? "Hi Dee! Thank you for having me. I am Christine Solomon. I am a Canadian actress from the West Island in Montreal. I've worked in movies, television shows, theater, commercials, voice-overs, and video games. I love every aspect of this business and I am interested in all things creative. And oh! I love chocolate ice cream!" 2. What was your first job in the entertainment industry? Also, what did you do before that? "When I was five years old, I had my first acting job on stage. It was a lot of fun, and it's where my passion began. I then continued to act and model while I was still a student. When I was in college I was studying Arts and Literature. The plan after college was to continue my studies at Concordia University in communication while I continue to pursue my acting career. Around that time, my drama teacher Victor Knight encouraged me to audition for the Dawson College Theatre Program. My life completely changed after that. And that Concordia plan never came to fruition, which I am happy for." 3. Did you study acting before getting into the industry? "I used to believe that you didn't have to go to theatre school to be an actor, but as I've gotten older, my views have shifted. I think the study of the craft is very important. Getting my theatre degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. At Dawson College, I had wonderful professors who prepared me for the work I do now." 4. If you could work with anyone you'd want, who would that person be and why? "Oh my! I have a few… I must admit. It's difficult to choose just one outstanding performer from so many. I love working with actors that feed other actors while performing. Unselfish actors. Actors I can learn from. Actors that are team players. Actors that are very much dedicated to their crafts. Johnny Depp, Tom Hiddleston, and Tom Hanks. As for actresses, Cate Blanchett, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep." 5. What does a normal day in your life look like? "It really depends on the day. I have a lot of auditions on some days. As a result, I spend the entire day working on them. On other days, I concentrate on my companies, Muze Consultancy and Hill Weiser Publishing. Muze Consultancy is an acting career consultancy that helps and guides performers. Some other days, I am writing my next book, working on my skincare line, or formulating products. I like waking up early. After I head to the gym, I start tackling things. I'm a bit of a neat freak. I enjoy writing everything in my agenda and making sure I have everything planned out for the next day. Friends and relatives have always been intrigued by how I formatted my agenda. I am excited to announce that my Agenda is now available to anyone. I made it for myself at first, but now I get to share it with everyone who wishes to be more productive and organized." 6. Where is your favorite place to be and why? "Overlooking a tranquil lake while reading and writing. Nature provides me with a sense of peace and serenity." 7. If you could, what would be the one piece of advice you would want to give to your younger self? "Perfectionism isn't going to help you. You must embrace the imperfect because it is perfect. I was constantly striving for perfection as a youngster, and I used to put a lot of pressure on myself. We may be the harshest critics of ourselves at times. As I grew older, I realized that there is beauty in everything and that it is important to understand and accept the things that are beyond our control. And this is one of the topics I’ve written about in my upcoming children's book “Wishing Upon A New Moon” which should come out next year." 8. What is one of the best pieces of advice that you've got? Who was the person that gave it to you? "It’s actually a quote by Jim Carrey that has been with me for a long time. It was the finest piece of advice I'd ever heard. 'You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.’ This is incredibly true on so many levels." 9. What is your biggest accomplishment so far? "Getting my green card and working as an actor in the United States. I've wanted to do this since I was nine years old when I first visited Los Angeles. During that time, I told myself that one day this would be one of my homes and that one day I would come to LA and work as an actor." 10. If you could book any role in the next years to come, what would that dream role be? "It would probably be to play a strong female lead in a musical or autobiographical film." 11. What is the best part about life on set? "I am a firm believer that we are here on this planet to thrive, create and help each other. This is exactly how I feel when I am on set. I am thriving, creating, and helping. And at times, meeting wonderful people inspires me." 12. You have just published a children’s book Odd Ed a story of acceptance and compassion to teach children to see past physical differences. What was the motivation to write this book? Can you tell us more about the story and the message? "As I am a very creative person and had time on my hands during the lockdown, I had a strong desire to create something. I wanted something short, sweet, and simple with a significant message. I felt as though I'd had an epiphany. Everything seemed to be in place. I wanted a powerful message in my children's book. Children should be taught courage, love, and self-acceptance, as well as not to criticize others because we all have distinct talents. As an actor, I began by imagining the character. I recall a vocal exercise taught to us by our brilliant theatrical professor W. Steven Lecky at the time while brainstorming. During our vocal exercises, we'd sing and recite, "Ed is an odd egg up on an eave." I thought it would be fun to write a narrative about him. Then I asked myself a question. Why is he so strange? So I decided to give him some spots on his shell. What makes him so odd? He prefers to do things differently. I began putting out a character sheet for him. The next stage was to write the story. Then it just came to me organically. I was in a really creative mood. It felt natural. Then I started writing. I knew I wanted it to rhyme, and rhyming isn't easy, but ideas started flowing in for some strange reason. My hope is that this book will be helpful to teachers and parents to share with their kids to help them realize that their differences are to be cherished rather than criticized." 13. In the end, is there anything you'd like to say to the people who support you? "A HUGE thank you! Without God and my loving parents, who constantly pushed and believed in me, I would not be where I am now. Thank you Dee Criss for the interview and for your support!"
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