Kristin Carey in Hall Pass
Most of us know Kristin Carey as a busy Hollywood actor, in fact, she’s costarring in the Farrelly brothers comedy, Hall Pass, with Owen Wilson in theaters right now. But her passion and career go well beyond the silver screen. After a car accident in 2002, Kristin was told she would need back surgery and began practicing Pilates as an alternative instead. Now an owner and instructor of her own New York style Pilates studio, Kristin has not only rehabilitated her injuries, she’s helped others overcome theirs. Kristin revealed how she has strengthened both her acting and body, and what to do if you ever spend time with Owen Wilson.
Terry: You’ve always wanted to be an actress. How rewarding has it been to make that dream come true?
Kristin: It’s something that I have wanted since I could speak. Like anything, there have been a lot of ups and downs along the way, but I would always move forward. If I wasn’t working in television, I would go do a play, write, or produce my own material and do whatever it took to keep my acting muscle working.
Terry: Now that you’re there is it everything you had hoped for, and is it something you always want to do?
Kristin: Yes. My acting career is more about longevity. I have been in the business 20 years now and want to always work in this industry. I see people like Betty White and want to be doing the same thing when I’m that age.
Terry: You do both movies and live theatre. From an acting standpoint which is more challenging?
Kristin: In my career, I have hit all the mediums from commercials, to theatre, to TV and film. I’ve got to say, some of the most challenging work has been in theatre, because it’s immediate. You can tell right away if you’re bombing, or if the audience is with you. A lot of actors who come from the theatre tend to go back because it is such a challenge and really fulfilling. That said, being in front of the camera offers a lot of different challenges.
Kristin Car
Terry: In your most recent film, Hall Pass, you work with Owen Wilson. What’s he like?
Kristin: He’s amazing! Many other actors I have worked with have been a little nervous to compliment other actors, but Owen was so supportive. He is also really kind to his fans. Every time we went out, people just loved him and he was always very kind and gracious to his fans. He is a very humble man, great at what he does and so funny; he makes it look effortless.
Terry: Is he as funny off camera as he is on?
Kristin: Yea, he’s really quiet though, so you have to really listen. He has that suttle, under the breath humor and if you’re not paying attention you can miss it.
Terry: After your accident in 2002 you were told surgery was your only option. What led you to try Pilates as an alternative?
Kristin: One of my relatives had gone through several back surgeries. What stuck with me was “if they do surgery you will never be back to the way you were before”. When they get in there and fuse things together, you lose a lot of body and spine flexibility that you had before – and that scared me. I started researching and did some physical therapy and water therapy, which was amazing. Then I was introduced to Pilates, and now I’m doing stuff I thought I never would again. You would never know if you met me and saw me workout that I had any problems.
Terry: Do you feel like you’re in better shape now than before your accident?
Kristin: Oh yeah! It really was a wake-up call for me about strength, flexibility and different ways to get in shape. I love the gym, lifting weights and the elliptical, but there is another element to a workout. It’s about the stretching, flexibility and lengthening of the muscles. I found Pilates to be very gentle in the beginning and then I was able to advance myself to become an instructor. And now I’m able to help people who are in the same situation I was in. It really has been rewarding to take everything off of me and put my energy into other people.
Terry: Are you on any type of special diet?
Kristin: I was working my butt off in the gym and was having a lot of trouble dropping weight. I went to a doctor and found that I have a thyroid problem, which many women suffer from. I then had the MD test my allergies. By doing this, I discovered what foods work best with my body and what foods that don’t. I’ve got to say, once you figure that out … your body runs like a machine. I also try to have everything in moderation to have a well-balanced diet.
Terry: In Hollywood, do you feel there is a lot of pressure to stay in top shape?
Kristin: Yeah there definitely is pressure, but I try not to let it get to me. I don’t have a certain weight or size to be. My goal is to be strong. I want to be able to drop down and do 25 pushups without thinking about it. That to me is important, the stronger I am the leaner I am.
Terry: What has been more rewarding for you, acting or teaching Pilates? Why?
Kristin: That’s tough because I became a better actress once I became a teacher. It’s strange, but through teaching, it’s almost like I have become a more compassionate human being. People are putting their bodies in your hands and it’s a big responsibility to train someone. I am incredibly grateful to have both in my life, but acting has always been my love. If I had to go in a one and two order it would be like acting one and teaching Pilates one A.
