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Kevin Sinclair __ Can you share about your upbringing and how your childhood experiences have shaped who you are today?

Clara Rugaard __ I grew up in Denmark and moved to London at 16. A lot of my identity lies in my childhood there, and I find knowing that grounds me more and more the older I get. I’ve been so lucky to have had a very loving upbringing with an incredibly supportive family and amazing parents who have sacrificed a lot for their children. My family means the world to me, so they play a big part in the person I am today.

KS __ How do you find moments of relaxation and self-care amidst your schedule?

CR __ I think it's very easy to get swallowed up by the machine and forget to breathe in this digital, fast-moving age we live in. Ensuring you're staying in touch with yourself, checking in with your feelings, and listening to them isn't only self-care, but it's vital for one's happiness and overall mental health, especially in an industry like the one I'm in. I try to be honest with myself as much as possible and remind myself of what's truly important. Therapy, running, spending time in nature, and with people who deeply care about you are all methods that help me reconnect immensely.

KS __ What do you enjoy most about being away from the spotlight, and how do you maintain a sense of normalcy in your personal life?

CR __ It’s difficult for an actor to adjust back to normality when you’re not working. There’s a lot of rejection combined with the challenge that comes with living in these extremes. There’s a feeling of “I won’t be happy till I work again,” which is a dangerous mentality to fall into. Music has become a means for me to feel creatively fulfilled outside of working as an actor and has thus helped me find more of a balance when I’m out of work. Also, touching on what I mentioned above - I think taking yourself out of the hamster wheel as often as possible, surrounding yourself with people who are authentic, and reminding yourself of what truly matters is so important, while also being a way in which you learn to steer around and see through the pretense.

KS __ Is there a special place or activity that holds significant meaning for you and helps you recharge mentally and emotionally?

CR __ We have a “hyggelig” cottage (summerhouse) on the coast in the north of Zealand. It immediately lowers my heart rate, even thinking of going there. It’s surrounded by forest and ocean, and I always feel much better after spending time there.

KS __ As a public figure, how do you handle the balance between protecting your privacy and connecting with your fans?

CR __ Well, I’m grateful that I don’t really have to worry about having my privacy encroached upon at this stage in my career. There’s an enormous pressure to be likable and grateful in this industry, which isn’t conducive to good work or mental health. I really just want to be creating meaningful work and maintaining as normal an existence as possible.

KS __ Are there any hobbies or pastimes that bring you joy and help you unwind when you’re not working?

CR __ Exercise is definitely a vital part of my life. It never fails to cheer me up after I’ve been on a run or done a workout class. But music is progressively becoming more and more of a savior for me. Whether that’s sitting down and listening to it or picking up my guitar and trying to create something, there is nothing I can completely lose myself in more.

KS __ How has your personal creativity outside of acting influenced your perspective and approach to your craft?

CR __ I think having something outside of acting helps bring a healthier perspective to the craft but also minimizes the desperation to book a job. The reality is we have such little control over our own destinies as actors that finding that sense of power outside of acting becomes necessary. That’s why so many actors write their own stuff! I think the lack of control is probably the most challenging part of this job, and I am far from knowing the answer, but diving into other mediums or ways of creative expression seems to be helping me a lot right now.

KS __ Can you share a memorable experience or adventure you’ve had during your downtime that left a lasting impression on you?

CR __ I recently walked across Cornwall along an ancient route, it took two days, and I carried everything I needed on my back. It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like that. It was so life-affirming knowing that all those trees and birds don’t care about any of the bullshit we fill our heads with daily [laughs]. It’s something I want to be doing a lot more.

KS __ What are the core values that guide your life decisions, and how have they evolved over time?

CR __ “Trusting your gut” is a big one for me. I’ve spent much of my life ignoring it, and now I know that won’t serve me. Actively listening to it is looking after yourself. I also believe “what’s meant for you won’t pass you.”

KS __ In moments of uncertainty or adversity, how do you stay true to yourself and maintain a positive outlook?

CR __ This industry is full of uncertainty and adversity; staying true to yourself is the only real way to survive. So, taking care of your body and mind is key, and spending time with people who lift and inspire you is essential. I saw an episode of Actors on Actors where Viola Davis and Jennifer Lawrence were talking about how “the business is the biggest hindrance to the craft,” and I think that rings true. The capitalist mentality of the business is and has always been counterproductive to the art. This is why the strikes that are ongoing at the moment are so critical.

KS __ Have you found any particular books, movies, or other sources of inspiration that have helped you navigate challenging times?

CR __ I generally try to surround myself with as much authenticity as possible, be that the content I consume or the people I surround myself with. The book I’ve been talking about the most recently has been Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I didn’t know what to expect going in and it was just such a powerful and empowering read. I definitely carry a little piece of it with me now. I also love listening to podcasts. I recently listened to a very inspiring Ethan Hawke interview on ‘smartless’, which is worth a listen!

KS __ How has the recent situation in Hollywood impacted your perspective on life and the things that truly matter to you?

CR __ I think it’s finally validating what everyone has been feeling for a long time. Change needs to happen in order for the art to survive, and I stand proudly in solidarity with SAG AFTRA and the WGA.