Interview with Clare Kramer from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
You can't talk fandoms and not mention one of the most popular, influential, and inspiring shows of all time....Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Not only did this show break down barriers, it offered many quotes about mental illness. Many compare what Buffy experienced on the show to what it feels like to suffer from anxiety and depression. That's one of the many reasons why this show is near and dear to fans.
We spent some time with Clare Kramer, who starred as Glory, one of the most memorable villains in the Buffyverse to talk about the Fandemic Tour, people she "geeks out" to, mental illness, and what is next in her future!
NON: The Fandemic Tour is upon us! We are so excited about this new convention experience...how did you become a part of it?
Clare: Well, a good friend of mine, John Macaluso, approached me about this idea about a new type of convention experience. Something different than the types of conventions that are out there now! And as he talked about his plans, I got more and more excited about it! So, I knew I had to be a part of it. He asked me if I wanted to be a part of it and I said yes!
NON: We interviewed John a while back also, and we learned he is a huge fan of TV. Are you a fan of TV, too? And what are some shows that are you into right now?
Clare: Oh my gosh, the question is what am TV show am I NOT into right now(laughs)? I love The Walking Dead, The Blacklist, Fear the Walking Dead, Game of Thrones....there are so many on my list. I have so many shows that I watch on Netflix, it's crazy!
NON: We are a fan of conventions. Yourself, you have been a guest at many conventions. Do you ever find yourself "geeking out" at your favorite actors/actresses at these shows?
Clare: Oh my gosh, yes. The funny thing is these conventions are like reunions to me. I see friends like Jeffrey Dean Morgan from the The Walking Dead. It's always so great to catch up with him. I "geek out" because he is such a great actor, too.
NON: You have a lot of friends in the business, is there one person who you have not met that would would leave you starstruck and love to meet?
Clare: I would love to just sit in a room with George R.R. Martin and JK Rowling and ask them questions. The stories and creativity that have come out of those two people is unbelievable. The worlds that these two authors have made is incredible. I am a huge fan of both. I would have so many questions...
NON: Ok, so you are obviously a Harry Potter fan. Settle it now, which house do you belong in?
Clare: I am a Hufflepuff....for sure. We are friendly, devoted...we are the best house!
(Dan cheers.)
Non: You know, we have to talk about Buffy. You starred as Glory...she said this one quote that really relates to mental illness:
"Funny. ‘Cause I look around at this world you’re so eager to be a part of, and all I see is six billion lunatics looking for the fastest ride out. Who’s not crazy? Look around. Everyone’s drinking, smoking, shooting up, shooting each other, or just plain screwing their brains out ‘cause they don’t want ‘em anymore. I’m crazy? Honey, I’m the original one-eyed chicklet in the kingdom of the blind. ‘Cause at least I admit the world makes me nuts."
We feel this need to feel a part of this world and sometimes we struggle with it. It triggers our anxiety or depression and we think something is wrong with us...that we cannot fit in. We see what the world is like sometimes, and it scares us to the point that we can't function and the world makes us feel "crazy."
Can you talk a bit about this quote?
Clare: The world can be a scary place. Different things can cause us stress or anxiety. Look what is happening in the world right now? We need things to help us cope with what we see...it can be TV, entertainment, film...anything. How do we deal with that stress? You don't have to be diagnosed to feel this stress and anxiety. That's why I love entertainment...it's a great way to release that stress. These conventions are a great way to meet others and enjoy things together.
NON: Just for fun, since you said you belong in House Hufflepuff, what house would Glory belong in?
Clare: She wouldn't be in any house. She would have a house to herself(laughs.)
NON: Let's talk villains. Do you have a favorite villain?
Clare: Can I vote for myself(laughs)? Honestly Negan from The Walking Dead. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays him perfectly. Negan strikes so much fear in the show. You can just see it pouring out of him. It's funny because, in real life, he is the nicest guy. Speaking of The Walking Dead. Fandemic is a must for Walking Dead fans, imagine the photo ops you will have with all the stars...Jeffrey, Chandler Riggs, Steven Yuen, Norman Reedus. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity! It's one of the reasons why Fandemic is different...the special interactions with all of the guests!
NON: It is! We are crazy excited and we will see you there!
Fandemic Tour is this weekend in Sacramento! What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!