Young Dynamite: Lauren Blackwell
You have such a lovable character, what do you do for fun? Your general hobbies.
I spend a lot of time alone, so I'm always into reading, dancing, sketching and writing; I am a huge blogger. I love finding new cafes and bakeries, that's my favourite part of Pretoria, the cupcake store in Lynnwood.
Are you still studying drama at Tuks?
Sadly no, deciding to partake in the My Top Billing Dream presenter search resulted in me missing two exams and putting myself in the bad books of a lot of lecturers, so when I asked if I should come back, they didn't want me. I miss Tuks insanely though.
By Onkemetse Seremo
Her bubbly personality, husky voice and energy made her an instant favourite on the My Top Billing Dream presenter search. She was a force in motion and we were quite sure that she would emerge as the winner. A few months later, Lauren B is ready to use the exposure and experience she gained from the show to further her career in showbiz. We recently compiled a few questions for our favourite girl.
Who is Lauren Blackwell? Where did you grow up? High school, any siblings, what do your parents do?
I actually grew up in Joburg and went to high school there. I was at St. Andrews school for girls for my entire school career. I have an older sister and younger brother so I am stricken with middle child syndrome haha. My dad owns a logistics company and my mum is a stay at home mom, though "stay" is not something stay at home moms seems to do, she's all over the place. As for whom I am, even for a nineteen year old, I have no clue :) I have changed too much in this past year and so much has happened that I haven't really had time to sit down and figure it out. :)
Describe yourself in one sentence.
This is always the hardest question to answer. Haha. Can't describe myself in one sentence but I know my famous last words will be "I didn't mean to!”
What is your biggest motivation in life?
My biggest motivation is to be a part of something eternal. And be genuinely happy. I do not want to wake up when I'm 45 and feel like I’ve been stuck for 20 years and have never touched anyone’s life or helped to make some part of this world a tiny bit better.
If you had a billion rands right now, what would you do with it?
Withdraw it all and have a giant money bath. Lol. I think what most people would do, give most or all of it to charity. I would definitely focus on any charities aimed at education.
When did you develop a passion for the arts?
I've always had an interest in the arts, but the passion only really developed in high school, when I seriously considered a career in acting and thanks to my art teacher; she blew my mind.
Theatre or television?
Film, hopefully.
Brad Pitt or George Clooney?
Angelina Jolie ;)
Congratulations on making it to the top 5 of the My Top Billing presenter search, you were amazing. What did you learn on your time there?
That a reality show is the furthest thing from reality, the producer should never be involved in judging until the final round and that you can't trust anyone. I was very naive at first, but by the end of it I realized who actually had my back and we're still close now.
You are widely known as the girl that interviewed Justin Bieber in Australia. How was the experience?
I honestly feel like it didn't happen, it was so surreal. But it also made me realize just how much pressure those presenters are under. Meeting the Biebes though will hopefully not be my only claim to fame.
What defines a celebrity? Do you consider yourself as one?
I think celebs are defined by their fans and what they think or make of you...I don't really consider myself I celebrity though...I feel it would be arrogant of me to do so.
The entertainment industry is the place to be right now. Where do you position yourself in such a highly competitive market?
I'm hoping this top billing search has given me a bit of a boost, but even if it has, it's temporary. Otherwise I have no idea...hopefully not to far down the food chain.
Acting has been reduced to a mediocre activity were people are just doing it for the fame. How do you feel about that as an emerging actress?
It's rather disappointing. I mean you have a lot of people who will do anything for their 15 minutes of fame and then real talent is sort of over looked. Saying that though, it can also show directors and produces who's passionate and talented and whose passions about being known. It can go either way.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Cannes film festival with SA's finest.
What more can your fans expect from you?
Hopefully in some adverts for now. Also, a twitter fan contacted me and we want to try and put together a charity concert somewhere if Bieber does come to SA. He's a very humble guy and loves giving back, so I'm really hoping he'll consider something in the townships or children's hospital.
