MF Magazine - Winter Issue

Candice Accola would like to suck you blood… Well, not really… but Caroline Forbes, the character she plays on the Vampire Diaries has been known to bite a few necks. Candice moved to LA from Florida to start a music career and was swept away by the acting world. Candice’s passion for music remains, but she has devoted herself professionally to acting. She landed the role of Caroline on the successful show the Vampire Diaries. Caroline is the blonde vampire, who is also known on the show as vampire Barbie. Don’t let the blonde hair fool you; despite her poised appearance, sweet smile, and blonde locks, Caroline is a lethal vampire who might just kill you!

How did you get started in acting?

I initially moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. Six months after the big move I got signed to a major label, and it was there that I was encouraged to audition. I booked my first job at the age of 18, an independent called On the Doll, and I was hooked. That’s when I began acting. I started to take classes and learn more about the film and television business and I just fell in love. I love music for my soul and need it as a constant in my life. But music wasn’t fun for me anymore when it turned into a job. I love my job as an actor. I’m excited by the film and television business, as opposed to feeling constricted or compromised because of the business aspect, as I did in music. It’s the business of endless opportunities.

What is it like acting in a series? How far in advance do you know what is going to happen on the show?

I love going to work; I love acting on a series. For me it’s been such a wonderful playground in which to learn and grow as an actor. I’ll be the first to say I needed this time as an actor. It’s been wonderful playing a character that doesn’t stop growing. We’re also very lucky to be surrounded with such an amazing crew; I find myself hanging out longer at work that I need to. We aren’t very far behind what the audience is watching on television because the storyline is constantly changing. We know what is going to happen when we read the scripts and we know that’s exactly how it’s going to happen when we tape.

What’s it like working with the other cast members of the Vampire Diaries? Are all of you pretty close?

Going to work is my favorite thing to do right now. A big part of that lies with being around people I get to work with. I find myself constantly learning from all of them. It’s also a great group to giggle with.