Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Television viewers know Ian Harding as Ezra Fitz on Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars” — the role that won him seven Teen Choice Awards. With the release of his first book, “Odd Birds” (St. Martin’s Press, $25.99), he can also add author to his resume. In his collection of essays, Harding shares vignettes of his life in Hollywood, interspersed with tales about his hobby, bird-watching. Harding will next be seen in the indie film “Office Uprising.”
As the daughter of Kiss frontman Gene Simmons and former Playboy model Shannon Tweed, Sophie Simmons is no stranger to the limelight. Simmons, 24, appeared with her family on the A&E reality series, “Family Jewels,” auditioned on “X-Factor” and (along with Rebel) released a cover of “Kiss Me.” The Los Angeles-based host of Refinery 29’s “Body Image School” digital series and the face of Adore Me’s inclusive lingerie campaign, Simmons also advocates for child abuse victims with Sophie’s Place in Vancouver.
“Impastor” actor Michael Rosenbaum says, “I always remember going to New York for the holidays with the family. It was always hell, but there were a lot of good times. Just waking up at my grandmother Ruthy’s house in Long Island on Christmas morning and driving into a rarely empty Manhattan was pretty memorable. There’s nothing like New York during Christmastime — ice-skating, Central Park, hot chocolate, Macy’s, FAO Schwarz. I bought a fake Rolex on the street. It didn’t work then and it doesn’t now.”
“Entertainment Tonight” correspondent Cameron Mathison says that living in California makes it easy for his family to take mini vacations throughout the year. “We have so many options for an easy weekend getaway,” says the 46-year-old actor. “We have the ocean, mountain, forest and desert choices — all within a few hours.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Page Kennedy is based out of Los Angeles these days, though he has spent a good chunk of time filming in Canada. “I really like Canada,” says Kennedy, 38. “I was most recently in Vancouver in the summer filming ‘Backstrom.’ There’s so much to do. They had the Shakespeare Festival, which was a lot of fun. The water was beautiful and the architecture was really pretty. You don’t see buildings like that in Los Angeles.”
Born in Wales, Tom Ellis made a name for himself in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders.” The actor, 35, now stars as Dr. William Rush in the USA Network’s new medical drama, “Rush.” He calls London home, but is currently based out of Vancouver shooting his series. “Vancouver is such a beautiful city,” says Ellis. “It’s unreal. I love how it’s a city thoughtfully nestled within nature.”
Born in Calgary, Alberta, sisters Tegan Rain and Sara Keirsten Quin are better known as the musical duo of Tegan and Sara. The twins, 33, won three Juno Awards earlier this year in Canada for their work on their seventh studio album, “Heartthrob.” But the song that has helped earn them a new (and young!) fan base is “Everything is Awesome.” They recorded the infectiously catchy song for “The LEGO Movie.”
Best road trip ever for comic actor Seth Rogen? “When I was 16, my mom and I rented a car in Israel and drove around for a couple weeks. It was fun. I’m pretty easy maintenance, which is a good thing, since I have to travel so much for work.”
Billy Campbell stars as Darren Richmond on the AMC series “The Killing.” Born in Charlottesville, Va., the actor resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, and says he loves exploring Canada. “I go out to Vancouver Island, rent a cabin in Ucluelet, surf all day, then have dinner and a glass of wine by the fireplace in the big room at the Long Beach Lodge,” he says. “Vancouver is the city of my dreams. And at 52, I’m young enough to enjoy the outdoors, but old enough to enjoy me.” Campbell also has roles in the upcoming films “Fat Kid Rules the World” and “The Disappeared.”
Elinor Donahue enjoyed television success playing Robert Young’s eldest daughter Betty Anderson (also known as “Princess”) in the 1950s series “Father Knows Best.” The actress had a slew of fans that wanted to emulate her beauty, grace and character, but for the most part they let her be.