Photo by Jennings Paige

I’ve known Challen Cates for almost two decades now but until our interview last week the most I could tell you about her is that she is from Virginia, is a talented actress and as you can see in these amazing accompanying photographs taken by Jennings Paige – She Never Ages.  Just like the character Mrs. Knight she plays on Nickelodeon’s break out hit “Big Time Rush,” I’ve learned there is much more to Challen than meets the eye. Television Star? Yes. But she also proudly plays the real roles of wife, mother and advocate for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Oh, and she’s really funny too.

HMB: Looking at your body of work, I’d said your acting background is varied, some prime time TV guest spots, independent film roles, even producing. What attracted you to the role of Mrs. Knight?

CC:  I was actually watching a competing show and I said to my husband, ” I’d like to play the mom on a show like this,” et voila that’s exactly what happened.  Be careful what you wish for, right?!   I love comedy and I really love working on a broad comedy.  Mrs. Knight is such a cool and trusting mom and she’s a single mom.  I have an incredible amount of respect for single mothers so it is an honor to play one.

HMB: Did you have any hesitations about becoming a series regular or was it more like a dream come true?

CC: This really is a perfect job for me at this point in my life. It’s great that I am working on a show that shoots 15 minutes from my house and a show that my kids like to watch! However, I am an actor and as much as I love playing Mrs. Knight there are also other roles that I want to experience. I love playing against type. Anything that involves totally losing myself in a character that is a departure from me.

HMB: What process did you go through to get the role on “Big Time Rush?”

CC:  Besides the obvious sexual favors?  Just kidding.  Oddly enough, it happened through normal channels.  I didn’t know anyone involved with the project.  No nepotism.  I just auditioned and got the part.  As an actor, you go on so many auditions.  Sometimes you walk out of the room feeling great and sometimes not so great.  This time is just felt right.  I was completely at ease with the character, even though we have different backgrounds and lifestyles.  I think Mrs Knight and I approach life in much the same way–with a healthy sense of humor to get you through the day.

Challen Cates with Husband Aaron MacPherson, son Colton and daughter Jasper. Photo by by Jennings Paige

HMB: Every actress has to ask herself when the right time is to go from ingenue to more mature roles. Is this the first time you’ve played a mom?

CC: Ha! Moving from ingenue to mature roles wasn’t something that I decided, it was sort of decided for me. But really, aren’t mature role more interesting and multi-faceted!
I’ve been playing a mom for a long time. I’m just better at it now because I have real experience to draw from. And honestly, I think that having children has made me a better person and a much better actor.

HMB: When the show debuted, it was a huge ratings score for Nickelodeon garnering more than 6 million viewers, making it the top premiere in Nick’s history. How rewarding was that for you and the other cast members? Did it put any unexpected pressure on you to continue that kind of ratings success?

CC: We are all very excited that the show came out of the gate with such a bang. The ratings continue to perform incredibly well and we are all very proud of the show. And of course there is pressure to keep the fans in our new season. The creator of the show is Scott Fellows and I think he is sort of the John Hughes of television. He just speaks kid. I guess it helps that he is a father of 4. He really understands kids, their language, their humor. As long as he can continue to tap into that wavelength I think the show will continue to be a success.

Kendall Schmidt and Ciaro Bravo

HMB: What is the biggest challenge of playing mom to Kendall Schmidt and Ciara Bravo?

CC: Um well it is probably that Kendall is so cute and funny it’s hard not to break down and laugh in the middle of a scene. And that Ciara is so darn cute I just want to scoop her up and squeeze her! She is also so sweet and innocent that I feel a natural maternal instinct to protect her. My own kids are only 2 and 5 so I am learning a lot about teenagers!

HMB: Your character is hilarious. I read a description online that Katie (Ciaro Bravo) is “always shown to have more tricks up her sleeve than her mother, who is portrayed as being very naive with regard to Hollywood machinations.” What’s your take on your character? Do you think she’s really that naive?

CC:  Scott and I discussed this and we agreed that Katie gets her antics from her mother but Mrs. Knight just can’t see that.  I mean seriously, this is the mother who attacked another mother at an audition, dressed up in a chef’s uniform to get an autograph for her daughter, knocked the maintenance man out with a frying pan, and pretended to be a hotel manager so that her kids could stay in Los Angeles.  I love it and I can’t wait to do more shenanigans.  Mrs. Knight does come from a more innocent place and perhaps she wants to hang on to some of that naivety because she wants her kids to be happy, and like every mother, hopes that they won’t grow up too fast.

HMB: Admittedly, this is me being an armchair writer/director but I would love to see Mrs. Knight have a larger role and more of a good cop/bad cop relationship with Gustavo Rocque (Stephen Kramer Glickman) who plays the boys manager, sort of reminiscent of the relationship Mrs. Partridge (Shirley Jones)  had with Reuben Kincaid (Dave Madden) in “The Partridge Family.” It would be a kick to see more of Katie and Gustavo play off each other too. Any chance of this happening?

CC: Will you please call the show and pitch your ideas?! It would be great to go toe to toe with Gustavo. I don’t think he has a clue how fierce a mother can be when protecting her cubs. Right?! Katie is great with him and of course it’s hilarious because she is such a little peanut. I think that in the future there will definitely be more interaction between family and business. Watch out Mr. Rocque. And Griffin too!

HMB: Speaking of Shirley Jones, how does it feel to tackle the iconic role of “Mom of the Band?” How would you like to see your character develop?

CC: I love it!  I just wish I could sing like Shirley Jones.  I would like to see Mrs. Knight take a bigger interest in Kendall’s (and the guys) future as a musician and singer and in Katie’s future as an entrepreneur.   I would also like to see Mrs. Knight be more involved in Kendall’s personal relationships as well.  Heck, I’d like to see Mrs. Knight have a first name!

Photo by Jennings Paige

HMB: I love the fact that your family and the other boys are all transplants and end up living in a hip version of the Oakwood Apartments.  Have you or any of the cast members ever stayed in the Oakwoods during your own acting careers?

CC: I almost moved into the Oakwood when I first moved to LA but at the last minute I stumbled onto a beautiful apartment on Crescent Heights in West Hollywood. The drawback was I shared the apartment and bathroom with two testonterone laden young guys. And apparently it’s come full circle!

HMB: How has life changed for you since Big Time Rush? Do kids recognize you wherever you go?

CC: Yeah I get recognized when I’m with my kids on the playground and at Colton’s preschool. Some of his friends are huge fans of the show which totally ups my cool factor. It’s hilarious. I love kids who are fans of the show. I especially love it when they know more about the show than I do. They can recite my dialogue, sing the songs, and correct me on the minute details of the show.

HMB: And an obvious questions, are the boys swarmed with fans?

CC: Oh gosh, yes they are all swarmed with fans and are getting an enormous amount of attention which all seems to be evenly distributed. Kids (and adults) love to tell me who their favorite guy is and I have to say it is very even. It was obviously great casting because there is a btr boy for everyone. The guys are all amazing and they are handling fame beautifully. They are all very close with their real parents which I think really helps keep them grounded.

HMB: You’re a mother and wife in real life also. How do you balance that with your shooting schedule?

CC: I am a mom in real life to my son Colton who is 5 and my daughter Jasper who is 2. My schedule on the show varies so we take it one week at a time. Every night Aaron (Challen’s husband) and I discuss our plans for the next day so that we can make sure that everyone is covered. It can get pretty tricky since both of us are actors and Aaron is also an acting coach (www.aaronmcphersonstudio.com). My kids have a wonderful nanny who helps us when Aaron or I can’t be there. Even when I’m not working on the show I am still running around this crazy city going to auditions and working on other projects. Sometimes I take the kids with me to auditions, especially commercial and voice over auditions. We just make it work out and we try our best to make it a fun adventure.

HMB: What do your kids think of their mom starring on Big Time Rush?

CC: Colton and Jasper just think it is completely normal. Colton says things like, “How was work today mom? Are you going to see Kendall today?” They love to come and visit me on set. They love the cast and crew and the awesome sets. They are also big fans of the show and the music. I love that it is actually a show they can watch. Nothing horrible happens to me on Big Time Rush. Thank goodness!

Challen Cates with Husband Aaron, son Colton and daughter Jasper. Photo by by Jennings Paige

HMB: Do you think either of your kids have the acting gene? How would you handle it if they asked to become child actors?

CC: I don’t know. It’s too soon to really know. At this point Colton seems like a director and Jasper is my little comedienne.  It is just such a hard profession. It is hard emotionally. The rejection is brutal and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. However, if they decide they want to be actors, we will do everything we can to support their decision and give them the encouragement and help they need.

HMB: What other projects are you involved with or have slated for the near future?

CC: I did a feature called Foosteps which should be coming out soon. I play a mom in that as well but it’s a chilling thriller and definitely not something my kids can watch. I am actively reading scripts because I would love to produce another feature but it really comes down to finding the right material.

Challen also works closely with the charity Darkness 2 Light, the world’s leading non-profit working to prevent child sexual abuse.

CC: I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and so it is a cause that is very close to my heart. One is 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused. We need to increase awareness and educate adults and children in how to prevent childhood sexual abuse.

ABOUT the Darkness to Light Organization

In 2000, Anne Lee, Darkness to Light’s President/CEO, developed and implemented a strategy for a non-profit primary prevention program with the mission of reducing the incidence of child sexual abuse through public awareness and education. With tremendous community support, over $100,000 was raised and an award-winning Darkness to Light media campaign was developed and launched in June of 2001. Darkness to Light’s public awareness campaign seeks to raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse. Their ads are a “call to action” encouraging adults to call or go online for free materials that educate adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Darkness to Light is also actively educating adults through its newest initiative, Stewards of Children, a sexual abuse prevention training program that provides frontline training for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.

Love these Pictures? Photographer Jennings Paige can be reached at jenningspaige@yahoo.com

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Fireworks from the Santa Monica Beach Club – thank you to Heidi S. for sending the picture and getting the party started!  More photos to come of our day-long celebration. Close friends are flying in this afternoon, then we’re rushing off to a  BBQ & Pool Party at noon, and plan to watch more fireworks tonight.

Where ever you are, we at HMB hope you have a wonderful, festive and safe fourth of July.

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KD Fun Day will be emceed by one of our favorite teens, Jonah Bobo, a 13-year-old native New Yorker who also happens to be a star of both film and television (pictured left with current co-star Analeigh Tipton and family friend Jordan Bobbitt).  Jonah has become well-known to kids across America as the voice of Austin in The Backyardigans and Todd in Disney’s Fox and the Hound 2.  He is probably most recognized as Danny in the feature film Zathura: A Space Adventure but has also starred in The Best Thief in the World, Around the Bend, Strangers with Candy and the 2008′s Sundance sweetheart film, Choke with Sam Rockwell and Angelica Houston. Jonah is currently in California working on an as-of-yet-untitled ensemble comedy also starring Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Analeigh Tipton and child actress Joey King. We had the pleasure of Jonah’s company for about 2 weeks earlier this month and I can say with some authority that the next field he’ll conquer is Rock-n-Roll.  I don’t think this kid has ever met a guitar he didn’t like. When they make “School of Rock  - the sequel” Jonah should be the first kid they cast, right after big kid Jack Black.

Jonah contributes his time and efforts to a number of worthwhile charities and has close ties with Team Continuum and Project Sunshine. Upon learning about the seriousness of Kawasaki Disease, Jonah immediately volunteered to be a part of Quest for a Diagnostic Test Fun Day!

Festivities will take place at Stagecoach Community Park, 3420 Camino de los Coches, in Carlsbad, CA.  Funday activities include face painting, balloon animals, music, performances, prizes, opportunity drawing, giveaways, entertainment, professional photography and even the cows from Chick-Fil-A to entertain the kids and fun for the whole family!   Entertainment will be provided by Playball, The Hullaballo Band, JW Tumbles and our other friends, The Jumpitz (pictured right), and a number of generous sponsors will be on hand with their wares including: Dasani Water, Costco, our family’s favorite grocery store Trader Joe’s, Dick’s, GG Benitez & Associates, Shakeys Pizza, The Winespot and many more.

If you can’t make it down to Carlsbad but want to help out with this extremely worthwhile cause please donate here. You can read more about the foundation and the disease, here.

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Do you go through your day feeling kind of pitchy?

Or perhaps no one is listening to you and you want to yell out, “Hey dogg, listen up, listen up, listen up. Okay, dogg…..”

You even go to your favorite store, touch a few tubes of the new Tom Ford lipstick line and think, “I’m just not feeling it.”

Your husband hums in the shower and you find yourself saying, “Honey, I love you, but I’m worried about your song selection. With all the great pop songs out there what were you thinking by humming ‘Yellow Submarine?’”

What I’m thinking is that life mirrors “American Idol.”

Think about it a moment: Just like on “Idol,” we wake up every morning, style ourselves in the best way possible and then go out on that great stage of life to put on our best performances. Sometimes we win; other times we’re stuck in the bottom three. A detractor can makes our lives miserable. Other times, our personal Simon says, “You went from zero to hero. Well done. “

What are the deeper lessons of Idol that apply to your life, business and personal style?

Just like Simon tells us on Idol, please stay true to who you are.

It’s time to recognize your own unique talents and stay true to the best vision of you. Think about the singers on Idol who are some mish-mash of what they think everyone else wants them to be as an artist. Suddenly, they’re schitzo!  One week, they’re crooning a country song and the next they’re doing some Zeppelin. It’s confusing because everyone else wonders, “Who is this person?” Just like on Idol when you figure out the best version of you then stick with it. Think about Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry who were always true to their unique visions. No one had either of them singing show tunes. Those songs just didn’t fit. People who are true to themselves can’t be anything else but beautiful and authentic.

Just like Paula used to tell us on Idol, show us a little more personality.

Don’t hide out. Your personality makes you magnetic and unforgettable. This is true when it comes to your personal style. Perhaps you’re like Crystal Bowersox this season and you dress like you live in a Seattle coffee shop. You know what? She’s perfect because her clothing reflects her true personality. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she would feel if they forced her to wear a tight mini skirt and low-cut shirt? Don’t let others dictate how you will present yourself to the world.

Do it your own way – because the world has enough cookie cutter types.

Your goal is to stand out from all of those who are simply auditioning. You don’t want to look like that cookie cutter girl with the same outfit, the same hair and even the same makeup. Your individuality will make you rise from the pack, and often this does start with clothing. Siobhan Magnus might wear a short tulle skirt with legwarmers and cowboy boots next week, but somehow it all works because she has style to stand out for the rest. Look at Adam Lambert. Like him or not, he commands the room from his ever-growing hair to his pointy-shoes.

Realize that everyone isn’t always a fan.

You can’t go through the day worrying if everyone will vote for you. There will be people who don’t like you or those who judge you harshly. Remember that Simon was rude to Jennifer Hudson and basically told her that she stunk. She was low in the top ten when she got kicked off “Idol,” disappeared and came back to win an Oscar and have a hit CD. Your detractors can and will be wrong. I’m sure Daughtry isn’t still upset that he didn’t win Idol or even come in as the runner up.

Make sure to appreciate the Ellen in your life.

There will always be someone who desperately wants you to win and sees the positive in you. He or she will make you laugh and smile like Ellen does on “Idol.” Cherish this person and let their compliments sink in.

Realize that we all make bad song choices.

Big Mike, I feel your pain on Beatles week. But realize that we all make a bad decision or two in life. You might even do it in front of a lot of people like those Idol contestants. But the key is you put yourself out there and someone will “get” your tune.

Finally, just like on Idol, polish yourself, grow and evolve as you go on.

Think about the Idol contestants on week one vs. the finale of the show. Of course, they’ve had major makeovers from top industry pros. They’ve been polished up and the gold has been tumbled until it shines. Most of the ladies begin as regular people and look like beautiful stars when it’s over. You can work on your own hair, face and clothing in the same manner. Realize it’s not an overnight fix.  Heck, it takes those idols all season to really look fabulous.

Oh, one more. Everyone is a winner.

Yes, if you put yourself out there, stay true to who you are and focus on doing your best then how can you not become a winner?

Right, dogg?

Hollywood Makeup Artist, Writer, Style Consultant, and Mom to 2 adorable performers, Tamara Gold publishes publishes the “Red Lipstick Report” e-zine. Beauty & Style. News & Reviews for Real Women. Information, Inspiration, How-To Videos and Spotlight Interviews with Industry Experts keep you feeling and looking your best…in all areas of your life and your business.  If you want to create your own authentic personal style in your life, creative endeavor or business, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to The Red Lipstick Report at www.TamaraGold.com.

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Please join us at the Left Coast Wine Bar & Gallery on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. to view the paintings of Malibu artist Lisa Semler accompanied by select samplings of Malibu Family Wine’s own Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and more.

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Style Network’s CLEAN HOUSE wants to clean your kids’ rooms…Seriously.

If you have kids between the ages of 8 – 18 years and their bedrooms are beyond MESSY, then CLEAN HOUSE wants to hear from you!  CLEAN HOUSE is looking for 3 rooms that are specifically the “Kid’s rooms” (for example, 3 kids’ bedrooms, or 2 bedrooms and a game room or play room) that are complete disasters because of the mess made by your kids. If your house is looking good EXCEPT for these rooms, then email the following information asap:

1. Your contact info (name, address & phone number).
2. The “story” – i.e., the problem rooms, and the names & ages of your kids.
3. In the subject line of your email, please write “Clean House KIDS”.

Wouldn’t it be GREAT to have CLEAN HOUSE come clean their rooms? Then what are you waiting for? Email: CleanHouse@StyleNetwork.com today!

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The first HMB residence showcased for your viewing pleasure is the Lobo View Estate, a grand home with soaring ceilings and walls of glass, nestled high in the hills of Agoura, California, designed to showcase majestic views. This Moroccan-inspired home is owned by Kevin and Christa Foley, the talented creative team of celebrity and fashion photographer and accomplished make-up artist, respectively.  The photo above is Kevin’s work, Christa Foley’s hair design and the make-up artistry of the Red Lipstick Reporter and HMB’s own, Tamara Gold. This picture was taken next to the Foley’s breath-taking infinity pool on a typically beautiful Malibu day.

View the slide show and you’ll glimpse the on-site photo studio, pool house, vineyard, 100 gallon aquarium filled with exotic fish, old-world courtyard and the best child’s sandbox I’ve ever seen (crystal clear beach sand elevated on a balcony with 280 degree views). The home and surrounding grounds are available for television and film production and select private events.  Please visit their website for more information.

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Beautiful Lucy Lui (Kill Bill, Charlie’s Angels) graciously presented my better half, Russell Bobbitt, with Hamilton’s “Behind the Camera” Award for Best Property Master as a result of his work on the surprise blockbuster, Iron Man.  Thanks to Jennifer Bobbitt for quickly catching the moment for promotional purposes prosperity.  As the Academy Awards are a tad behind the times and as of yet do not acknowledge the work of Property Masters (or Stunt Choreographers for that matter) Hamilton Watches and Hollywood Life Magazine stepped up and wisely created a dozen awards for the film wizards who work their magic behind the lens.  I’ll post details of the red carpet and ceremony soon.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg7rq0GDaz4 270 210]

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