Sheila Kelley might be new to the "Lost" game but that doesn't mean her character, Zoe, is any less important to the story. Kelley dropped by the Fanboy universe to chat about her take on the role, her feelings on working with the cast and stripper poles. So we've been introduced to Zoe who seems to be part Rambo, part Tina Fey. Who is she really? How would you describe her?
Zoe is every woman. She's the outsider coming into a mythical story who thinks she might have a solution, an answer. She is a geophysicist who is excited by the possibilities presented to her by the island. She really only cares about finding "the answer."
How did you get hooked up with the show? Were you a fan before?
I was asked by the show's producers if I would be interested in a character who arced over several episodes in the last season of "Lost." I had not seen the show before so I sat down and Netflixed the first episode and six hours later, I kid you not, I was hooked, lined and sunk in love with it. I feel like the luckiest actor in the world.
What do you see Zoe's role on the island as being?
She's a hunter. She knows her truth and she is going to go after it with all she is worth come hell or high water. I love her integrity and her belief in herself.
In the Alpert-centric episode, "Ab Aeterno," you were credited as Kendall. I remember when news broke that you had been casted, that was the character name we were given. Of course, now we know you as Zoe. What gives? Change in name or secret Lostie mystery?
I think maybe you might have been sneakily led off the scent and Zoe has put you back on it. The cool thing about "Lost" and the reason I think so many people are responding to Zoe is because she is on the scent of the trail to finding answers to the mysteries of "Lost" just as you and the rest of the "Lost" viewers are.
You've been quoted as saying that you're on the island looking for someone, can you tell us any more about that?
All I can tell you is that she will know it when she finds it. Tricky huh?
I know you've got your own exercise program, the S Factor, going on as well. How did that come about?
I researched, co-wrote, produced and starred in a film called "Dancing at the Blue Iguana" in which I played a pole dancer named Stormy. That journey led me to create and write the first pole dancing fitness workout for women. The perfect recipe of feminized yoga and pilates, mixed with a wicked fun taste of pole dancing and striptease. Women fell in love with it. It's liberating, it's passionate, and it's healthy. The L.A. Times did an article about me in 2002. That article led to my being featured on the Oprah show seven times. Fast forward to today, I have seven full-scale S Factor fitness studios where women learn how to be comfortable in their beautiful sensual bodies.
Have you been able to apply any of those techniques in your portrayal of Zoe?
Confidence, body freedom and badass-ness. And definitely her feminine power and the feeling that a strong woman can be feminine even when she is doing dirty work. I've taught everyone in the makeup trailer how to do some of my S Factor movements and I hope to be teaching all the wives and girlfriends of my castmates. It's made me very popular on set.
Coming in so late in the game, how has it been to blend in with the cast who have been through so much together the last five seasons?
The cast and crew who've worked together for almost six years have been open-armed and open-hearted. It felt like coming into a warm, fun family. And working in Oahu? That ain't so bad. In fact, I may have to look for some acting work in Bali, Tahiti or Fiji to top this one. The island is gorgeous, feminine and magical.
We first met you on screen with Josh Holloway on the beach. Who are your favorites on the set?
I adore Alan Dale. He's a stitch and a half, very funny. Daniel Dae Kim is as generous and friendly as they come. I'm working on getting Evangeline and Emilie into S Factor classes and Josh is...well, excuse me but gorgeous.
What can you tell us about what we might expect come finale time?
It ain't always what it seems.
