Starring in COOKING UP CHRISTMAS, one of the three original holiday films the OWN network released during the Christmas season, Bailey Tippen is an actress, singer, and dancer that hopes to bring to light an exciting movie for the holiday season. A native of Atlanta, Georgia Bailey Tippen is known for the role of Astra Logue in CW’s “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and NBC’s “Constantine”, Kendra on Fox’s “Sleepy Hollow”, Naoimi on the Hallmark channel’s “The Watsons Go to Birmingham”, and Toosie on WGN America’s “Underground.” So happy she was able to bring some of the holiday spirit to Vulkan!
Do you recall the moment you knew you wanted to be part of the entertainment industry?
I loved studying tv characters when I was younger, I knew I wanted to be on the screens next. My mom introduced acting to me, and I fell in love with the craft. I would join local plays and recreate scenes with my family to showcase. After every performance I would feel the exhilaration, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I felt like I found my passion.
Tell us about COOKING UP CHRISTMAS your character, and what people can expect to see from you in the movie.
Cooking Up Christmas follows an Atlanta based chief who loses her job weeks before Christmas. She ends up taking a new job with a single dad baseball player who could use a live-in chief to help with Vanessa, Lindsey, and DJ during the holidays. Vanessa is a fiery character with a love for photography. She knows exactly what she wants in her life and is not afraid to achieve her goals. While on the pursuit of self-actualization she comes into acceptance with her past and strengthens the bonds around her.
How did you prepare to get into character? Did you face any sort of challenge in portraying your character?
Vanessa’s character is vastly different from mine, so I challenged myself to find a mutual connection somewhere between us. Looking over her background, talents, finding weaknesses, and strengths helped me tremendously. I was able to emphasize with her character and ultimately embody her persona. My goal was to ensure I was well familiar with her, from knowing her favorite music to understanding her mannerisms stemming from her childhood. I found Vanessa to not be as cold as she comes across, but simply misunderstood.
As an actress, what do you hope to accomplish the most? How is this show different / similar from other projects you’ve worked on?
As an actress, I aspire to see my portrayal of the character personally resonate with many people around the world and live on to influence the next generations of artist. I hope to one day start producing and directing too! Coming from a mainly drama background, it was fun to showcase the comedic side to me as well! Without a doubt the family dynamics in Cooking Up Christmas will keep the audience on the tip of their seats, entertained.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Working on Underground was a dream come true! The show emphasized a fight for freedom and equality and involved stories of people who changed the course of history. I used to watch it with my family and talk all about wanting to be on the show. A few months later I auditioned then landed my role as Tootsie in Season 2 working alongside the film giants Anthony Hemingway, Misha Green, John Legend, and Bokeem Woodbine. I appreciate their take in this film industry and learned so much from them. You can also watch Underground air Jan 5th, 2021 on the OWN channel!
As you are aware, Vulkan is a lifestyle and fashion magazine. Share with us what beauty means to you.
To me, beauty is daring to be bold — thinking outside the box, being bright, and constantly inspiring those around you with a radiance of gratitude.
What is a hidden talent of yours or something viewers may not know about you. While working on the set of Cooking Up Christmas my set teacher, Rachel, introduced me to ukulele. I enjoyed playing so much I had purchased my own. Since then, on my free time I’m practicing and always learning something new. A ukulele cover might soon be in the works!
Where can we find you on social media / online to keep tabs on your activities?
You can keep tabs on my activities via Instagram @baileytippen and find me on Facebook: Bailey Tippen
By Alex Marie
