EAST PROVIDENCE — Though a bit late to acting, city native Sissy O’Hara has carved out a burgeoning career in the field, including a part in the upcoming feature-length film, GILGAMESH.
Producer Angel Connell and Writer-Director-Producer Richard Chandler for the latter’s Boston Film Family, LLC, GILGAMESH is of the Science Fiction genre about, according to its Internet Movie Database description, “a military expedition in Siberia gone wrong. The existence of humanity is in peril as Inanna, Sumerian goddess of lust and war has summoned a giant meteor to destroy the planet, after being accidently set free from her ancient prison.”
The movie stars well-known actors as Joe Gannascoli (“Vito” from The Sopranos) and international cult horror sensation Melantha Blackthorne (the title character in the TV show Countess Bathoria’s Graveyard Picture Show).
Born and raised in a large Irish-American family of seven children (five brothers and one sister), Ms. O’Hara’s parents instilled within her a strong work ethic “and surrounded all of us with love and laughter.”
“The importance of education and (a love for) the arts was a major theme in our upbringing,” said Ms. O’Hara, whose East Providence roots stretch back four generations. “I’ve raised two wonderful sons and my home has always been the go-to place for understanding, a listening ear, and advice for those having problems dealing with many of life’s issues.”
Prior to acting, Ms. O’Hara worked for over 20 years as a Hearing Protection Specialist as well as Sales and Marketing. While a Representative of ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association), she testified before the EPA’s Office in Washington, D.C. as well as Technical Adviser to The Canadian Government’s Standards for Hearing Protection.
“As soon as I reached the age to answer that question we’re all asked – what do you want to be when you grow up? – I consistently answered, ‘a movie star or a nun’,” Ms. O’Hara said. “And now here I am.”
In less than three years, O’Hara has accumulated work on over 40 union and non-union film projects encompassing, features, shorts, television (both reality shows & scripted shows), 48hour film projects, web-based TV series, government training videos, music videos, and student films.
Ms. O’Hara’s advice to actors? “Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone,” she said. “Attend every audition and call for extras and read (the script) like you own it. Ignore character guidelines. Eradicate the thought that it’s not a fit for you. I’ve gotten roles written for men and roles for women whose ages were either older or younger than me. You as an actor have the capability to deliver the essence of the role without fitting a specified type.”
“My long-term goals are to continue to work in films, constantly learn, and improve the skills that I already have,” she added. “GILGAMESH was a great experience and I wish (the movie and the people behind it) nothing but the best of success.”
GILGAMESH was shot in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. According to the IMDb site, the movie is under post-production and is expected to have its world premiere either at the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015.
People interested in becoming a fan of the movie can either “like” its IMDb page or “like” its Facebook page.