Despite her innate understanding of the good reels, Cassidy
feels that writers and directors in the industry need to step it
up a bit as there has been a change in demand of what people
want to watch. “Filmmakers today are making raunchy comedies and adventure films like the Avengers, which are great, but
we are missing out on a good drama or a really good romantic
comedy.” In search of a light screenplay that’s “well done,”
Cassidy has found some elements of solace in works like The
Family Stone, a witty flick starring Diane Keaton and Sarah
Jessica Parker. “He does a really nice job of demonstrating the
love, but there’s fighting and craziness,” she says of director
Thomas Bezucha, who she worked with two years ago on
Monte Carlo. “He does an overall zoom-in on the dysfunction
that everyone can relate to.” It’s no wonder Cassidy appreciates
the “diversity and different dimensions” of the story’s family
from a small New England town, for she has an unconventional relationship with her father that works quite well.
Back when Cassidy left home for Hollywood, her father,
David, advised,
Do not work for money. Do not work for fame. Work for the
work. And if you get a great role and they offer you nothing,
take it. She didn’t follow it then, but certainly considers it now.
In agreement, Cassidy states, “At this point, everything he said
does apply. If you love the character, money shouldn’t be an
issue.” Their bond is far from “judgmental,” as the actress sees
benefit in her dad’s role as a friend, rather than a parent.
On set, Cassidy is also known to be quite the mother figure,
offering wisdom to colleagues like North York native Stephen
Amell, who plays the double role of Oliver Queen and Green
Arrow, and Laurel Lance’s love interest. “There are times in
everyone’s career and life where you have to appreciate what
you have,” she says in earnest. “I try to stay as grounded as possible, because you can too get high on this roller coaster, that
eventually, it can go in the other direction.” Cassidy follows a
philosophy of “remaining in the middle,” practicing gratitude and hoping for the best – especially when tackling new
pursuits. Perhaps that’s why she’s excited and humble with her
latest endeavour.
In contrast to Cassidy’s girly gowns on the red carpet, her side
venture in fashion proves to be the opposite. She says the red
carpet “is a side of me that’s a lot more glamorous. But in my
everyday life, I feel like I dress like a boy,” often pairing stilettos
with menswear, from blazers to boy shorts. A self-proclaimed
tomboy, the radiant femme “wasn’t having cupcake parties”
as a child. She was playing with reptiles and video games like
Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart – “back when Nintendo was
big.” Now, she’s merging her childhood identity and a sartorial
sense on her blog, Tomboy by KC. It’s a virtual community
where people can share their ideas, careers and personal style.
Cassidy strolls Vancouver streets, camera in hand a la Scott
Schuman, to write stories and interviews on the city’s finest
mavericks di moda. The best part? The blog is also a store,
where you can purchase what you see.
The modus operandi of Tomboy by KC, “it’s not just a look,
it’s a lifestyle,” rings true in Cassidy’s daily routine, which is
why breaking habits at 17 has been a winning decision.
KC’s hot spots from YVR > LAX
Favourite place to grab a coffee
Vancouver - West Oak
Los Angeles - Kings Road Cafe
Favourite boutique
Vancouver - Gravitypope
Los Angeles - Fred Segal
Favourite Outdoor area/park
Vancouver - Hike Grouse Grind
Los Angeles - Fryman Canyon
Favourite Restaurant
Vancouver - Miku
Los Angeles - Sugarfish
Favourite Activity on My Day Off
Vancouver - Sketch/write/work on my blog: TombobyKC.com
Los Angeles - Girl Time!
Special thanks to
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King Street East, Toronto, Canada
www.omnihotels.com