As a young child, Hadar Cats was in every theatre production at her school and attended performing arts summer camps. These experiences were the springboard into the world of film and made her debut in Amazon Prime’s AKA Nadia & Incitement. In her latest film, My Dad’s Christmas Date, Hadar stars alongside Jeremy Piven in a heartwarming story revolving around love and family. Besides being a talented actress, Hadar has been competing as a professional Equestrian since she was seven years old and speaks three different languages. She is also an advocate for animal rights and works closely with The Freedom Farm Sanctuary. Check out our interview with Hadar Cats to learn more about her.

Where are you based?
I live in Rome, Italy but I travel a lot, especially to London.

What inspired you to get into acting?
I’ve always loved performing and it’s something I’ve done all my life. I was part of every theatre production at school and attended performing arts summer camps. I feel like performing accounts for a significant part of my personality, it’s just who I am.

Congratulations on your latest film, My Dad’s Christmas Date! What excited you about the film?
I loved ‘My Dad’s Christmas Date’ because it didn’t strike me as a typical, cliché Christmas film. I loved that it mirrored real life situations and struggles, and that it presented important tropes like grief, reconciliation, friendship, family and love, all the while maintaining some form of reality. I really appreciated it, as you don’t always get that in Christmas films.

You are also very passionate about horse riding. Can you tell us a little bit about this journey?
Of course! Horse riding is a huge passion of mine, I don’t know what I would do without it. I started riding when I was three years old, and I completely fell in love with it. I started competing in show jumping competitions when I was seven and at eleven, I competed in my first international competition. Since then I have participated in three European Championships and I still ride every single day.

Do you find your horses to be a therapeutic companion during these difficult times?
Definitely, riding is really something in which I find peace. I notice that if I can’t ride for a bit, while I’m on set or busy with school, that I get far more stressed. It’s the only time I have for myself, and there’s no better way to spend it than with my horses.

A lot of people have turned to animals to keep them safe during the lockdowns. How important do you think animals have been during the pandemic?
My animals were incredibly important for me during the lockdown. Being in Rome, the lockdown initially was very strict. We were in a complete lockdown for over three months so having my dogs at home was such a blessing and it was great to be able to spend so much time with them. Even though we weren’t able to ride right from the start, it was so nice to eventually be back in the saddle and with my horses.

Jejune loves that you use your platform to spread awareness of animal rights. Why is this cause something you’ve adamantly believed in from such a young age?
Definitely. Animals have been such a huge part of my life and animal rights are one of my core beliefs and values. I think when you’re dealing with animals, who don’t have a voice, and who can’t express their opinion, people take advantage of their silence and helplessness. I think it’s unforgivable and truly one of the greatest crimes.

Jejune admires how you use your free time to make a difference. Could you tell us a bit about The Freedom Farm Sanctuary in Israel you donate to? What made you decide to partner with them?
The Freedom Farm Sanctuary rescues disabled farm animals in Israel from the agriculture industry. They focus on rehabilitation and restoring their well-being, as well as instilling a sense of trust in humans. Their work is phenomenal and they do so many amazing things for animals who would otherwise never be given a chance to live.

Have you had any experiences or situations where your beliefs conflicted with your job on set?
No, everyone is always very supportive actually, I’ve never come across someone on set who wasn’t.

How are you staying positive during shelter in place?
I spend time with my animals, go to the gym and ride, which keeps me busy. I still go to school so that takes up a lot of my time too. I try to stay as busy as possible because that’s when I feel and perform my best.

What is your motto in life?
‘Eyes on the prize’

To learn more about Hadar Cats, please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram: @hadarcats
TikTok: @hadarcats

Freedom Farm Sanctuary’s:
https://www.freedom-farm.org.il/en/donate/
Instagram: @Freedom_farm_sanctuary

Team Credits:
Photographer: Luke Ayers Makeup: Lucinda Worth Styling: Natalie Read

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