Alanna Ubach has appeared in dozens of TV shows and movies, such as Waiting, House M.D., Hung, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and man more. Recently, she played the role of Jenny in A Haunted House and we had a chance to ask her about her experience working on the movie and her love of horror films:
Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. For those that haven't seen A Haunted House, can you tell us about your character in the film?
Alanna Ubach: My character, Jenny, is a horny, married swinger who's always looking for an excuse to invite Marlon and his girlfriend over for their annual Mandingo parties.
You've appeared in a variety of TV shows and feature films. What in particular interested you in taking on a role in this horror-comedy film?
Alanna Ubach: The Marlon Wayans crew has always intrigued me. They bring me back to the time when I was a kid, sitting on the couch eating Jiffy pop and watching movies like "Airplane" and "Top Secret, and shows like "The Young Ones"-- I'd think, 'No way do these guys get to act like idiots and get paid for it! That has my name written all over it!'
Can you tell us about your experience working with Marlon Wayans and the other actors on the set?
Alanna Ubach: Marlon is a walking pop culture encyclopedia. His mind goes a mile a minute. Essence is one of the most down-to-earth children I've ever worked with. You couldn't get a cooler crew and cast!
Do you have any funny/interesting behind-the-scenes stories to share?
Alanna Ubach: Marlon is an improvising machine. I've never been a Groundlings student or a member of Second City royalty or anything, but I did get my comedy feathers dry-cleaned the night before. No one told me it would be 45 degrees outside the day we shot the pool scene. I think most of it was cut because we all looked like we were freezing our bloody tits off!
With A Haunted House being a parody of some of the most popular horror movies to come out recently, we wanted to learn about your interest in horror films. Are you someone that likes to regularly watch horror movies?
Alanna Ubach: When I enrolled at USC, I wanted to be a horror film director - to be Rob Zombie with ovaries. Life happened and, well, here I am playing character stuff. "Jaws" is my all time favorite film - but I can also appreciate the high art in "I Spit On Your Grave," "Jennifer's Body," "The Eyes of Laura Mars" and "The Children" My mom and sis had a wicked love for horror flicks. So I became a fan!
What are some of your favorite horror movies or the ones that really terrify you?
Alanna Ubach: Halloween I - the opening scene when Michael stabs his sister in the shower; "When A Stranger Calls" (the original) - "We've traced the call! It's coming from inside the house!" The original "Carrie" - when Amy Irving places her hand on Carrie's grave and the HAND POPS UP AND GRABS HER! Throw the incredible scores in each of those scenes, and I'm not eating for a week -- nor sleeping for two!
After appearing in A Haunted House, would you be interested in taking on a role in a serious horror film?
Alanna Ubach: I would do anything to play the monster in the closet. Kevin Spacey became my hero after "Seven"!
Having appeared in many TV shows and movies over the years, what are some of your favorite roles? I noticed you were listed as having appeared in Virtuosity. Do you have any interesting stories from your time on set?
Alanna Ubach: My favorite roles have been Naomi in "Waiting" (McKitrick and Balis took a chance on me and I was honored), "Roxy" opposite Danny DeVito in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," and the Widow I play in "Californication." My role begins airing next Sunday, January 27th! I also dug my "Hung" character. I got to dry hump Thomas Jane. How many women can say that?!
What advice would you give to an aspiring actor/actress who would like to have a long standing and varied acting career?
Alanna Ubach: Advice for actors who want a longstanding career - DO EVERYTHING! Don't be picky! Don't be a snob! Work you ass off to be as brilliant as you can be! Otherwise, quit now! I have no patience for lazy actors. They can never be trusted. Don't obsess about becoming a star. I've seen too many unknowns waste their time appearing at openings of envelopes. They end up doing reality shows and bad comedy clubs and we never hear from them again. All because they were obsessed with the idea of fame and fortune. Get in a class, write, do anything! Just enjoy being as great as you can possibly be!
Aside from A Haunted House, what upcoming projects can our readers keep an eye out for you on? We understand you'll be appearing on Californication this year. What can you tell us about your character?
Alanna Ubach: "Widow" is my character in "Californication." I'm the widow of a dead rock star. She's a hot mess and one of my favorite parts I've ever played.
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