Rising Starlet: Parisa Fakhri

Undeniably beautiful with an effusive exotic appeal, PARISA FAKHRI warrants an outpouring of fondness no matter where we spot her. Many will be able to display their affection since she’s actually at SXSW promoting her film “Good Night” which is yet another interesting take on mortality. This tells the shifting of emotions at a birthday party after a revelation of a possible demise from the birthday girl herself. While Parisa has been active on TV, appearing in popular shows such as “Suburgatory”, “Make It Or Break It” and “Castle”, she’s just as admirable on the indie scene as well as on the web. That’s 3 platforms where viewers can appreciate the wonders of the vivacious PARISA. Add to that, she has been the voice behind Bra/Bulla in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT.

Of Iranian descent, Dallas native PARISA has a luminosity about her, what with her olive skin being so fetching. Onscreen, she can be subtle and she can also be engagingly forthright which bodes well for her future ahead in the industry. Count ourselves lucky to see the fantastic women such as PARISA being unveiled to adoring eyes at film festivals around the world and I can only hope this would happen in Asia soon. Meanwhile let’s appreciate what she has given us via the roles she has essayed so pleasingly…:)

Euro Vixen: Renée Fokker

With the date 11-11-11 being a primary phenomenon this year, I’m following its lead by featuring Renée Fokker, the first ever Dutch actress on the Actress Obsession Blog. Her appearances in the explicit Cannes selection “Code Blue” as well as the much vaunted thriller “Loft” have introduced her to a worldwide audience. She currently stars as Chief of Serious Crime Department in Amsterdam on the TV series “Hart-Tegen-Hard” (aka Hard against Heart) and while it has been compared to the popular “Castle”, the show has something “Castle” does not; A sexy, take charge police commander Trudy van Veen played by the voluptuously beguiling Renée. As one can see, she is endowed with an authentic, sensual nature and she more than expresses feminine sexual liberation in the raunchy “LelleBelle” as the mother of a young girl whose is discovering her carnal knowledge. Oh, her character also happens to be a teacher who educates couples on the fine art of erotic copulation and even quotes the Kamasutra. The honest direction the drama takes is not one of exploitation rather the laying bare of irrepressible pubescent desires and a flirtatious yet sensitive interpretation from Renée makes it all the more rousing. Having watched “Cat Run” recently, I have to say European cinema can get away with pretty much anything (i.e. full-frontal nudity, penetration) where other markets may fear to thread and “LelleBelle” is unequivocal in its explicitness.

While the US has the gifted yet under-rated screen siren Patricia Clarkson, the Netherlands can count Renée Fokker as one of it’s visually stimulating stars. Actually, Patricia has even reprized the award-winning role Renée made famous in “Blind Date” directed by controversial filmmaker Theo van Gogh and it’s clear both have an immensely, engaging sultriness. Whether she’s arthouse or TV Darling, here’s an actress at her peak and we can anticipate more strong performances from the gorgeous Renée.

Hot TV Vixen: Amy Stewart

Touted as being an engaging funnywoman who has distinguished herself in a myriad of TV Shows, AMY STEWART is just as enigmatic in darker fare. In the recent episode “Rebel Without A Pause” from the drama series “Rizzoli & Isles”, she’s thrust into the challenging persona of a rape victim whose offspring from that heinous act seeks revenge on the perpetrator, a respected professor. AMY’s strong features excellently fleshes out the furrowed lines of a painful past etched on the face of her character. Putting a tough affront, the woman with a bitter trauma she much rather see stay hidden is agonizingly authentic in the capable hands of the gifted AMY. Playing against type can so often yield warm approval for any actress. While she’s provided hours of pleasure in comedic turns on “Desperate Housewives” and “Las Vegas”, it was “Monkey Love” opposite Jeremy Renner that initially got everyone noticing how natural she is in fun roles. Can’t wait for AMY to dive into some boisterous screwball comedy after her emotionally invested stint on “Rizzoli & Isles”.

Have a look at her reel at the AMY STEWART OFFICIAL SITE to see her get under the skin of varying guises on some of the hottest shows on television. Her beautiful expressive eyes is the foundation from which she builds an assortment of emotions onscreen, varying the depth of each captivating performance. There’s plenty to suggest that AMY is on the right track to becoming TV’s Sweetheart as she has an innate charm that’s genuinely interesting and likable.

Sexy Siren: René Ashton

RENÉ ASHTON is a lady with one of the best smiles in the industry and you’ll probably fall in lust with her when you catch her in “Milf Money” premiering at ITVFest on August 5th 2011. She joins a sensual cast comprising Missi Pyle, Deena Dill as well as foxy sweethearts Dru Mouser and Angela Landis both of whom I now call friends in addition to being their fan. They play single ladies resorting to the world’s oldest profession, i.e. prostitution to get themselves out of the quagmire of hapless circumstance. Haven’t you notice that there’s been a rash of handjob scenes over the past week on TV as well as on the web. On Mary-Louise Parker’s opus “Weeds” just last week, we saw two female masseurs giving hand relief to a duo of guys under their towels in a rather racy scene. On the other hand (no pun intended), as the desperate Meg, her version of a tug job in “Milf Money” involves a more endearing degree of humor (as shown in the trailer above). René is a natural comedienne and has written a not-to-be missed indie comedy that hits the funny mark and already on the radar of various film festivals. She did prove to be the heart of hilarity in “Be My Baby” which also stars perennial cutie Lacey Charbet. As a scorned woman out for revenge on unsuspecting married men, she devises an ingenious con and gets rewarded handsomely for it…that it until she falls in love and things go awry in a hurry!

On the television front, René has regularly appeared in a number of hit shows such as “Big Love”, “Dexter” as well as “Rules Of Engagement” and right up to a recent stint on Season 3 of “Castle”. One can sense how vivacious of a person René is and at the rate she’s going, her bubbly demeanor is bound for constant adoration by the viewing public. Here’s one very attractive talent who has earned the tag of one of entertainment’s likable actress.

Canadian Vixen: Carrie Genzel

Make sure you tune in to “Femme Fatales” this coming Friday as Bewitching CARRIE GENZEL dons the white coat as a radical doctor in the episode “The Clinic”. CARRIE GENZEL is all business-like efficiency as Dr. Marlowe who dabbles in experimental medicine and has an air of menace about her. It remains to be seen if she’s the villain of the piece but it’s certain she’s going to add plenty of dynamism. Her track record on TV is exceptional, often portraying beautiful women with strength in shows such as “Castle”, “FlashForward” and “Kyle XY”. She’s also a soap star best remembered as perennial meddler Skye Chandler on “All My Children” as well as a sitcom actress, delivering the funny as Trophy wife Ashley Hill on comedy series “Under One Roof”. With so many polished performances, the distinctively divine CARRIE has entrenched herself as a most Beguiling Talent. After all, CARRIE has often been exalted as a Classic Beauty and yet again she’s another gorgeous actress who can pull off the Pixie Hairdo with comely elegance. Her attractively fair complexion certainly accentuates the variety of eye-catching hairstyles she wears.

On the film front, she was Mrs Check, the mother of Sex Bomb turn demoness Jennifer (Megan Fox) in “Jennifer’s Body” and exuded sophistication as Jackie Kennedy in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. In her own words, she tends to play ‘The Ball Buster’ ever so often, one of many diverse characters she’s embodied through the years. Full of different flavors on screen, I’m drumming up my support for this enigmatic lady. Her accomplished track record on TV/Film has to be admired as much as her down-to-earth personality and she’s been ever so nice to an overseas fan like me. It’s true that Canadian Hotties are natural charmers and Miss CARRIE GENZEL is a prime example of grace and star quality.

Exclusive Interview With Sexy Siren Jasi Cotton Lanier

Her movie star looks complete with luscious blue eyes and a drop-dead gorgeous figure clearly affirms actress/stuntwoman JASI COTTON LANIER as one of the sexiest ladies on this planet! She’s also a highly sought after pin-up model ever since her bikini days having captivated in a variety of mediums. JASI has doubled for Jennette McCurdy on “iCarly” as well as “SAW” alum Shawnee Smith in some gnarly fight scenes and is currently doing stunt work on television in popular shows “The Mentalist” and “Castle”. Unfazed by the dangers she faces on a daily basis, the commitment she shows to her craft is thrillingly stellar.

Besides her obvious sex appeal and physical allure, JASI has accumulated many a fan thanks to her gregarious nature. After I approached her for this interview, she kindly reciprocated by answering them in full even with her busy filming schedule. Here JASI gives us a taste of her exciting endeavors by telling us why she’s a whiz at fire eating and how she once “Punked” an actor by making him think she was injured for real!

Find out more about this accomplished performer at the JASI LANIER OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

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10 QUESTIONS WITH RAVISHING JASI COTTON LANIER

1. How tough is it to be a stunt performer and has there been due recognition for the work that you do?

A: It is a very tough but rewarding job. I really love what I do.

2. What are your daily rituals to keep in shape and is there any special diet involved?

A: Well I train in kung fu, kickboxing, tai chi and gymnastics. I do lots of abs/ core, kicks, and squats. I use hand weights. I also incorporate some plyometrics to my workout.
I keep an active lifestyle, which is easy to do here in Los Angeles. I love to roller skate, hike, rock climb, hula-hoop, do yoga and always down to try a new fitness class.

I in general eat clean. My general diet in high protein, low carb/sugar but I allow for a few cheat meals unless I am dieting down for a shoot. I drink lots of water and have good supplements (Superfoods, amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids etc.) I don’t eat processed foods, smoke, or do drugs.

3. Which actresses have you doubled for and can you tell us one memorable experience?

A: I have doubled for Jennette McCurdy on iCarly, Rachel Harris, Shannon Woodward on Raising Hope, Shawnee Smith to name a few. In the movie Insanitarium, I was one of the zombies that were attacking some of the main actors; I had to jump on Jesse Metcalf’s back, get thrown around and such. At one point, one of the main actors had to slam me around in the cafeteria and push me to the ground. The actor (male) was nervous about really going for it. The director and stunt coordinator told him “ don’t hold back. She is a stuntgirl. Really throw her down.”

So we go to do a take and he really goes for it and I “sell out” (make myself look like I hit the ground very hard and am really hurt.) The director yells, “ Cut.” And whispers to me to stay down like I got hurt for real. So I lie on the ground, groaning like I am in pain. The actor started to look scared and freak out thinking he had hurt a girl. We had him going for a bit and then I popped up unharmed and the whole crew had a good laugh about it. Needless to say, the actor was relieved that he didn’t hurt me.

4. Stuntwork can be hazardous as a Taiwanese singer was badly burnt on set and Natalie Mendoza suffered a concussion during the Broadway production of Spiderman. Has there been any near misses for you?

A: I’ve been in some hairy situations but have been lucky to only have had some stitches, small burns, scraps and bruises thus far.

5. You were Scream Queen of the month in June 2002 which is amazing! What do you like best about being a horror actress?

A: I actually haven’t “ Acted “ in a horror film in years but have got to do stunts in many over the past 5 years. I love horror films. There are so many fun characters and creatures to play.

6. Having been in a substantial number of films, how has the landscape change for female performers and are there better opportunities now?

A: I’m a SAG Stuntwoman/ actress.

As far as mainstream, it is getting better but we still have a long way to go. I’d love to see more character and action roles for women, not just a token one or two. Also we still only get about 5% of the stunt jobs, so I would love to see women progress in that realm as well.

Women need to continue to up their skills as stunt performers and get into more coordinating/ 2nd unit directing positions for that to change. For acting, women have to continue to write, produce and direct more. Take the initiative.

7. I read that you were a fire performer. Will you be able to divulge a little on the secrets of fire eating?

A: There are no secrets. It is based on science. Manipulating the fire by the shape of your mouth or cutting off the air to the torch. It is very dangerous but I have been eating fire for 15 years so it is like second nature to me.

8. Thanks to your Russian roots and the fact that you were in a bikini contest, you’re one of the most alluring women in the industry but in your opinion, what really defines sexiness?

A: Confidence, I believe is what makes someone sexy. Sexiness is something that exudes from the inside out. That and being comfortable in your skin, not only physically but the root of who you are as a person.

9. What would be your dream role and which actor would you want to star with?

A: My dream role would be getting to play a lead heroine or villain in a martial arts action film. I would love to star with Michelle Yeoh. It would be dreamy to do a fight scene with her.

As far as stunts, I have always wanted to flip a car. I definitely hope to progress into car stunts as I continue my career

10. Finally, how ferocious is Jasi Cotton Lanier and can she really give us a good belting on or off camera?

A: I am not really ferocious but on camera I can be very convincingly tough. Off camera, well, lets just say I can defend myself if needed. J

Hot Actress #497 – Charlene Amoia: Sizzling Cutie

Welcome to the world of sumptuous CHARLENE AMOIA! She’s the gorgeous trailblazer on TV Land and thanks to a FACEBOOK acquaintance who so kindly mentioned CHARLENE as a rising star, I myself got the golden opportunity to befriend her too. This elegant young lady is famed for her recurring role as the clingy Wendy The Waitress who has a fixation for Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) on the hit sitcom “How I Met Your Mother”. Charlene has thus far been ever present on television with recent stints on “Glee”, “NCIS: Los Angeles”,”Castle”,etc…….likely making her as addictive as the very shows she’s in. Her versatility is first-class, essaying everything from love-struck girlfriend, probable squeeze for heartthrob Matthew Morrison’s Will Schuester (he has a thing for nurses) and her latest as an obnoxious woman who treats Emmy Rossum with disdain in “Shameless”. It has to be said that the lovable actress has quickly struck a chord with viewers who are ceaseless in their adoration for this vivacious starlet. Unquestionably CHARLENE’s penchant for imbuing her characters with accessible quirkiness has prevalently made her quite the rage. Check out the awesome REEL she recently posted (above) and you’ll be besotted in no time! With a smile that melt hearts, rest assured off set, CHARLENE is as good-natured as the sweet girl she is on “How I Met Your Mother”.

I think I’ve seen her flashing that endearing smile in every photo she’s in…such a bubbly spirit, CHARLENE’s Sweetheart Status is forever sealed..:) Her popularity has surged from strength to strength, initially starting out on soap opera “Port Charles” and now a much in-demand face on television. After all, she made IMDB’s Fresh Face Of The Week List which puts her in great standing. Sometimes an actress comes along, takes you breath away and continues to hold such fascination; I’m most certainly referring to Miss CHARLENE AMOIA..:)

Hot Actress #465 – Keiko Agena: Sizzling Cutie

For me, there’s always been two delectable reasons why “Gilmore Girls” was an instant TV Classic. Don’t get me wrong, Lauren Graham was impeccable throughout but it’s the twin charmers of KEIKO AGENA and Alexis Bledel that kept me hooked in its 7 year run. As Lane Kim and Rory Gilmore respectively, their witty quips and retorts were priceless as were their boundless adorable factor..:) I’m positive that fans have KEIKO in their hearts for giving Asians a strong presence on television in immortalizing one of the most endearing, recognizable characters ever seen. She certainly banished racial stereotypes in a hurry…kudos! It’s great that after “Gilmore Girls” ended, she returned to grace us with her radiant self in episodes of hit shows “Castle” and “House”. If you think that supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will be the only eye candy in “Transformers 3″, look closely as KEIKO is slated to feature in this massive blow-em up third installment. Let’s hope she’s allowed to inject her sagacious charisma into the blockbuster..:) Meanwhile keep up-to-date with this sweetie at the KEIKO AGENA OFFICIAL SITE.

On her profession, this irrepressible Japanese-American actress doesn’t perceive being Asian as a hindrance to a successful career, choosing instead to focus on how to better opportunities for herself and her contemporaries. Up till now I’m still in awe of how KEIKO (as LANE KIM) conjures those clever repartee sometimes at break-neck speed; Gilmore-isms that became such a consuming passion for couch potatoes. While she’s active on the theater scene as well as pursuing her artistic endeavors, we all secretly hope she top-lines her very own TV Series. I’m ecstatic that she replies to postings by fans on FACEBOOK whenever she can…what a darling so huge props to her!