STEAMY | I first crossed paths with Kate Siegel at NewFest. She was promoting her new indie-film “Steam” directed by Kyle Schickner and co-starring Ally Sheedy and Ruby Dee.
In the film, Kate plays Elizabeth, a young college student from a devoutly catholic family who is coming to terms with her sexuality—she likes girls. And though she’s the lesbian girl next door on screen, don’t be fooled. In person Kate exudes that ever-coveted star quality. She reminds me of a young Angelia Jolie. Not the carefully-coiffed Brangelina whom we’ve come to both love and loathe, but the Angelina of 1998’s “Play By Heart”—a young woman with fire in her eyes and an entire career ahead. Kate chatted with us from Tennessee where she is wrapping up a summer Shakespeare stint. What sets Kate Siegel apart from the bevy of existing Hollywood Kates? Here’s a clue. It’s all about the shoes. Or shocking lack thereof.
First off, we’re honored to have this opportunity. Let’s get started. BTW, great dress at NewFest. We’re very fashion conscious at homo-neurotic.
KATE—Thank you so much! And I am sorry this took so long. I have been in Tennessee where the mosquitoes and moon pies are plentiful but the Internet access is touch-and-go. The dress is by Stella & Jamie, a great boutique line that I love and try to wear to everything.
1 | At NewFest this summer you said you wanted to play the role of Elizabeth so badly that you stalked the director, Kyle Schickner. What about Elizabeth did you like so much?
I thought that Elizabeth reflected that place in life where the world starts expanding at such an incredible rate. So much of the path you end up on depends on the choices you make at that time. And she approached that challenge with such bravery, humor and innocence and an uncertain confidence that made her a little like Alice and this new-found sexually and life became Wonderland. The joy of that conflict really drew me to her.
