Evelyn Renée O'Connor (born February 15, 1971) is an American actress, producer, and director known for the role of Gabrielle on the television series Xena: Warrior Princess.
And I think because there is an essence of me that cares about other people and what other people think then that then makes me seem very sweet and polite.
But on the other hand, I think as an actor, you tend to want to look at the darker parts of your psyche.
I think you have to have different tools for each job - you know producer is very different from a director and very different from an actor.
Filmmaking in general is just really where I'm putting all of my energy.
I find that actors who are wanting to pursue tv or films don't seem to have much interest in classical theatre.
We are always just trying to be strong and yet in touch with our bodies and the only way you can really do that is to believe in yourself because that’s all that you have.
I love actors who are wonderful - like John Cusack and Russell Crowe, and wouldn't it be a treat to eventually direct them one day.
I believe I have a lot to learn in life, still.
I fell in love with Africa while I was there.
When you think about going back to the States you start to become more aware of the violence there and how we pollute the Earth more than the New Zealanders.
But it just comes down to trying to get the work out there and however the team fits together then that's the way it sort of plays into itself.
I think the joy of wanting to direct is having that nervous anxiety knowing your film is about to be shown and you're sitting right there with everyone.
I hope that my work makes a difference because I think that's why I do it.
And not to mean that I think I'm some special person, but I think we're all here for a very specific reason and once you figure out what that is then you're on the right track and we're all on the ride together.
I think I'll always be a theater gypsy at heart.
Like when you go to a magic show and you know how they do the illusions. That's how I am when I watch any movies where they have people flying through the air.
It's very hard to become an actor in film and television, you have to have such perseverance and you have to really believe that if you have any sort of talent at all, you will find work one day.
I always thought I would be a marine biologist because I love the sea - but considering the fact that I've always loved acting and the theater, I don't think I ever gave anything else much of a chance.
And I think right now I'm just enjoying finding something such as One Weekend a Month where I can really resonate with this woman's history and her situation.
I believe over the last six years now, I've been learning in between actual acting moments on the show.