sara paxton

photography and article by David C Lee
makeup by Samuel Paul
hair by Yvonne and Atouzo Neihule

She is blond, beautiful and has a unique presence to her persona. The 5'7 actress is best known for her role in Aquamarine or the spoiled sorority girl in Sydney White. In her latest film, the Last House on the Left, she adventures into a serious dramatic role where she is hunted, shot and gives the performance of her life.

You’ve been acting for a while. How did you get into acting?

Its hard for me to remember sometimes because I started acting when I was 6 years old! My aunt owns a childrens clothing store in La called Ragg Tattoo, when I was a little kid, my cousins and I use to do some modeling for the store, just for fun and we'd do runway shows.

I’m pretty sure someone recommended acting classes to us after seeing a show, and I had always loved movies and television and it seemed like something fun to do so I asked my mom if I could take a class. I had to beg her but she let me take the classes. One thing led to another and now here I am!

What is your inspiration?

I don't know if I have just one thing that inspires me. Obviously my love and passion for what I do inspires me everyday. Whenever I see a really good film, with great actors that inspires me because I want to be doing that type of work, that inspires others.

What are some of the cartoon voices that you do?

I use to do voices for the Nickelodean show "Spongebob Squarepants". I can do a baby voice, and mostly little kid voices.

Tell us about your music:

I did an album a couple of years ago, I also had a song on the "Aquamarine" soundtrack. I love music, and I love to sing. Right now I am focusing on acting and I hope someday I can do something with music again. Maybe a movie musical!

Tell me about your hometown. Where are you from?

I am from Woodland Hills, which is a suburb in the San Fernando Valley. Its 25 minutes from Beverly Hills (without traffic). I love where I grew up because my home is there that I grew up in, my parents still live there, and my best friends that I've known since childhood are there. It was a great place to grow up.

Where are you living now? How do you like living in the middle of everything?

Right now, I live in a condo on Wilshire Blvd. near UCLA. I love it because I live close to great restaurants, and shopping!

What is your ethnic background?

My ethnic background is half Mexican, from my Mom's side, and the other half is a mixture of English and Scottish from my Dad. People never believe me when I tell them I am half Mexican!

You have gone from playing a mermaid to being the lead in a Wes Craven Film. Tell me about your role in the House on the Left:

I play Mari Collingwood in "Last House on the Left." My character goes to her lake house with her Mom and Dad for a summer get-away. She decides to go meet up with her friend that lives in town, and it ends up being the worst decision of her life. She and her friend are kidnapped, and brutally attacked. To me, this movie is really scary because its real, this could really happen to someone, and that reality makes it all the more terrifying.

Have you ever done a suspense thriller before?

I am excited for this film because, this is something that I've never done before. It is a complete change from Aquamarine. I hope people enjoy the story, and performances in this film, because I had the most amazing experience filming it!

How did you prepare for the role?

When I first got the part in "Last House on the Left" I was really nervous because people mostly know me from movies such as "Aquamarine" and "Sydney White" which are comedies.

I know that there is a lot of pressure for this film to be good, because its Wes Craven and its a remake of his first film, and there are so many fans. I was worried they wouldn't accept a comedic actress portraying this character.

That’s why I wanted to do the movie, to prove that this is also something I love to do, and I can do it. To prepare, the amazing director Dennis Illiadis had all the characters meet everyday and rehearse and discuss the script. Having that support from my fellow castmates really helped me prepare. We all became very close. I still consider them my close friends!

You filmed on location in South Africa. Tell me about the city. What is it like?

I loved Cape Town!!!!! It's one of the most beautiful places in the world, the food is fantastic, the people are so friendly and welcoming. I honestly had the most amazing experience of my life filming this movie. South Africa will always be a part of that, and a magical place for me.

What are some of your upcoming projects?

Right now I am doing a special guest appearance on the Jonas Brothers new tv show, and a film called Gravy with Winona Ryder and Jenna Malone.

What are some things that you like to do for fun?

I am just like any 20 year old! I like to read, go to the movies, I love trying new restaurants and eating good food, I like to throw little dinner parties at my place where I cook. I am just getting into cooking though, before I couldn’t boil water! But now I am really into it!

What would be your dream role?

My dream role... would be to work with Meryl Streep!! Or Goldie Hawn, I love her.

What are your favorite restaurants?

I love sushi, so some of my favorite places to go are Sushi House Unico in Bel Air, Katsuya, and Nobu. For Italian i love Ago. And for Mexican food I love Sol y Luna or my Grandpas kitchen!

Who are your favorite fashion designers?

I am really becoming obsessed with fashion, in my dream world I would only wear Prada, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Chloe. But I can dream!!.

How was your tdink photoshoot?

My TDink Photo shoot was a lot of fun. I love dressing up and getting hair and makeup done!

What’s it like posing with a mannequin?

It was pretty creepy posing with all those mannequins, but it turned out some great shots, and we had some behind the scenes laughs!

What do you have to say to your fans?

To my fans I would have to say, Thank you!!!! and please go see Last House on the Left Friday March 13!!! You'll barely recognize me! haha.