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1.) We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed actress Dawn Marie; holiday greetings and salutations, Dawn, and thanks for carving out time from a busy schedule to talk about all things acting-related here at Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A celluloid-lined rabbit hole, how are the final weeks of ‘25 finding you and yours?
Hi, Happy Holidays to you! Thank you for having me. I’ve carved out these last few weeks to prepare for 2026! I’m excited to be with family and really make sure my priorities align with my purpose.
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your bravura turn in the freshly minted new major motion picture Long Shadows! Starting at the top, can you explain for anyone late to the party what Long Shadows is about and how your character of ‘Rebecca Dollar’ figures into the proceedings?
Long Shadows follows a young man who has aged out of an orphanage and goes on a mission to right the wrongs that occurred in his past. In the film, Rebecca Dollar is the mother of this young man, and her death is his trigger for revenge. But the wisdom she imparts to him and her words, “Good and evil walk hand in hand. In the end, goodness must lead the way,” become a guiding light for him on his journey.
3.) Did you know as soon as the screenplay for Long Shadows from Shelley Reid (from **his** original story), director William Shockley, and Grainger Hines crossed your professional desk that this was a production you wanted to be a part of?
Absolutely, the writing was delectable, and the story was something that I could put my two feet firmly behind. I’ve dreamed of doing a period piece for a long time, and I really love the genre.
4.) Speaking of the director of Long Shadows – the unbelievably talented William Shockley – what was it like collaborating with him on this production? Is William what some actors might refer to as ‘an actor’s director’?
He’s definitely an actor’s director. My experience throughout the whole process was truly magical. We were all treated like gold. And he really trusted the actors to bring everything the story needed to life.
5.) You worked with such an amazing cast in Long Shadows, including the star-studded likes of Blaine Maye, Sarah Cortez, Dominic Monaghan, Jacqueline Bisset, and Dermot Mulroney! What was it like exercising your own considerable acting chops alongside this ensemble?
Ah! I was quite intimidated!! But also joyous in getting to create and work alongside such incredible talent.
6.) Long Shadows very much owes a tip of the old Irish hat to the formidable Western film genre. What is it about Westerns that holds such an enduring appeal among filmgoers, in your humble opinion?
There’s nothing quite like the western landscape, and that period of time in history where it was “kill or be killed”. My husband is from Sweden, and these movies are what made him want to move here. There’s just something so badass about American history and the brave people who ventured to travel towards the great unknown in the Wild West.
7.) Dermot Mulroney is a favorite of ours here at Vents, and he’s got some solid Western cred in the form of Young Guns and (our personal fave) Silent Tongue. Did Dermot offer you any words of wisdom about the genre?
I didn’t get to meet him yet, unfortunately! We shot our scenes all on different days, so we were never on set at the same time. I would have loved that though!
8.) You were mentored by one of the finest actors to ever come down the pike, the nigh legendary and iconic James Caan. What did Mr. Caan impart to you about acting that you carry with yourself to this day?
Learning from Jimmy (as we call him) really just lit a fire deep in my belly. He was definitely unconventional as a teacher and challenged me and what I believed to the core. One thing he said that always repeats in my mind is “fuck the dialogue, it’s all about behavior.” I carry that with me always.
9.) Can you give our ever-inquisitive readers a hint or three as to what you have coming up in the near future? Is 2026 looking to shape up as a busy year?
2026 is my year to create! I graduated from a film program in 2025 and produced 4 short films, and acted in some of them as well. I’d like to continue that into bigger projects, with roles that I love.
10.) Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the making of movies – Living in Oblivion, The Player, Swimming with Sharks, The Big Picture, Ed Wood, Hollywood Shuffle, or Boogie Nights?
Not one of the options listed, but hands down, Bowfinger. So many good childhood memories with my sisters were inspired by that movie. Haha!
Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/dawnmarietrue/
