Arrow is filmed in Vancouver – often penned ‘
Hollywood North,’ yet Cassidy was only 17 when
she left home for the real thing. She didn t know
’
how to balance a checkbook, but she knew how to
allocate funds for her future. I would put it
“
towards acting classes or private coaching or
whatever I could do to be the best I could
possibly be, ” the actress says of moving to
”
Los Angeles. It didn t happen right away.
“
’
”
Although her start was modest, Cassidy took independence in stride and
now seeks roles that mirror her own values. She believes that it’s a “time for
women,” and is drawn to characters “with substance,” that are driven and
successful. Cassidy calls Laurel the “heart of the show,” and fit the bill of her
ideal role. “She has very strong morals and values, an enormous amount
of integrity. She’s tough, but she can also be sensitive and vulnerable.”
Cassidy’s grandmother, who primarily raised her, can be credited for instilling traditional, chivalrous values straight from the Midwest.
Growing up in an artistic family (yes, she’s the spawn of Keith Partridge),
Cassidy was also raised by her biological mother and stepfather. Yet, she
wasn’t your typical kid. At eight years old, the actress recalls “figuring out
what I wanted and how to make it happen” – unguided by elders. “My
parents never went over the basics of how to be on your own at that young
of an age, so it was kind of trial and error,” she says. “Now I can appreciate
it, because I would have taken it for granted if it were a different way. At
the time, I wasn’t so happy.”
Today, Cassidy faces other challenges in her career. Luckily, they’re of the
creative kind. The actress channeled a different energy in her latest film,
The Scribbler. It’s a psychological thriller directed by John Suits with a
cast that includes Michelle Trachtenberg, Eliza Dushku and Sasha Grey.
Cassidy explored a “totally different world” to develop the role of Suki, a
woman with multiple personality disorder. By shadowing a psychologist
facilitating a woman with the disorder, Cassidy was able to create the seven
sides of Suki, each with a different history, name and personality.
“I didn’t think it was actually going to happen,” Cassidy says of the opportunity to observe. “Things trigger them, then they’re stressed and one
of their alternate personalities will take over. It’s kind of like being in a
blackout.” She also says that the change in personality was very “fluid and
organic” rather than drastic. “Teresa came out while I was sitting there, but
the woman’s name was Terri. Teresa was narrating her life, this sweet, lovely
woman.” Although the change in character wasn’t overly dramatic, Cassidy
processed her experience to work extensively with her acting coach, the
psychologist, and Suits, who was helpful and always on the “same page.”
Her homework involved studying literature and watching documentaries
on multiple personality disorder. Even though Cassidy is versed in playing
characters that are “in your face, bold or strong,” this remains a first. “It
was a lot of work but definitely worth it. You should look at the pictures.
They’re that crazy.”
Versatility is one of Cassidy’s many strengths. Place a photo of the actress
in a pink lace frock by Zuhair Murad beside another of Suki; pale, drawn,
with piercings, and you won’t be able to tell them apart. But transformation takes more than accessories and makeup. “I could see clearly and I
knew exactly who she was. I could hea "