Interview with Emily Bett Rickards

by Mandi Pimental

Emily Bett Rickards, star of the CW’s Arrow is as charming as she is beautiful.  The down-to-earth Canadian actress currently plays Felicity Smoak in the comic-book series, a loyal and endearing IT Tech and love interest of billionaire playboy Oliver Queen.  RUNWAY delves into the depths of fashion, romance and photography with Rickards who is set to star in the film Brooklyn, in 2015.


You are currently starring in the CW series Arrow as the charming Felicity Smoak.  If you had to describe Felicity in three words, which words would you choose?
Ingenious. Discerning. Authentic.

 

Your character, aside from being a tech wiz, is a curiously brave girl, always pushing the envelope.  In what ways are you like her?  And which of her traits would you say is least like you? 
We are both deeply in love with literature. We both create and dance out of the awkward situations we make for ourselves and we both crave information.  I admire her honesty and bravery above anything.  I adore her spark and quick wit.  Unlike her I can't get technology to cooperate with me - I could use some of her magic touch in my daily life. 

 

When it comes to romance, what do you think Felicity is truly seeking?
Transparency.

 

 

Aside from your success with Arrow, you’ve also starred in the series Soldiers of the Apocalypse and the film Dakota’s Summer.  If you could share one lesson each experience taught you to grow as an actor what would they be?
Absorb as many stories from as many different people as possible.  On a set you get to work with a monumental number of people - your day is abundant with life.  Grasp the opportunity to collect the stories and appreciate the openness everyone offers. 

 

Do you have a favorite moment in your career thus far? 
Today I get to work with David Ramsey and Colton Haynes and they're singing West Side Story.  This could be it. 

 

 

When you land a role or an audition goes well, do you have a special way of celebrating?
I usually call my friend Fanta and we talk about the character.  Then that usually transforms into talking about food and then getting food with a side of laughs.

 

Time to delve into fashion.  From events to photo shoots, we’ve noticed your style is feminine and youthful.  Do you have a favorite dress designer?
I'll always have a soft spot for Valentino and Tom Ford.  But there is a fresh LOVE for Balmain and Christian Siriano. 

 

We’ve seen your character wear an array of hairstyles.  What’s your favorite hairstyle to wear when you have a day off?
Down and under a toque! 

 

What is your winter beauty regiment and how does it differ from the other seasons?
More moisture!!  I love a good facemask.  I recently started using argon oil as a moisturizer substitute a few times a week along with a rejuvenating toner to help equalize and balance the skin.

 

How do you spend your time off?  Are you adventurous with your down time or more of a homebody?
A little of both.  Winter is coming so I shall frolic with the pup up to the mountains, do some yoga and listen to music accompanied by hot cups of different elixirs.

 

Touching on social media, you are very active on Twitter and your Instagram feed is very artistic.  Do you dabble in photography? 
I have always loved photographs.  I clustered my childhood bedroom with photos and every room that I could call my own since then has been a gallery. 

 

In addition to "Arrow" what other projects would you like to mention that you have coming up.
Last hiatus I shot this film Brooklyn, starring Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters and Emory Cohen. John Crowley directed.  It’s in post right now. I hope to have a release date soon.