Tai Freligh interviews Clare Kramer…
Clare Kramer is an award-winning actress, entertainment correspondent and pop culture authority, whose career has taken her from the role of vengeful goddess Glory on Buffy the Vampire Slayer to launching her own pop-culture website, GeekNation.com. In the coming year, she can be seen starring in the Lifetime movie The Wrong House and Zer0-Tolerance, due in fall 2017. We asked her about Buffy, Comic-Con and Joyrider, the new movie she’s directing.
For those not in the know, who is Glory and what did you bring to the character?
Glory was a goddess from a hell dimension, who was banished to live on Earth trapped in the body of a human named Ben. It was my first television role, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one! Glory was fun, and determined, and so big and bold but also strong and completely self-confident. I had a blast — and an amazing wardrobe!
What has your experience been with the Buffy fandom and do you still get people recognizing you?
The Buffy fandom has been a gift. To this day, I still feel lucky to be welcomed by such amazing fans, and so thankful that they’ve come along for the ride throughout my career. I do get recognized, which is fun and I think a sign of what a strong show it was — people are still finding it and getting drawn into the fandom.
Why do you think Buffy has had such a lasting impact on popular culture?
What was so great about Joss’s approach to the show was, it wasn’t about a girl slaying vampires. It was about a teenager dealing with the ups and downs of high school and being a teenage girl fighting for a place in this world … she just happened to be fighting monsters and demons, in cute outfits.
What impact has your role as Glory on Buffy had on your career?
Buffy has opened doors, naturally. Glory will always be a huge part of my career, and I’m thankful for that.
Joss Whedon will not be at SDCC this year. Is there a message you’d like to pass on to him?
We’ll miss you! Can’t wait for Batgirl!
Tell me about “Joyrider”.
Joyrider tells the story of Andre Kajlich, an amazing, inspirational man who overcame losing both his legs to become a world-class wheelchair athlete. He recently became the first hand cyclist to qualify, compete in and complete the Race Across America, and our team followed him and documented the experience.
What got you interested in directing?
Directing, like acting, is about telling a story. It’s about crafting the narrative and taking the audience along for the journey. As an actor, I’ve always been able to impart my thumbprint on part of a project, but as a director that thumbprint broadens, and can influence the entire project.
How was the experience for you?
Joyrider was amazing. We spent two weeks driving cross-country, watching this man (André) not just meet his goal but crush it. André tackles every challenge with positivity and he’s such a testament to not letting people or doctors tell you what you can’t do.
You’ve acted in television and movies, been a producer, directer, stage performer. What has been your favourite?
Impossible to choose. The entire creative process intrigues and inspires me. Also, I do feel my best creative work is yet to come.
Speed Round:
How do you survive the zombie apocalypse?
High walls.
The actor or actress you would like to work with most on a project?
Whoever could get me on Silicon Valley.
Beer or wine?
Anyone who doesn’t know my answer to this needs to follow me on Instagram @clarekramerofficial. (Ed note: for the record – wine)
If you could completely jump ship and go in a totally different career direction, what would you do?
Doctor. ER Doctor like my cousin. Possibly influenced by my deep love of the show as well.
Who wins in a cage match between a vampire and a zombie?
Vampire! He’d be able to use logic, unlike the zombie — unless it’s an iZombie zombie?
We thank Clare Kramer for taking the time to chat with us here at Flickering Myth. She can be found on social media at the handles below:
Twitter: @ClareKramer
Instagram: @ClareKramerOfficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareKramerFanPage/
There will be a Buffy the Vampire Slayer 20th Anniversary Fandom Party at San Diego Comic-Con 2017 on Saturday, July 22 from 6PM-9PM at the Side Bar Nightclub (536 Market St).
Tai Freligh is a Los Angeles-based writer and can be found on Twitter.
Originally published July 19, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
