Brandi Burkhardt (Siren)
“Passions” newcomer Brandi Burkhardt recently made a “Splash”-y debut as Siren, a sexy and uninhibited mermaid. Conjured up by Endora, Siren saved Miguel from drowning and immediately developed intense feelings for the young stud. We sat down with Brandi and fished around for some answers about the “Passions” role that got away, what she likes best about her unusual character, and her other passion besides acting –singing!
So Siren’s a mermaid... did you know this when you were cast?
It’s funny, there was a rumor about that. But Jackie (Briskey, Passions Casting Director) was trying to keep it a secret. When we were auditioning, they used a placeholder for the real name. Instead of Siren, we read for the character of “Ariel,” which made us think, “Oh, maybe it IS a mermaid.” But we were like, “Why would there be a mermaid?”
What was the audition scene like?
It was kind of all over the place. The character is sad, and then she’s happy, and then she’s conniving, and then she’s in love...
That’s a lot of emotion for one scene!
Yeah, in just two pages! But that was the whole point, to see where you could go with the character.
Were you familiar with the wacky world of “Passions?”
Yeah, I was. It’s funny, I was brought in for Charity back when the show was first starting. Obviously, I didn’t get it!
That’s interesting because when Siren is first introduced, Tabitha and Kay fear the mystery blonde is Charity. And a lot of fans on the internet thought you were going to play Charity.
Yeah, my grandmother goes to the gym every morning and she talks to her girl friends. And they’re all, “Is she the new Charity? Is she Charity?” And my grandmother is like, “I’m not telling...”
So what’s it like wearing the tail? I hear they have to carry you out on a gurney when you’re wearing it.
Yeah! First, I’m literally glued into the tail and they put all this wonderful sparkly stuff on me. Then they wheel me in on a gurney, and Paul in the Prop Department actually lifts me onto the set. When we’re in the water tank (for the ocean scenes), the stunt guy and his team make sure I don’t drown.
You had to wear the tail in the tank?
Yeah, everyone was worried if I’d be able to move around. But I grew up watching “The Little Mermaid,” and my sister and I used to play “Little Mermaid” in the pool. So I had the swimming down – it was a piece of cake! You never really think you’ll get to use that skill, but I was prepared!
How long does it take to put on the tail?
Not that long. About half an hour. We’ve got it down. If I have to swim in it, it takes a little longer because it has to stick like cement!
What do you like best about playing Siren so far?
I love that she’s from the water and a mythical character. Since she’s from the water, her emotions are up and down and all over the place. I love that she’s carefree. She’s a mermaid so she’s used to being naked, so that’s kind of funny.
They get a lot of comedy out of Siren.
They are constantly making me “eat” all these fish! Coming to work everyday is an adventure because I don’t quite know what’s going to happen. You can put her into all kinds of situations. I get to play comedy, but also push buttons. Kay is trying to keep Siren away from Miguel because she can’t decide whether she wants to be with Fox – who she’s engaged to! – or Miguel. So we get to be mean to each other. It’s funny though because Heidi (Mueller), who plays Kay, is such a doll! We get along great.
Who’s been the most helpful cast member?
Adrian (Bellani, Miguel). My first day was just a love scene with him, and I had to be in my “naked clothes.” I just crawled into bed and started kissing him – I didn’t even have to say anything! Adrian came and knocked on my dressing room door and was like, “Hey, are you comfortable? Are you okay?” That was very helpful.
You also sing, correct?
Yes. I actually have a record coming out called “Jekyll & Hyde: Resurrection.” We’ve taken the music from the “Jekyll & Hyde” musical and made a more pop version of it. They actually wrote a new song for me for the record called “If You Only Knew.” I performed in the tour of “Jekyll & Hyde” that was like a concert version, sort of a revamp of the Broadway musical score.
Any other outside interests?
I love to eat! (Laughs) I love going to the movies and seeing shows. I love “The Sound of Music.” “Crash” was my pick for Best Picture. And I loved the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It was so beautifully done. I actually sat down and watched all of them back-to-back!
Where did you grow up? How did you get into acting?
I grew up in Pasadena, Maryland. My step-father did craft service for movies that filmed in the Baltimore and D.C. area. I was always interested in it, but I was scared and shy. I eventually got into pageants and that brought me out of my shell a little bit. Being on stage made me more inclined to want to act.
I read that you won a Talent Award in the 2000 Miss America Pageant.
Yeah, I started off as a piano player, but then I changed my talent to singing, which worked out a lot better for me. Coincidentally, for Miss America, I sang “Take Me As I Am,” which is one of the songs I sing on “Jekyll & Hyde: Resurrection.”
Do you want to continue to pursue singing?
Definitely. I’m actually writing and producing a solo record. Not really theatrical, a little more earthy. Music’s always been a real passion of mine. I also love acting though, and I wouldn’t want to do just one or the other.
