Liana Balaban Actress

1. Liane Balaban: Rising Star from the Great North
2. Lucky Breaks and a Star is Born
3. A Flurry of Projects and Personal Growth
4. Facing Criticism and Embracing Growth
5. Award-Winning Talent and an Unusual Role
6. Balancing Education and the Hustle
7. Hollywood and Beyond

Liane Balaban: Rising Star from the Great North

A young star has emerged on the Hollywood horizon: 23-year-old Canadian actress Liane Balaban. Her journey to the silver screen began four years ago with the Canadian film "New Waterford Girl," whose producer knew her from childhood and invited her to audition.

Lucky Breaks and a Star is Born

Balaban's luck continued as she landed a leading role in "Seven Times Lucky" (2004) alongside Kevin Pollack. Her performance as a cunning and manipulative femme fatale earned her critical acclaim. "My character is like a doll," she explains. "In every scene, she shows a new side of herself, playing with life and being the object of unrequited love."

A Flurry of Projects and Personal Growth

The past two years have been a whirlwind for Balaban. She starred in "World Traveler" with Julianne Moore and "Happy Here and Now" with David Arquette and Ally Sheedy. Preparing for her latest role taught her invaluable lessons. "I'm always searching for different characters," she says. "I don't have that many yet, but I'm growing as I go."

Facing Criticism and Embracing Growth

Balaban believes that harsh criticism can hinder an actor's development. "I've worked with actors who are so in love with themselves. But it seems to me that being too critical of technique can mess with an actor's headspace. Learning is good! I've realized how complex acting can be. I didn't think so before. That's why I'm moving to New York soon to take classes."

Award-Winning Talent and an Unusual Role

Despite her self-professed insecurities, Balaban's talent is undeniable. She won the Special Jury Prize for Best Canadian Feature at the Toronto International Film Festival for "New Waterford Girl." Her next project was "St. Jude," a film she found both intriguing and unconventional. "It's a weird movie," she says. "Not for the mainstream. Non-traditional characters—a pedophile, a teenage prostitute."

Balancing Education and the Hustle

Balaban combines her film work with her pursuit of a university degree. "I used to find comfort in the idea that when I got older, my insecurities would fade away. I would have a place in life, a sense of self. But now I'm 23, and after visiting the pool yesterday, I can tell you I still don't feel comfortable in a bathing suit. But things change—I didn't just start walking, and neither did you."

Hollywood and Beyond

Balaban's eagerness to learn ensures her continued success. She has received a screenplay from Francis Ford Coppola. "The process of making a movie is so varied—sometimes exciting, sometimes tedious. Only about 10 percent of it is actually shooting; the rest is just the grind," she admits. "But I love it. I could become a real workaholic, but right now I'm just enjoying the ride!"

Although she gave up journalism school, Balaban plans to eventually complete her studies in Montreal. She also writes a fashion column and hopes to pursue other creative outlets beyond acting. "It's not just that actors miss out on life because of their profession. I just feel like I can do more! I need more opportunities to express my creativity."