Cassi Thomson is an actress/singer/songwriter. Born in Queensland, Australia, and now living in Los Angeles, Cassi has booked guest star roles on top shows such as CSI, House, and ER. She has also played lead rolls in movies for television. Cassi appeared at the end of season three on the critically acclaimed HBO original series Big Love. Beginning in season four, she joined the cast as a series regular.
TheCelebrityCafe: You first appeared on Big Love at the end of season three, and became a regular by season four. How has your character changed throughout the seasons?
Cassi Tomson: Well, [Cara Lynn Walker] came on as the cliffhanger [at the end of] season three as Nicki’s long lost daughter. And in season four she was new to the family, didn’t really have a whole lot going on, and was just in a period where she was getting used to living in this modern world. In season five, she’s kind of coming into herself. She’s becoming much bigger part of the family and has a much bigger story line. So she’s got a lot of stuff going on in season five.
TCC: What’s it like to star in a show about polygamy? How did you prepare for your role as Cara Lynn Walker?
CT: I definitely did a lot of research on it because it was something that I really knew nothing about and something I think the world didn’t really know anything about. So I read a couple different books and articles on women growing up in polygamy and how they hold their hands and how they talk, just little things that make a difference.
TCC: How do you feel about having this be the final season of Big Love? Have you gotten close to the cast?
CT: It’s kind of bittersweet. I would have loved to have a couple more seasons because I came on at the very end of season three. So I haven’t done five seasons. I’ve done two. I got very close to some of my cast mates, but it’s real easy to keep in touch. I’m sad about it ending, but I think it will be for the best.
TCC: I understand that you have been pursing music as well as acting. You currently have six songs for sale on iTunes, and have released a couple music videos. When did you get started with singing-songwriting?
CT: It has kind of been put on the back burner because the acting has been going so well. Acting is my main focus, so when I’m working as an actress it’s very hard to work in the studio too.
TCC: I have to ask. What is like working with Taylor Lautner? He was in your 2008 music video, “Caught Up In You.”
CT: Well we’ve been friends for a very, very long time. I met Taylor when I was twelve, or eleven years old. And we’ve become very close over the past few years and I asked him to be in my video. So we just had a lot of fun.
TCC: How is filming a music video similar to filming a television show?
CT: You are still performing, either way. So as a singer you definitely have to put on a performance and make the audience feel. It’s the same thing with acting.
TCC: You have appeared on numerous television episodes, such as CSI, House, and ER. Would you say that you gravitate toward dramas?
CT: Well so far I’ve gravitated towards drama. I mean I’m on Big Love and [I’m on] very, very dramatic storylines. You know I love to do everything. There’s a big range of what I can do.
TCC: Can you tell me a little bit about what you’re currently working on?
CT: Well I just finished Big Love a couple months ago and I have a Hallmark movie [called Rock The House] coming out in June. And right now I’m auditioning and looking for my next project.
TCC: Is there anything you want to say to Big Love fans?
CT: It’s going to be a really great season. I think the fans are going to be really happy with it!