Genevieve Buechner (her friends call her Genna) was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to single parent mother Tea Buechner. When her family moved to Vancouver, she took a small course in acting from the Vancouver Youth Theatre and went on tour with the youth theater as the youngest member of the cast. After being signed to and signed to Carrier Talent Management by Robert Carrier she went on to do TV and movies and was nominated for two Leo Awards for her performances in Saint Monica and Princess Castle. She is currently playing Tamara Adama on Syfy’s hit television series, Caprica which airs Friday nights at 9pm EST/8pm CST.
The Caprica Times: Have you seen Battlestar Galactica?
Genevieve Buechner: I have, but not the whole series. I haven’t finished watching it all yet. I have it on DVD. As strange at this might sound coming from someone who works in the film industry, I don’t watch TV. I don’t have any cable – only DVDs – but believe me, I have enough DVDs for a lifetime. Huge collection.
The Caprica Times: You play an important role as William Adama’s sister. Does that factor into how you view Tamara?
Genevieve Buechner: Well they both have very separate stories really. Before Tamara was killed she was probably just a regular big sister – you know, a bit of teasing, a bit of, ”I’m older than you so I can do this, and you cant!,” probably some nice heart to hearts, and she would stand up to anyone who would hurt him, no doubt. But Tamara’s story is about how shes stuck. She’s trying to find a way out. William’s story is more about him learning who he really is – learning that his nameis really Adama, not Adams. He’s connecting with other parts of his family while his father is mourning over Tamara and his wife.
The Caprica Times: How do you relate to your character?
Genevieve Buechner: She is actually very strong-willed. In the pilot you hear her telling her mother about how she stands up for her race. She was being made fun of, being called a dirt-eater, and she didn’t stand for it. When I was little I was bullied in school pretty badly and as I got older I realized that I had the right to stand up for myself, for who I am. We are similar in that way.
The Caprica Times: We don’t know much about Tamara’s past from the little we’ve seen of her. How has that affected how you portray her?
Genevieve Buechner: I think she probably had a good life aside from being a bit of an outcast in Caprica. Her family loved her and took care of her. She was brought up well and was taught to take care of herself if anything should happen. I think when she’s killed and recreated in the black room she has no idea of whats going on. But once she starts to learn how things work where she is she starts to take control again and remembers what she has been taught.
The Caprica Times: When you first read a script about New Cap City what were your thoughts about it?
Genevieve Buechner: My very first thought was for sure, “Oh my gosh, look at all the crazy stuff I get to do!” Guns, green-screens, squibs, stunts -all stuff I’d never done before. It was a totally new experience for me. New Cap City is very dark, creepy and gritty. It’s all control and violence. I loved the way they decided to dim the colours in New Cap so it’s all faded and almost black and white.
The Caprica Times: Without giving anything away are there any twists to your character that will surprise us?
Genevieve Buechner: Already from the first episode where Zoe and Lacy find Tamara to the end of the New Cap City episode there’s a pretty drastic change in her character. From a confused kid to a huge bad-ass! I was really happy that they chose to let Tamara have such a change. It was fun for me to make that switch.
The Caprica Times: I read in an interview that you would rather play villainous characters over innocent and sweet ones. Do you feel that Tamara has a bad side to her?
Genevieve Buechner: There’s no story without them! Everyone remembers their crazy ways and sneaky plans. I love playing both. I love acting so I’d take either in a second but the villains are so much fun to play! It’s fun to be something so evil and dark! It’s different. I think it’s a bit more of a challenge to play that kind of character. Every villain has some kind of weird little characteristic or habit and I think it’s fun to try and find what it would be. Nobody really hates the bad guys, everybody loves them, you cant lie.
The Caprica Times: Were you surprised when they called you back to make Tamara a recurring character?
Genevieve Buechner: Oh I was bouncing off the walls I was so excited. I was giddy for days – I really was! I couldn’t wait to start filming. I was excited to get the scripts and learn what I’d be doing and where they were taking the character. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. I still cant believe how lucky I am! This show is a big deal for me. It’s something I’ve really been working for for a very long time and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to come this far in the show. I had no idea I was being brought back. I didn’t expect it at all. I had thought about maybe being brought back after the pilot but I decided not to get my hopes up. I’m really glad they’ve kept me so far.
The Caprica Times: What do you like most about working on the set of Caprica?
Genevieve Buechner: I don’t have a favorite thing! I love it all! I love the people I get to work with, all the crew, the sets, everything! I always have a wonderful time on set. Everyone is working together. Almost nothing makes me happier then being on a film set – getting to know new people, seeing people you’ve worked with before, making memories of it all. Being on set is one of the most uplifting things in my life. I love it with all my heart. Acting is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
The Caprica Times: Are there any stories from the set that stand out?
Genevieve Buechner: Well, there’s the endless stories of me falling on my butt. I’m a huge klutz sometimes. I tiptoe when I walk so I’m actually less of a stumbler if I’m in heels and lucky for me most of my wardrobe involved heels. But now and then I’d somehow end up falling on my butt and looking like a goof. But it’s funny and I never got hurt.
Better story – I met my boyfriend on Caprica. Richard Harmon!! I love him to bits. He’s the sweetest guy in the world and he always makes me so happy. He can make me smile no matter what. He’s an amazing actor and I had a great time working with him on set before we were together.
The Caprica Times: Is there anything you’d like to share with fans of the show?
Genevieve Buechner: Well I’d like to thank all the fans of Caprica! Support for any show is obviously important! I’m very happy that people seem to like Tamara, and I appreciate any kind of critiquing I’ve gotten -good or bad- it’s really helpful. I had the most fantastic time working on this show and will never forget it.
A future interview is planned with Genna’s on and off screen partner – Richard Harmon. Richard Harmon plays Heracles in the futuristic Caprica virtual game – New Cap City.
Image copyright NBC/Universal
Image copyright NBC/Universal
Image copyright NBC/Universal