Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to speak with Canadian Actress, Gabrielle Miller about Corner Gas and so much more.
As the series finale of Corner Gas aired on April 13, 2009 after 6 Seasons, I definitely wanted to take it back to the very beginning with Gabrielle…starting with the very first episode.
Photo Credit: Erich Saide
Do you remember shooting the first episode of Corner Gas?
I do, yes. What I remember the most is flying in and having our first read through. It was the first time the cast came together and met each other. It was the first time I heard the script out loud. It really came alive for me. There was a certain voice that everybody had right off the bat, which I thought was really cool.
What has been your favorite episode or storyline this season?
I really enjoyed all of them. There are certain things that stick out in my memory. I remember the Christmas episode, I loved the hockey episode, and all of the episodes the characters got to get outside of Corner Gas and do something different was fun.
How would you say that you changed from when Corner Gas first began to now?
It’s been six years so I have naturally grown up a bit. I do think that I am calmer.
Okay. So what has been your most challenging film to work on?
I think that everything I have done has been challenging in its own way. If you are working on something that has a small budget, you really want to make sure you get everything done that you need to get done. It can also be challenging because the role itself can take a lot out of you. Comedy and drama are both challenging but for different reasons. No job in particular stands out.
What role have you had that has been the least like you?
Lacey (Corner Gas) or Bobbi (Robson Arms). Yeah, Bobbi I would say is least like me. You know what, that is a tough one. I am not sure.
What’s next? Do you have anything in the works since Corner Gas has ended? Any films or TV shows you are attached to?
No, not yet. I just want to spend time with my family and take some time to do things that I haven’t been able to do since I have been so busy. I want to be very thoughtful about what I want to do next. I really enjoyed the experience of working on the show for so long with that character but I am really ready for a change. I want to find something that will be a change and challenging.
What actors would you like to work with in the future?
I don’t know. I think Cate Blanchett is amazing but I definitely want to find a script and director that is amazing. I really want to work with actors that I can connect with too.
Tell me about the organizations that you support.
I am the spokesperson for Vela Microboard. I have been involved with them for many, many years. My sister, Shanti was the first person in British Columbia to have a microboard. She has cerebral palsy. This is a non profit organization that helps people living with disabilities. They are they to support a small group of people in assuring that the person who has the microboard is able to realize their dream and plan the way that they want their life to be. It has been a major part of our lives and has been an amazing organization for my family.
What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
I love being home here in Canada. The landscape is incredible. We are near a lake. I love being in nature. I love having my extended family over for dinner, that is great.
Speaking of food, you are vegetarian, but what are your favorite things to eat?
I really love pizza. I love Indian food. When we were growing up, my mom made Indian food a lot so I really enjoy that. I just got a 20 minute vegetarian cookbook and everything from there is delicious.
What would you say to someone who wants to become a vegetarian?
Really do your research on the different supplements and how to balance food properly because you have to be careful making sure you get the things that you need. You have to make sure you get everything your body needs. I have been a vegetarian my whole life. I really like it but I do not push it on anybody.
What is your favorite way to stay fit and healthy?
I love pilates. I have been boxing on and off for quite a few years. Last summer I started doing kettle belts. I have inserted a sauna in my other home that I love sitting in and relaxing in.
As far as fashion goes, do you like high end designers or are you a simple person?
I really do love fine clothing. Designer clothes are amazing. I love fashion but in my day to day life, I am a pretty simple person.
What accessory can you not live without?
I am not a huge accessory girl honestly. Of course my wedding ring is my favorite. I also like delicate jewelry, a simple chain, and earrings.
Where is your favorite place to shop anywhere in the world?
I love shopping in Vancouver. We have some amazing shops here. I also love Paris, France. It is so beautiful. I definitely want to go back, it was incredible.
Are there any other places you would like to travel?
There are so many places, especially in Europe that I want to explore. I think Ireland is incredibly beautiful. I have never been to Scotland, and I definitely want to go there. I also want to spend more time in Africa.
I read that you are into gardening.
Now we have an organic vegetable garden. This year will be the first year I try to do something with that since we just got this house in October so that will be interesting. City life in Vancouver is very urban so I don’t have that there but I love it.
What are some of your favorite childhood memories?
My mother used to pack up all of the kids and we would go to the family park, walk around the trails, and go to the beach. That was amazing. I started acting classes when I was 8 years old and that was huge for me. That was when I caught the acting bug. I also love reading. My father writes a lot of poetry and he used to read us children stories at night or make them up.
Finally, what are you watching on TV?
We are watching The Wire, Brotherhood, Big Love, and Brothers & Sisters.