Ksenia Solo, actress on TURN, Orphan Black, and Lost Girl, AMA.

What's it like to be smothered in fandom love with both Orphan Black and TURN airing at the same time? And my bff wants me to ask do you miss those red pants from your Kenzi days?

If you could see me now, you would see a GINORMOUS smile on my face.

The love that I get on a daily basis is so humbling and flattering. And no words can express how grateful I am to have such loyal, supportive fans.

I took those red pants with me. Because I loved them so much. And they were custom-made for Kenzi by a very talented clothing designer. The company is called "Heart Attack." I definitely did not want to leave them behind, because they are super-cool.

One of my favorite episodes of Lost Girl is where Kenzi and Dyson switch bodies. How did you prepare for those scenes? Did you follow Kris Holden around trying to mimic him?

Yes, we actually filmed each other doing each other's lines. And it was a very strange but interesting process. And I think it bonded the whole cast together, because we were just stuck at the Dal Riata for a week straight, and I definitely tried to study him as much as I could.

Who is the better kisser: K.C Collins or Tatiana Maslany?

OH COME ON!

You can't put me in this position!

I don't kiss and tell!

What's your favorite scene with Delphine?

I can't tell you about it, because it's coming up!

Oooooh!

Will you marry me?

I offer tequila

Hahaha! Uh... that is a wonderful proposal. And I will definitely give it some thought.

Hey! Loving you on Orphan Black! Do you enjoy playing Shaydy characters?

Terrible pun, haha! I enjoy playing intriguing, mysterious women. Yes. I definitely can't deny that fact.

Since your character didn't die in Lost Girl, will she be returning at all in the future?

She will most definitely be returning in the future.

What would you say to people who keep asking actors who portrait queer characters about their sexuality?

Our job as an actor is to portray a character and that has nothing to do with our personal lives. And I think if you're a private person, you have every right to keep your life to yourself.

BUT it's about striking a balance. Because any successful character or show is going to get people talking about that character or show. So it's about raising awareness, while respecting the autonomy of the individual actor.

Hi Ksenia. I know you're involved in the "Stand for the Silent" anti-bullying campaign. Any specific reason why? Can you describe an experience where you were bullied on set? If there is one.

The reason why bullying is so close to my heart is because I was bullied when I was younger. And I understand what it's like to feel alone and lost in a world that's supposed to be supportive and educational (and I'm referencing school). Going to set, ever since I was a young kid, has always been a source of happiness and support. So I've never been bullied on a set. And I think that's because on a set, everyone is there with the same goal, and everyone is supportive of one another, and I wish school systems could be more like that, and I just want to do everything in my power to use my status to talk about this, and let people know they're not alone, and no matter if you're an actor or ANYBODY else, a lot of people have dealt with bullying, and I think it's time we help one another.

First of all thanks for taking your time to talk to us, you're amazing!

Every time I watch Orphan Black I completely forget that Tatiana Maslany is one actress behind all of these very different characters with different personalities. having working with her, do you get that feeling well? Do you get absorbed and forget that you guys are acting?

Also I know Kenzi is team Dyson, but you- Valkubus, Doccubus, or team Dyson?

Tatiana is an incredible acting partner. And she's very fluid and very in the moment. So she makes MY job easier. Because I'm able to really let go, and really be in the moment with her.

I would say Team Dyson. Team Dyston 'til the end.

Who doesn't love a furry wolf?!

Hey, before I begin just want to say you are amazeballs.

Is Shay shady? And can we expect to see her in the 4th season of OB? love from Chicago xoxo

Hmm.

How do I answer this smartly?

Shay is... a mystery. And I think for the moment, we should keep her that way.

And who knows what will happen in season 4. But I think the way season 3 ends will definitely give everybody a very clear idea of Shay's involvement in the future of the show.

Shay can't be shady because she doesn't want the D.

Ksenia do you know how your parents chose your name? Do you say it like Xenia?

If you personally were a new character in OB whose side would you want to be on?

I'm not sure how my mum picked my name. I'd have to ask her why she picked it. But it's pronounced "Keh-sehnia" like the K and S go together. But people have a hard time saying it, because it's rare to have a K and S going together. So I introduce myself as "Kah-sehnia," most times. Or I tell people to call me "Kay" or "Kay Solo."

And my Lost Girl family called me "Kay-star."

I can thank the lovely Kris Holden-Ried, who plays Dyson, for giving me that lovely nickname.

Definitely NOT on the Castor side.

If you could live as a character you played for a month, who would you be?

I would probably be Kenzi.

Because there's no shortage of fun and excitement in her world.

Hi Ksenia, on Lost Girl you play a totally kick ass Russian chick. With a name like Ksenia are you really from Russia? Or A Russian speaking part of Europe? Im pretry sure you are since your russian is less flawless then regular american english speakers. If you are Do you like Russian food? Which Russian foods do you like? Do you cook any of them?

I was born in Latvia, but at the time, it was the Soviet Union, so everybody had to learn Russian, so I do speak Russian fluently. And yes, Russian food is very delicious. Myself, I don't cook it as much, but my family has some incredible cooks, and one of my favorite restaurants is called Mari Vanna, and it's Russian food, and they have a location in Los Angeles, New York and London, and it's fantastic.

Ksenia! you're so talented and I love you on Orphan Black. (Shay is one of my favorite characters!)

so, which clone (besides Cosima) do you think Shay would be best friends with?

I think it would be a tie between Sarah and Alison.

What is the likelihood that you will be going to SDCC this year? You are my elusive unicorn that I want...I mean NEED to meet. Loved you on Lost Girl and currently on Orphan Black, you are killing it #girlcrusheverday

Thank you for referring to me as a unicorn! I take that as a compliment.

And I would love to go to San Diego Comic-Con. It's an incredible event, and every time I've gone in the past, it's been a thrilling experience. I don't know if I can say if I'm going this year, it all depends on scheduling, but I will definitely keep everybody posted.

Ksenia!!! I love you!

Also, if you were to have a lip sync battle, who would you battle and what song would you lip sync?

I would battle Kris Holden-Reid, because I saw him do karaoke about a week ago and I was very impressed.

And I would probably lip-sync... "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.

Go big or go home!

Hello! First and foremost, I'd like to commend your performance as Peggy Shippen. You literally brought one of my favorite historical females to life in such a breathtaking way! My question is: can you tell us a little bit about your experiences in Latvia? Thanks :)

In Latvia?

Oh, interesting.

Thank you so much for the kind words. It's been an honor to play someone like Peggy Shippen.

Latvia is a beautiful country. I was born in Riga. And people have been known to call Riga "Old Paris" because it has a very similar historical magical feel to it.

I have two questions:

1. Who's better: Hale or Cosima?

2. How does it feel to work with Tatiana Maslany and Evelyne Brochu to and add up to the Shay/Delphine/Cosima dynamic?

1.) Once again - I don't kiss and tell!

2.) They're fantastic women, both of them, and it's an honor to get to work with them and spend time with them and create with them.

Hello Ksenia! I'm a big fan of Turn and your work on it! The Revolutionary War is a fascinating time and to have it being portrayed on TV is exciting. Did you do any research prior to your role?

Yes, there was a lot of research involved. I wanted to learn everything I could about that period in time, about the war, and about all of the important people that were involved. And specifically with Peggy, I had to learn about her family, where she came from, and also learn her accent. And a lot of hours went into that, to make sure it was the best it could be.

How long did it take to master the accent?

I would say I had about 2-3 weeks before my first episode, and then it was an ongoing process from there on. But definitely an every day thing, just to get ready for every new episode that was coming every week.

Hi! I´m a TURN fan, very much enjoying your performance as Peggy Shippen. I wanted to ask you, what was your favourite scene to shoot? And why?

My favorite scenes, I would say, were all in my first episode. It was my first day on-set, and I was just so enamored with the dress I was wearing, with the incredible wig that was made for me, it was such a new experience and it's almost like the first day of school - you have that excitement and those butterflies, and the dancing that we had to do, it was just... SO much of everything, and I was very creatively stimulated!

I guess I'll ask the important questions: will there be a season 3 of Turn? Also, how uncomfortable is filming with the wig Peggy wears? Plz respond.

We don't know yet if there will be a season 3. This show means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to everybody involved, so we are all keeping our fingers crossed that we get to continue telling this incredible story. And the wig is not as uncomfortable as everybody thinks it is. A lot of people ask if it's heavy, and it's not heavy at all. It's custom-made for me. And we have an incredible hair team on TURN who take very good care of us, so I love putting the wig on, because right away, it puts me in that world and it makes me feel like Peggy.

It's not glued to your head or anything. So there's no cutting off of circulation.

Who's version of Toronto do you like more, Lost Girl's or Orphan Black's?

Uh...I would say... I like both for different reasons.

Lost Girl filmed mostly during the warmer months, which was a little easier to take.

Orphan filmed during the winter, which was tough, especially in my bohemian-chic-hippie-clothes.

But both sets are amazing for different reasons. And Toronto has its charms all year 'round, so it's hard to pick.

K Solo! I don’t have groundbreaking questions, but here’s what I got from the top of my head:

1. Does a horse shit in a barn?…no really is that where they poop? Did you have any improvised moments in Lost Girl, or was everything scripted all the way out?

2. Which brings me to the episode of you and Vexie being mascara buddies. Did you take a real shot of perhaps Fireball or something similar in that scene, because your reaction was pretty hilarious when you took a hit.

3. I love hearing you speak phrases of Russian off-and-on during LG. Would you ever venture into foreign films?

4. Not a question, but I’ve honestly never seen anyone quite as talented as you. Your acting appears so effortless and boundaryless (a word I just made up) as you seem to be able to fit into any genre out there. I can’t wait to see what else you get up to in the years to come. All the best with your ventures.

5. Oh yeah, please post more pics of your adorbs doggy.

1.) That line was scripted. There have been moments where I have improv'd, sometimes it makes it to the final edit and sometimes it doesn't, but there are definitely episodes I've watched that have surprised me, because I see myself improvising and go Oh my goodness, they kept it! But I have to thank our writers for the years of very witty and comedic one-liners that can be had.

2.) No. There was no alcohol onset that day.

3.) I would love to venture into foreign films. That's definitely something on my bucket list.

4.) First of all, thank you for that INCREDIBLE compliment. And I will make an effort to share more of Tino with the world, because he is definitely one handsome little devil.

What does your ideal breakfast consist of?

Well, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

Half the time, I want to eat breakfast for dinner.

And a perfect breakfast for me would be... a salad, two medium poached eggs, a side of extra-crispy bacon, and an Earl Gray tea, no milk, no sugar.

I've actually forced myself to eat salad for breakfast, because it's so good for you. It definitely took a minute, because I would rather be eating pancakes and apple strudels. But I try to be as healthy as I can.

What are some of your hobbies that people might not know about? What do you do to unwind at the end of the day? What are some of your non-acting-related dreams?

I love to eat.

Which most people don't believe. Because I'm a rather petite young woman.

I love to do yoga and pilates. And then I can eat the chocolate cake at the end of the day!

I also love to swim. That is definitely one of the best stress-releasers for me.

I would absolutely love to own a vineyard somewhere in Italy. I've always wanted to open up a really cool breakfast joint with my family - we have some AMAZING cooks in my family - we've been talking about it for years, and breakfast cafes are my favorite, so I'd love to be in that world and make people happy with awesome breakfasts. And I'd love to own real estate all over the world.

Hi Ksenia!

First of all I'd like to say that I am a huge fan and I want to thank you for portraying both Kenzi and Shay, since not only have both of the characters helped me through a lot of stuff in my life, but so has Lost Girl and Orphan Black. It's helped me to come out to my family and accept who I am. So thank you truly <3

And I was wondering, what was it like having to leave behind your Lost Girl family but gaining new ones with TURN and Orphan Black?

Leaving my Lost Girl family was very hard. I've spent the last six years with a group of incredible people who I will forever love and adore. Coming onto TURN was very overwhelming, especially because I joined the cast of TURN literally a day after I wrapped our last day on Lost Girl. But i'm incredibly lucky, because the cast of TURN (as well as the entire crew, and team behind the show) have been nothing but welcoming and kind and supportive. So they made the transition very easy.

And I have known Tatiana since I was about 14 years old, and it's been so much fun re-uniting with her after all the time! And the cast and crew on Orphan Black as well are just the GREATEST group of people. So I've been surrounded by these INCREDIBLE folks, and I really cannot complain at all. I feel very lucky.

And I'm so glad that my characters inspired you to find the strength to come out to your family.

When did you realise that you were famous?

I don't think I have realized that I'm famous?

I think I've realized that i have some incredible fans who support me. But I don't consider myself "famous." Because I live a relatively normal life. And I think I've put effort into making sure that I live a private normal life.

Hi this is my first ever reddit post especially for you! :) my question is, who do you think would win a war of words out of shay, Peggy or kenzi?

Thank you for joining our reddit party!

And... I think it would be a tie between Kenzi and Peggy.

Kenzi is extremely brave, and no matter what situation she's in, I know she will prevail. And Peggy lives in a time when a war is happening, so I feel like she understands it, and she's very politically savvy, and would win because of her cunning mind.

It's so cool that you're doing this AMA! I really love your work, and I've also loved the way you've always taken time to talk to the fans!

My question for you is- what's the one thing you've always wished you've been asked in an interview that no one's brought it up, especially concerning Lost Girl or Orphan Black?

I would have to say I've been asked a whole gamut of questions about all the shows I'm on.

So I can't think of something that I haven't been asked.

OK, I've never been asked "How I pee in that dress in TURN?"

Because if people knew how much effort it takes to even FIT into a bathroom stall - it's like a comedy skit! If somebody could see me, they would be laughing hysterically! Oh my god! I think back in the day, women didn't wear underwear, and they would literally squat wherever they were?! But those beautiful clothes... unfortunately I don't have that ability to squat and pee wherever i want. Although that would make 18th century life much easier.

Hi Ksenia! While you are clearly fabulous at what you presently do (Kenzie is brilliant!!!)... What vocation, and specifically whose vocation, would you like to spend a day doing?

Hmmmm.

Maybe like, deep-sea dive? I'm actually quite terrified of diving. Just the thought of being in, like, a dark ocean with god-knows-what swimming around me, that idea freaks me out, but if I could switch places with someone that's brave enough to do that for a living, I think that would be super-fascinating and life-changing.

Sharks are terrifying!

serious question: do you like donuts? It's for research

Yes.

I actually - 20 minutes ago - said "I really want a donut."

And then I thought Ksenia, let's try to be healthy. Let's not have a donut today.

But it did happen! True story!

Ever think about directing or producing, even writing?

Yes, I've always wanted to get behind the camera. In fact, I made my directorial debut last year. I directed a music video for a very talented up-and-coming artist named Craig Stickland. I'm in post production on it right now. So I hope to have the opportunity to direct more in the future.

Hi Ksenia, what is your favourite species of bird??

Uh... Pfffffbt.

Um...parrots? They're pretty cool!

Hi - how sore are your feet on a scale of 1-10 right now? Clone clubbers need to know....! x

laughs

Well, I've been traveling this past week, so my feet are probably...at like a 5.7.

Not TOO terrible, but a little sore.

Hey, thanks for taking the time to do this Q&A, been a huge fan for YEeeeaaars!!

first off I'd love to say thank you for being the most down to earth person ever, you're a real huge inspiration in my life and a real positive change in the world...

So my question/s... are:

What kind of emotion did you feel hearing you got cast on Orphan black? :) What show, past or present, would you LOVE to star on? What motivates you to give everything your all? And have you any tips for me, i have my first show tomorrow and i'm nervous! haha :)

thank you!!

The creators of Orphan Black contacted me when they were first writing and scheming about this character, and so I was thrilled that they wanted me to play the role. And I would love to star on... there's so much good TV... MAD MEN, for sure MAD MEN.

I think I've always been very ambitious, and there's so much that I want to do in this lifetime! So I think I'm constantly making an effort to move forward and step outside of my comfort zone so I can be growing as a person, and as an artist.

And congratulations! I hope you break legs, and have a fantastic show! And all I can say is - try to breathe, and just be in the moment, because usually when you allow yourself to be in the moment, that's when you're the most open, the most creative, and can have a true experience.

What's your favourite fruit?

Peaches. And bananas. Only because they're literally on my kitchen counter right now, and they look really good!

If you had to defeat a man with just one hit,what would you do???

Oh god! I would probably knee him in the sunshine spot.

Hi Ksenia! I'm a huge fan of yours and Kenzi is my favorite tv character ever :) My question is what's your all time favorite movie?

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY.

I usually hate watching movies more than once. But I think I've seen that movie like 80 times!

I know!

What if anything can Kenzi fans look forward to that you can hint on for the last half of Lost Girl ?

Keep an eye out for some Spanish influence.

And the reuniting of the Lost Girl family.

The LGBT community has always been so incredibly supportive of Lost Girl, and now Orphan Black. How has the transition been from being a member of such a diverse and accepting show and watching the fan's reactions to Zoie and Anna, to stepping in to one of the LGBT roles and feeling that reaction from fans yourself?

I feel grateful that the Lost Girl loyalty has transferred over to Orphan Black. And the fans are passionate, and I'm thankful for that passion. And I hope that people dig Shay.

What similarities do Kzeni, Peggy, and Shay share?

Good senses of style, in their own ways.

Hi Ksenia! What's your most favorite meal?

Breakfast!

Are you team Shaysima or Cophine??

I can't pick! Because obviously I have a biased opinion!

But being a fan of the show... I definitely love Delphine and Cosima together, because of how much they genuinely love each other.

Are there any similarities or differences to the character Shay and to you in real life?

We both have a love for yoga.

What is your favorite consumable liquid?

If you could be any inanimate object or monument what would you be? Why?

Tequila!

I would the Trevi Fountain in Rome.