Among the multitude of horror films typically tied to Halloween, there's been a noticeable absence of Thanksgiving-themed ones—until now. The tradition of horror films set around Halloween has shifted course with the arrival of the movie "Thanksgiving." Karen Cliche, portraying Kathleen in the film, masterfully embraces themes of gratitude with horror, evoking both fear and an insatiable desire for more from audiences. Balancing her roles as a single mother and actress, Karen Cliche not only takes on challenging characters but also actively engages in humanitarian efforts, collaborating with organizations like the World Wildlife Foundation, and World Vision, and dedicating her time to volunteering at women's shelters. Keep reading to learn more about Karen Cliche’s humanitarian work and journey as an actress.

Where are you based?
I now live in Ottawa Canada. We moved here from Toronto to be close to my family for help with my daughter when I work.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
I always wanted to be an actress. It’s the only real dream I have had since I was a kid. I also always felt a little “outside the box” in my personality and the way I saw life, so I knew I would probably have an unconventional career if I didn’t pursue it. I love this industry — we are all a bunch of misfits in a certain way, free spirits, and I love being around people like this. Not to mention how funny most people are in this business, so many laughs.

Congratulations on the release of your film, “Thanksgiving.” Can you tell us more about the movie?
Thank you, we are so happy! Thanksgiving is based on a fake trailer that Eli Roth made for Quentin Tarantino’s “Grindhouse” 16 yrs ago and is now a full-length feature filled with everything horror fans love, but also has reached a wider audience as well. Basically, there is a revenge killer on the loose in a small town on Thanksgiving, and so you are trying to figure out who it is between all the jump scares. It is lots of fun!

What are your thoughts on a Thanksgiving horror film?
There isn’t a horror film for this holiday, and now people who felt the lull after all the scary Halloween movies can get their fix!

You have been in Saw VI and other horror films. What attracts you to the horror genre? Have you always loved horror movies?
I don’t necessarily LOVE horror, it isn’t my favorite genre to watch, but definitely love acting in horror films. I get to push my emotions and physicality to the limit and that is so satisfying as an actor. I love the feedback from fans too — hearing how intensely they felt watching it.

You have worked on various movies over the years. What advice would you give to aspiring actors/actresses?
As a foundation, I say keep a part of yourself grounded and separate from the business. It can get very intense, time consuming, and emotionally draining so you have to have other things that keep you centered. Also, to not take things too personally. All the auditions you don’t get aren’t about YOU necessarily, so you have to look at it as doing your best every time and letting it go. Having faith that the right role will come and maintaining a positive attitude throughout.

After having your daughter, you stepped away from the spotlight. What prompted you to resume acting?
I was asked to start teaching acting during Covid, and although I was doing maybe one or two film projects a year casually, I wasn’t really “back”. Then when I started teaching, I fell in love with acting all over again. I realized I was ready to get back out there and perform more on a regular basis, and also realized I had so much more to offer now that I was older and had so much life experience and had been broken open in many ways. So, I was excited to test all that out!

We love how you have been consistently volunteering at women’s shelters since you were 18. Can you tell us about this work and why it is important to you?
I grew up in domestic violence so I see it as a gift in many ways that I can relate to that and have the empathy and happy outcome to share with other women in the same situation. My mom left a different continent with two teenage girls and very little money, and we built a whole new amazing life thanks to her. So, I know what’s on the other side of domestic violence and am devoted to helping provide safety to women and children in that situation. Every human being deserves to be free from violence and control.

What are some common misconceptions people have about shelters that you would like to address?
It often feels like a hopeless situation because so many women go back to their abusers. It is very hard to leave and then stay gone. The women often have no money or family and ironically the abusers are their only person for that. Shelters are also temporary, so when their time ends, they have nowhere to go. I volunteer at a second stage women’s shelter, so they stay longer there and are able to build a foundation, get a job, and have childcare provided. If there were more of those around, women could actually start a proper solid life.

We heard that you sponsor two girls through World Vision of 10 years in high sex trafficking countries. What drew you to sponsor these girls? What does it mean to sponsor them?
Yes, I did sponsor two girls for about 10 years until they and their families became self-sufficient which was such a beautiful thing to know. I chose the Philippines and Thailand for their high sex tourism industry, so knowing I at least had two girls there who could continue school and not be victim to that, I felt better. I wish I could sponsor them all!

Finally, we love that you work with the World Wildlife Foundation, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and some local humane societies. Can you tell us a bit about your work with these organizations?
I absolutely adore animals. In another lifetime, I would work with animals in some capacity. I feel super connected to them and really do feel their souls. Yes, that sounds kooky, but it’s true. I always have at least two cats and they really feel like my other children. Few things sicken me more than animal abuse and so if I can help save them in any way from that, then I will. Those organizations are amazing.

As a single mother, actress, and passionate humanitarian, how do you efficiently manage your time?
I am new to the single mother ( shared custody) thing now, but my daughter is almost 14 and more self-sufficient so this helps with splitting my time. I was totally immersed in full time motherhood for years that now I am learning the balance and management of guilt for finally starting to live for myself again. I think the best thing you can do for your kids is to be happy and authentic. I have lots of energy and passion for life so I can juggle many things at once. I really see life and health as a privilege and never want to take that for granted.

Are there any dream roles you would love to play someday?
I am dying to do another action role. It has been years, but I am sure with a little extra stretching and warming up I can get back there lol! I also would love to do more comedy. Maybe even SNL one day :)

What are you hoping for in 2024?
2023 was such a crazy year of shedding an old life and identity and then the fast and furious rebuilding of it, which is still in progress. I think 2024 will be less fragmented and more of a whole solid experience of who I am now. I think there will be less soul searching and more of a sureness of what I want in life and career. I really feel it will be a great year!!

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
I genuinely always have a lot of hope and excitement about life. I love mornings because I am so excited to see what the day will bring. I know it sounds super cheesy, but it’s true. I have seen how many different things and even careers I have had in my life and time as a mom, trying different things and just saying YES to everything. It gives me a lot of hope that you can truly make your life what you want it to be if you have the courage and drive to go for it.

What is your motto in life?
I have two tattoos on my arms — reminders I live by: “No Dress Rehearsal” (a lyric from a song) which always reminds me that life is one take… No rehearsal, this is it. Go for it! And “Anything Can Happen” good or bad, and know that life can change so fast, so live in the moment and have hope that magic can happen at any time, just keep going.

To learn more about Karen Cliche, follow the links below:
Instagram: @karencliche
Private coaching for actors: SkillsHub

Karen Cliche - The Haunting of Thanksgiving