While in a comedy show, Noureen DeWulf is not afraid of making a fool of herself. After humour, she wants to try her hands at a murder mystery. By I Kaur
You have seem her in Oceans Thirteen, Back Up Plan and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, but the best way to remember Noureen DeWulf is with her sex-addicted character in Comedy Central’s Anger Management. Here are a few excerpts from an interview:
You have usually done comedy right from the time you did West Bank Story. Why did you choose this genre in particularIJ
Actually, comedy chose me. I moved to los Angeles in 2003. I didn’t have an agent or a manager at that time, nor did I know anybody, but I did have some self-belief. With that, I began my journey to become an actress in Hollywood. Soon after arriving, I saw a casting notice for West Bank Story where they were searching for someone to play this girl, Fatima, who sings and dances. I sent in my photo and received a call. They said they wanted to audition me. Then I received another call where they wanted to see me dance and sing, so I did that. It was very low-budget. When I found out that I got the role I was surprised.
Personally, I love comedy. It gives me an opportunity to rediscover myself and my funny side. I’m not afraid to make a fool out of myself. I respond more to comedy than I do to drama. Although I do love to watch dramas like Homeland, Downton Abbey and Revenge I am personally good at what my heart responds to — comedy.
Would you want to try another genre anytime soonIJ
In West Bank Story, I played an Arab girl, in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, I was an Indian girl. My point is, within the genre I have got opportunities to play diverse characters and not be typecast. It also gives you the space to think diversely. Given the right role I would definitely love to try out something outside comedy. In fact, I would love to do a murder mystery.
What attracted you to the role of lacey in Anger ManagementIJ
I love the fact that lacey is so over dramatic and yet so relatable. In spite of all her anger issues, she is still likeable as a character. What thrills me about her character is her fashion. I love fashion and lacey is stylish and swanky. Besides, she’s a frivolous character to play. It’s fun to play a character which constantly keeps people on the edge of their seats and makes them wonder, like ‘Oh My God! I can’t believe she just said that’. She’s quite reactive to situations and people. She is dramatic, aggressive, stylish and kind of mean in a way. I thoroughly love playing lacey for a simple fact that we have nothing in common.
How has it been working with the eccentric Charlie SheenIJ
The biggest thing I have learnt is to trust my instinct. Charlie doesn’t like rehearsals and the rapid pace with which we shoot has helped me grow as a comedian. In fact, Charlie has become a great friend. Spending twelve hours together on the sets really helps and I do love him as a person.
What do you enjoy more, TV or filmsIJ
I like both. They’re very different. A movie will last forever whereas TV characters can die out in a few months.
Do you ever want to be part of an Indian television show or filmIJ
I have grown up watching a lot of Bollywood movies with my mom. I’d love to act in a film in India provided the right script comes to me at the right time. I think Bollywood stars are some of the most glamorous in the world. I’m also a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan, he’s amazing and totally funny to watch.
What’s nextIJ
My next film is They Came Together with Paul Rudd that will release early next year.