Although we had been following one another less than a week, I knew I had to have her story. Actors are fun to interview because you never know where the conversation ‘Leeds’ to. And this one would do just that.

I explained my format and reasons for my actions on social media. Then, I asked her for the interview. She replied, “Sure.”

Too short, too quick I though pondering her reply. But then came this. “Sounds like fun. Sorry I was in the gym when I saw the message. Done now so more than one-word ha-ha.”

With that said to my friends across the pond, here in the states and around the world lets…

Meet:

Louisa Maude

Actress and Artist

Meet: Louisa Maude

Where are you originally from?

I am from Leeds in the North of England a born and bred Yorkshire lass.

I have lived in a few different cities over the years. But always come back to my roots, what can I say? The weather is dreadful but it’s home and has all the people I love in one place. 

Brothers/ sisters?

I was an only child until I was nineteen years old! … Yep, that’s right 19! My Mum had me when she was a slip of a girl at just seventeen. Then had my lovely little sister Keira at thirty-seven to her second husband.

Keira, always said she got told off twice for everything. Ha-ha!

What was your childhood like?

As a child I was very chatty and outgoing, always singing and dancing, probably annoyingly precocious.

I always loved to dress up and “pretend games.” I would pretend to be a Princess, pretend to be a film star … Pretend to be Miss World was my favorite. My poor mother had to play it on repeat when I was six or seven.

I started acting in middle school when I was around 10 or so. My teacher realized that I was very good at learning lines and copying accents.

I was star in the school play that year and that was that I decided I loved it.

In my teenage years acting, I had to compete with boys! But I was always involved in amateur dramatics one way or another. Even if I spent more time out with friends than on the stage.

Career

I wanted to be an actress. But with a single Mum with very little money in the home I knew I would never have the opportunity. Acting wasn’t considered a proper job in my house. So, I went off to college to be a nursery teacher (Kindergarten).

I love small children and wanted to teach. I did this for twenty-one years and loved every minute of it.

Favorite Subjects

The subjects I enjoyed in school were Art and drama obviously. I still paint to this day and sell my work in the UK. English literature and French language, all of which I was good at and got A’s on my exams.

I was less interested in the sciences and math. Or “maths” as we call it over here. I scraped by with a C and don’t think I even went to the science exams.

Did you go to college/university? Where? Degree(s)?  

I went to college and completed the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) nursery nursing course. Then on to polytechnic to finish my teaching course.

Acting school? Where? How did you like it?

A few years ago, I retrained by going to the Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting. I had always thought about it and eventually decided you only live once. If I didn’t do it, I would always regret it.

It’s the best thing I have ever done. A total joy for me from start to finish. I really immersed myself in the various acting techniques and learning about the industry. I was actually sad to graduate! But was thrilled to win Best Actress for the ten-year anniversary.

Tell us a bit about your family life. Married? Children?

I have been married to my husband for thirty years. We have one daughter, Elle, who is 28 and just lovely.

Currently?

I have just completed a national stage tour where I performed in the west end of London. Which was a real bucket list moment.

Favorite TV shows and preferred music genre?

I love all kinds of films from romantic comedies to period drama. right through to horror. My husband and myself watch about four or five films a week, if we are not too busy. We love movie night, and it gives me a chance to dissect the acting too!

I don’t get much time to watch very much TV unless I’m ill. Then I can watch Friends on repeat and laugh at the same lines repeatedly. It just cheers me up.

I constantly listen to music in the car, when I’m cooking, cleaning etc. I have quite an eclectic music taste. I love pop, all the latest top 40 hits, a little bit of country. Plus, bands like the Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon and I may be the oldest Swiftie!

If a movie were made of your life, who would you want to play you as a child? Then as an adult and why?

Ooh this one is hard.

If a movie was made of my life …… Emily Blunt. Or maybe Sandra Bullock but she would have to learn a Yorkshire accent ha-ha. As a child I really don’t know. Someone with very curly hair as mine is naturally curly, my nickname as a kid was Shirley (as in Temple),

How supportive is your family?

My family are very supportive of my emerging career. While my daughter and sister are my biggest cheerleaders, I’m very lucky.

What or who led you to acting?

            I think my whole personality led me to acting from that very early age. I felt it inside. I know that that sounds quite ridiculous, but I don’t know how else to explain it really. 

I have a good memory for line learning. My husband always marvels at how quickly I pick them up. And I have a good ear for picking up accents too. 

Any awards to go with that nomination and win I shared on Instagram’s Stories?

I recently won an industry best monologue award which was judged by two top UK Casting Directors. It was great exposure for me and is always nice to be chosen as the winner at anything!

I also have a small role in a short film. It is nominated in the Short Action Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. That’s just crazy to me but amazing in equal measure.

What are auditions like?

Auditions can be nerve racking. I always try to remember the people in the room are just human like me. And they actually want you to do well.

I go in and try to relax and be myself. I’m always polite and punctual then do the job in there and thank everyone for their time. That’s really all you can do. It’s a tough, over-saturated industry so you can’t take the knock backs too seriously. You have to let it go and move on. 

What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.

What becomes the hardest part of filming?

The hardest part of filming is waiting around. The whole process takes time. There’s a lot of hanging around while the crew sets up and adjust shots etc. You may film all day and get just two-three minutes of footage. It’s very time consuming.

And what do you enjoy most about filming?

The good thing is that you can do various takes. This makes sure the editor has options in the cutting room. which means you can do the same scene a few different ways which is always great as an actor. 

Theater

Theater is so instant you have that immediate connection and feedback from the live audience. But of course, there’s no cutting and starting over. You have to bring your A game the minute you walk on to the stage.

What’s the biggest role you’ve landed?  

I hope my biggest role is yet to come fingers crossed.

I have been very lucky so far to play varied roles and I have enjoyed all of them. I love the preparation for a role and immersing yourself in that life.

The National tour that I have just finished was a great role of a woman who suffered from domestic abuse. It was a fabulous part but very demanding.

What do you do beforehand to get into the role?

A lot of research and work goes into building a believable well-rounded character. You always want them to be complex and not just one dimensional.

I use various different techniques to approach a role. I build them all together until I feel I know this person like I know myself.

Are there any bloopers you’d like to share?

Unfortunately, my bloopers all have swear words in them! 

Do you prefer actor or actress?

I don’t mind being called an actress. I know the industry is changing and many women prefer actor, but I don’t mind how I’m addressed. I’m just happy to have the title whichever one is used.

First thing that comes to mind

1. Hollywood 

Oscars 

2. Favorite actor and actress 

Jodie Comer and Olivia Coleman

3. American Politics 

Oh dear! Hmm at the moment I’m glad I’m not from the US I’m afraid

4. Favorite Vacation Spot and why

So many! I love Italy, the Caribbean, although you really can’t beat Europe in the summer. We are very lucky to be just a couple of hours away from so many different countries.

Why did you follow me and what is it about my social media platform that you like?

As an actor I am innately interested in people. All kinds of people from various places and backgrounds. Connecting and meeting new people, finding out what makes them tick. And their stories are one of my favorite pastimes.

I read a few of your interviews and thought they were insightful so here we are!

Writers Note

I’ve done quite a few of these interviews so far. From screen writers to actors and all other occupations in between. So many touched my heart in one way or another with a personal connection.

Louisa and I had no connection beforehand. But you know what? It is just as special. As I was able to step out of realm of friendships and healing to one of sheer joy. And that’s where this ‘Leeds’ us to. To the happiness of getting to know a talented individual a quarter way around the world.

Louisa, your interview was a pure joy to write and by far the easiest. Your kindness and responses to my questions were unbelievable. They flowed like a well written script with few extra takes. Your story is equally amazing. And I wish you, and everyone involved in the film ‘Hamdardi’ well at the Academy Awards next year.

Thank you, my new friend, for your time and efforts for making this all possible!

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