By Bonnie Siegler
Kathleen Robertson is being pulled in more directions than a loose-fitting diaper: acting, writing, motherhood, marriage.
tv But after the birth of her 18-month-old son, Robertson’s body told her to be gentle with herself and stop putting the pedal to the metal. The new addition to an established family that already included nine-year-old son William, the Canadian native says that part of her personal maturation process has been the introduction of a new life survival guide.
“If my body is telling me something just isn’t right, I need to listen to that. Take a step back, listen and trust yourself. I don’t run, run, run ragged anymore. Now I take the time to care for myself and slow down. If you have a horse and work it really hard, that horse isn’t going to take care of you. So I now not only take care of my body but my mind too.”
She doesn’t seek out fad diets or the newest and craziest workout to keep her figure in check. Each day the former dancer begins with a good strong cup of coffee and a green smoothie. “In my dream breakfast, I’ll have a chocolate croissant, but that dream doesn’t happen often.”
Personal Survival Strategy
Currently filming the anticipated Netflix/CBC family drama Northern Rescue in Ontario, Canada while writing the Amazon Studios screen adaptation Little Bee for Julia Roberts, the multi-hyphenate has earned the right to enact a personal survival strategy. Part of that is her nightly bath, supplemented with Saje bath swishes that contain an inspirational wish inside.
“Last night my little message was `integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching’. I keep all of them.”
The 45-year-old confesses to a lifelong dedication to bath products. “Bath salts, bath oils, scrubs – I have 100 different products around. But the Saje bath products are something my mom introduced to me as a birthday gift. I love the lavender and eucalyptus scents – herbal, medicinal ones as opposed to flowery. That’s just not me.”
Robertson says sleepless nights have come to an end with her little one finally snoozing through the night. And that’s good for the woman who enjoys a good 10 hours of slumber. “I love to sleep – it’s never an issue for me.”
Staying Grounded
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Robertson has been creating memorable and distinctive characters, launching her career on Maniac Mansion for famed producer George Lucas. TV and big screen projects continued to catapult her into the bright lights of Hollywood: as Hildy Mulligan in the drama series Murder in the First, Jodi Morgan in Emmy nominated Bates Motel and as Colleen Howe in Mr. Hockey, for which she received a Leo Award for her performance – just to name a few. Yet Robertson has stayed grounded with the aid of yoga, stretching and meditation, cornerstones to her peace and creativity.
“I love the outdoors and have never been a gym person. For me, it’s very relaxing to connect with nature on a hike”, which she does regularly when back in her Hollywood Hills home.
“It’s quite beautiful there, considering we’re right in the middle of Hollywood.”
While filming over the summer in Canada, the Robertson clan bunked down in a house right on the water. “So I kayaked and did outdoor activities that I wouldn’t have access to living in the Hollywood Hills.”
The three-time Canadian Screen Award nominee takes her professions all in stride. She readily confesses that acting is really out of her comfort zone and she prefers a much simpler lifestyle.
“I hate to wear makeup, I don’t enjoy wearing designer clothing, and would rather be going for a walk or hike”, she says, beginning to tick off her a list of activities in and out of her comfort zone.
“I don’t like photo shoots and really don’t like to be looked at. I love the acting part itself but I feel embarrassed by even posting a photo of myself on Instagram.”
Now don’t rush to your computer and look up her Instagram account because it’s private and blocked. “Being a writer is when I work in my sweat pants, wear my glasses and can be my introverted self.”
Life Balance
Balancing her professional life with her personal life can sometimes leave little time for Robertson’s favourite massage sessions, which have dwindled from weekly to bi-monthly. Yet she still manages to experience tranquil moments throughout her day.
“I love tea and a good green mate tea is soothing. It’s hard to turn my brain off because it’s always going but sipping tea helps calm me.”
Still, Robertson insists she’s quite happy in her lot in life being a lesser-known Hollywood actress and successful writer. What really empowers her as a woman of today is “my brain”, she readily says.
“As I’ve gotten older and become a more successful writer, I have more ability to focus on my writing. It’s changed my perception on everything. Today, there’s so much pressure on women to look a certain way, to present themselves in a certain way – especially for young girls. I feel our society is going back to the ‘60s in what is expected of women’s looks. Now it’s become so hyped that there’s no reality in the business anymore. Everyone needs to take a breath and slow down.”
Being an accomplished writer, what would she title her autobiography? “Lifelike,” she muses. How simply appropriate.
Viva’s Los Angeles, California-based Entertainment Director Bonnie Siegler has been covering the celebrity circuit former than 15 years. Her resume includes two books that combine her knowledge of celebrity living, entertaining and her unique sense of style. Siegler has contributed to magazines including Elle, InStyle, and Shape and has appeared on entertainment news shows Extra and Inside Edition.
