All photos courtesy of Disney-ABC Domestic TV
What would it be like to interview Cara, the take-no-prisoners Mord-Sith-turned-sorta-good who is currently shaking up the second season of the hit syndicated fantasy series Legend of the Seeker?
I’m sure if you asked one wrong question, she’d bite your head off. (On the other hand, what a way to go! Am I right?)
Anyway, I was understandably a tad nervous when I landed a chance to speak to Tabrett Bethell, the actress who plays Cara, by phone from New Zealand, where the show is just wrapping up the filming of its final episodes for the season.
I needn’t have worried. This Australian native, a former professional cheerleader but a relative newcomer to acting, couldn’t have been kinder or more pleasant. She is, of course, not the character she plays on television.
Or is she? As we talked, even Tabrett (which is pronounced with the accent on the first syllable) admitted there are occasional similarities: she can be very blunt, she’s very private and self-protective, and she was initially annoyed by Bridget Regan and Craig Horner’s humorous on-set antics (and was blunt enough to tell me that!).
Hmmmm. Where does Tabrett end and Cara begin? That, of course, is for you to decide:
TheTorchOnline: I know everyone must ask you this, but you have such a beautiful name that I wanted to ask you about it. Is there a story?
Tabrett Bethel: Well, I was born in Syndey, and my mother wanted to name me Siobhan, and my father wanted to name me Murray. They couldn’t agree. So my father left the hospital and went for a drive, and saw a sign that said, “Tabrett Street.” He went back to my mother, and said, “How about Tabrett?” And she said, “Yes, that’s it!”
Tabrett Street in Sydney, Australia
[Editor's Note: I looked up Tabrett Street. It's near Sydney's Barton Park and the Lance Studdert Reserve.]
For years, I was told by people that it was Welsh. But no. It’s actually also a Hebrew word that means “Celebration,” which I think is quite beautiful.
TTO: That is beautiful, but it’s a good thing that it happened to have such good connotation!
TB: [laughs] Isn’t it?
TTO: At what point once you were cast as Cara did you realize, “Okay, this is a great character.”
TB: Oh, right away. Well, no. It was obvious from the start, she’s the counter-point to the other characters. She’s totally honest, she gets to say all these funny things. That’s who Cara is.
But by episodes four and five [of this season], we really started to have fun with it, we really started playing around.
TTO: She’s the character who has the major character arc, the one who is changing the most.
TB: You hit it right there. This is all new to her. She’s constantly evolving, and that’s what’s exciting. She takes three steps forward and five steps backward. Cara has many moments of confusion that are interesting to play.
It’s a character that’s all about growth. Who can’t relate to that?
TTO: Which is the perfect lead-in to my next question! How much like Cara are you?
TB: I really bounce back and forth with this. I was having a conversation with one of the producers last week, saying, “This character is so different from me!”
But one thing this particular producer had said to me right from the beginning is, “She’s closer to you than you think.” I do find that when I connect to the truth of her, we are very similar.
Cara is incredibly honest — she speaks her mind. It’s often to her detriment, and it’s often something great. And that’s something that I can definitely relate to. I’m constantly being told that I’m way too honest. Often it gets me into lots of trouble.
She’s a very complex character, very troubled. She has so many elements that so many people can relate to. She has this shield around her heart. She’s constantly trying to protect herself, because that’s all she knows. And I think a lot of people can relate to that: don’t get too close to her, or you might get burnt — that kind of thing.
TTO: I’m not an actor, so this may be a dumb question, but has playing this character made you even more assertive or honest in real life?
TB: No, I’ve always been majorly honest. That I’ve always had.
What it has done — and I think this is part of the acting process — you get to know yourself really well as an actor, and I think playing a role like this has made me know more about myself. She’s definitely made me stronger.
TTO: Tell me something about this weekend’s episode “Princess.”
TB: “Princess” is fantastic! When I read that script, I jumped up and down twenty-five times. It’s like the ultimate.
What’s so great about this ep is that she — without giving it away — she has to play the absolute opposite of who she is. The mission is to save one of the cast, and [Cara] has to be a lady, she has to be elegant, she has to be able to dance, she has to do all these things that are completely foreign to her. She has to have grace and just be really feminine. And Cara’s used to doing everything at her best. Everything she does, whether it’s fighting, getting with men, she knows how to get the job done.
Now she’s faced with this obstacle. It’s quite funny watching a very powerful character be vulnerable. It’s quite hilarious.
And we actually see the whole cast wearing hilarious outfits.
But it’s pretty funny for Cara, because she has this mission to rescue someone, and it becomes a competition, and she plays to win. It’s really funny — clever writing. It’s a great director named Garth Maxwell — I love workshopping scenes with him. We have the same left-of-center humor!
It was a great piece of writing to get my teeth into — not just me, but all the characters. It’s excellent writing for everyone — everyone gets a golden moment.
TTO: My personal theory is that the introduction of your character has made all the other characters, and even the other actors, far more interesting. It goes back to what you said about being the contrarian.
TB: Yeah! Well, Cara’s the counter-point!
You have these three characters, Zedd, Kahlan, and Richard who all pretty much think the same way, and go on big quests. Then someone comes along and questions everything they do. She’s got a reason to question everything! And she, in turn, makes them question themselves.
It’s a hilarious kind of a merry-go-round that keeps going on. It’s always interesting to have a counter-point.
TTO: Cara has been really well-received among the fans — there’s very strong buzz around her. Are you aware of how popular she’s become?
TB: No! I’m not aware of it!
It’s kind of funny, shooting here in New Zealand. It’s a little bit of a cocoon. You get up, you go to the work, you give your best, and you go home. It’s quite insulated here. And the schedule is so heavy, and for me, the focus is on the day-to-day, filming and shooting. So that’s really great to hear.
TTO: It’s really gone over well, and I think it’s part of the reason why there’s such a good energy about the show lately. And I think one of the things people appreciate is how the show has gotten so sexy! The show seems to really be embracing that this season, with Kahlan’s new outfit and…
TB: Yeah! How hot is Kahlan’s new outfit! Yeah! The wardrobe people are so talented.
I watched a few episodes from season one. But they seem to be doing things very different [this year]. The writing seems more fun. And the support cast we’ve had is fantastic.
TTO: Talk to me about your outfit.
TB: My outfit — it’s kind of a funny one. For some reason, the air goes straight through it. It gets very windy here in Auckland, and very cold. I can’t describe how cold it is for me.
In winter, it’s very cold, but in summer, I’m saturated, I’m dripping with sweat. It gets so hot.
It’s a different kind of leather than I’ve ever found — it’s very stretchy, very movable. Yeah, it’s comfortable. It’s just at the moment, it’s very hot and humid here. Sometimes in this outfit I feel like I’m going insane.
I’m standing in the middle of a forest going, “I swear I can feel my outfit cooking! I swear I’m going insane!”
[But] in terms of comfortability, it’s great. The wardrobe department has made it as comfortable for me as possible.
TTO: A couple of people contacted me asking me to ask if you’re ever going to go on Twitter, and also if you’re willing to share your birthday, which is apparently unknown. But you don’t have to give it out if that’s too personal!
TB: [Laughs] Uh, you wanna know my age? Well, my birthday is in May, which means I’m a Taurus.
As for Twitter, well, I’m not even on Facebook. I’m such a private person, and I barely have time to check my email. If I had Twitter, I’m sure I would be hooked and not able to tear myself away.
But it is something that I’m thinking of doing! I don’t have a computer-technology bone in my body.
TTO: Well, it increases your sense of mystery, which is probably not a bad thing.
TB: [laughs] Well, I am an incredibly private person.
TTO: The last thing I wanted to ask you about, when I spoke to Bridget Regan a couple of weeks ago, she mentioned how the cast members have become good off-camera friends as well.
TB: I think it’s a little different for me, not coming in and playing the same character from the beginning. But it’s a really beautiful, all the friendships — and the crew, you know. You are family.
But especially the friendship that has developed with Bridget. It’s really beautiful, actually. She has this quality that she just makes you feel very warm. She’s actually very funny. They’ll say, “Action,” and all of a sudden, she’ll break into some dance. And I think, “What are you doing?!”
At the beginning, that used to drive me crazy. Her and Craig [would pull their jokes], and I would say, “What are you guys doing! It’s so irritating!” But now it’s completely endearing.
She’s turning out to be a really integral part of my life. She’s so professional. Craig’s lovely, Bruce is lovely. I feel really lucky to work with those guys.
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Special thanks to Kim, Kate, Lugdivine, Jeremiah, Jasmine, Tamara, Elisabeth, Victoria, Shirley, Joachim, Raphael, Elodie, Katy, Lola, Persia, and all those who suggested questions that I didn’t get a chance to use! (And Nini, I was too embarrassed to ask her that!)
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if in the next series will not be Tabrett will not watch the movie
I will miss Legend of the seeker,I only hope that Tabrett finds another job.She would be good on Criminal Minds or the mentalists.I think it stinks that Legend was cancelled.I thought that it was doing good as far as the ratings were concerned.WHo knows why they cancelled it.In any case it sucks.I will miss you Tabrett.
Now that Legend of the seeker is no more, I hope to see Tabrett on something else,perhaps criminal minds or the metalist would be a good show for her,they could always use a dectective with a sense of humour.I could picture her as a cop,with a funny disposition.It is just a suggestion.I only wish that Legend of the Seeker had been renewed.TO be honest i would like to know there reasoning for cancelling it.If it was doing good in the ratings then when dump it?Legend was my favorite show,now I won’t have it to look forward to, to watch.This whole think stinks anyway.Cancel the best show on tv.I will miss you Tabrett .I hope you catch on with another show.
I read that Legend of the Seeker has been cancelled.Son of a itch.I can’t believe that they cancelled it.It was such a good show.I wish that they had renewed it,I will miss Cara,I hope that she does something new.I think that it stinks that they cancelled it.They always cancel the good shows and leave the stinky shows on,This sucks.
I love Tabrett,she is so pretty and she is such a wonderful actress.Lets just hope that we get to see her act more if Legend of the Seeker is renewed after next season.I love that show.Legend of the Seeker is number one as far as I am concerned.
Cara you rock.You are so funny.
btw..from one Taurus to another, we rock!!
Tabrett-
Excellent job as Cara!! Ive read the book series..you do the character of Cara great justice! Keep up the great work, all of you! Best wishes to you in your acting career!!
Is there any word as if the Legend of the Seeker was renewed?I certainly hope so.I can’t imagine a weekend without it.I am old compare to Tabrett,try about thirty years give or take.I was born on Chriatmas day.I am a real Xmas Carol.Anyone care to lists there birthdays!!!!!!Love the Seeker
I love the seeker,please give us a third season.It is the only good show on television.I can’t wait for the new episode tomorrow.
OMG! Please don’t cancel the show. It’s one of the best ones today. I used to watch One Tree Hill, but the new season’s soooo boring, so I stopped watching it. And coincedentely I stumbled upon LOS and loved it! Why would they cancel it? A lot of people enjoy it. Can’t wait till there’s final news on a third season.
Great interview.
Indeed; there’s so much stuff on the internet on Craig and Bridget, but almost none on Tabrett. She’s definetely my favorite character on LOS.
Well, I’m very greatful for this interview. Thanks!
I have this awful feeling that the show was cancelled.I hope that I am wrong,because I look forward to seeing Cara and the show.Lets hope that my feelings aren’t real.
I believe that Tabrett Bethell is absolutely awesome, and that she has the potential to go far with her acting career. I’ve only been a fan of Legend of The Seeker since the second season started, but I am impressed thus far. This is going in a different direction here, but considering the type of roll she is playing on LOTS, I think it would be wise for her agent to have look into the Ghost In The Shell project that Steven Spielberg is supposedly working on. I believe she’d make a FINE Motoko Kusanagi. The character totally fits her personality as far as I have experienced through the show. For all of you Ghost In The Shell fans out there, I truly believe there is no one else on the planet that can pull off the roll as well as I think she could. Of course this is just my opinion. Other than that, keep watching the show. It’s absolutely brilliant!
Is Legend of the seeker going to be on for a third season or what? I certainly hope so.I love Cara.She can be so funny at times.If the shows ratings have been so good why wouldn’t it be on? I look forward to watching it.It would be a big mistake if it was cancelled.I remember when Xena was axed I didn’t like that either.I will miss Tabrett if it isn’t on anymore.She makes my day.Legand of the Seeker is the best show on tv.
She is great, I did not start watching the show till they added CARA,
now I am hooked on the show.
thank you very much for this interview! :)
you should have made something out of her sweat comments. ;)
and what did nini want you to ask? :)
her acting on “Princess” was amazing …
I read that Legand of the Seeker was getting cancelled,this cannot happen.I love the show and look forward to seeing it every weekend.I adore Tabrett,she is such a good actress.Save the Seeker.
I adore Tabrett so much!!!! Legend of the Seeker is such an amazing show <3
Speaking of Xena, Tabrett reminds me a little of Hudson Leick (maybe it’s actually the Cara/Callisto similarities)
I loved this episode,it was funny and delighttful.I get the show on at 5pm and 11:30pm on Saturdays,and 1:am and 11:30pm on Sundays.The one am showing is from the past week.I watch it anyway despite the fact that I already saw it.Cara was lovely as usual.
Anyone notice that she did not give out her age….she must be over 33…like Craig….I love Cara and Denna. I have had many fantasies about “breaking” them to do my bidding. Great interview…
I think she was born in 1982, so she’ll only be 28 in May.
One more thing: Cara helps me stick to my low-carb diet like no one else can. It works–just look at her and she always has lots of energy!
Gimme a “G”, gimme an “O”, “Go, TEAM SEEKER, GO!!!”. A cheerleader, huh? She swings those agiels like pom-pons!! Ms. Bethell is a great part of the show; she’s fun-loving and intelligent. I love to hear what she thinks!!!
Last two episodes of LOS was most great for her role !!!
Amazing in ” Hunger ” ” Princess ”
Have really Intense … Funny… Scenes
Keep working Miss Tabrett !!! carry on !!!
I lov u so much !!!
She has to remain a character on this series until the end; it’s been a huge positive and she’s a great reason for continuing to watch this show! She and her character are that good!
As it seems to me, the excellent girl =)… It is a pity to communicate not to turn out. = ))
it seems to me that Tabrett is a very nice person.No wonder she is well liked.
It seems to me that Tabrett is a very nice person.No wonder why she is well liked.
she is soooooooooo lovely especially as a lady
I have to wait i little and i will go to New Zealand…This is very BEAUTIFUL country and i hope i meet her someday i will be so HAPPY :)
Well i see she is very Private Person…good for her :]!She is awesome :P :]
Very good Interview.Tabrett, I really like your character,you are private, honest and straight forward person.Your presence made the Legend of the seeker very sweet.I LOVE you so much. I wish you all the best.
Totally agree with you Estrellangelica !
Nice interview! I really like too the fact that she’s private and wants to stay that way. She does her job & the rest, it’s her life, no need to share or go online to see what people think of her. Means she’s really balanced. Just my opinion, sometimes, I think it’s better they stay private, we kindda forget sometimes they’re just people like everyone of us, and they do their job, pretty well sure, but that’s just a job… Of course, doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the interviews ;) Keep going Tab!
Great interview! About time someone scored an interview with Ms. Bethell. You wait, LegendSeeker.net will be next and we can ask her all those questions that you didn’t get to ;)
My admiration for Tab increases by the week. So talanted, so beautiful, and not a stuck up b!tch… (heart)
I pray we continue to see more of her in the States, outside of Seeker.
Great interview.
I am a hudge fan of Tabrett,I think her presence on Legand of the seeker made the ratings go higher.Keep up the good work Tabrett ,I love you.You make my day even brighter,and bring a smile across my face.Legand of the Seeker is number one in my book as far as I am concerned.
A Tabrett Bethell interview is a rare thing, indeed. Thank you! Go Tabrett!
That was a fun read. Thanks so much for doing that one Brent. All of us Seeker fans really appreciate it.
Tabrett (really like your name) you’re so great !!! Cara Rocks !!!!
Thanks for the interview Brent !
Thanks for the great interview.
I’m really enjoying the character of Cara this year and not just because she’s played by an incredibly gorgeous (and skilled) actress in a skin-tight, cleavage revealing, leather cat-suit or because she reminds me a little of “Xena: Warrior Princess”. I definitely enjoy the dynamic she brings to the Seeker’s merry gang of do-gooders and she just kicks all kinds of major azz! It was also great to read that Tabrett is just as enchanting and intriguing as the character she plays.
great interview! she’s SUCH a welcome addition to the show; someone had to match Bridget’s acting chops, Craig’s abs were bearing too much of the burden.
but — did you say she was a professional CHEERLEADER?! what? details, please.
(Anti-spam word was “hobbit”… very awesome database of words!)
Tab is so down-to-earth; I love it! :)
Another awesome interview, Brent. <33 You rock!
From this interview, she actually seems a lot like Cara. Very honest and private. Tabrett is great! She seems so sweet and down-to-earth, and she makes the perfect Cara.
I like Tabrett she’s very private. Keep it up!!!
I loved it! Tab is awesome! And yay you used one of my questions LOL
She’s so awesome!! Long live Cara!!!!
She is so awesome. Long live Cara!!!
so Tabrett’s an extremely private person. No wonder there’s almost zero information on her online! At least good for her for not letting her rising celebrity status get into her head!