Ali Liebert Named Next Generation 15 Hottest Canadian Talents under 35

Ali Liebert is a Canadian actress best known for her roles on CBS’s “Harper’s Island,” ABC’s “Kyle XY,” and Showcase’s “Lost Girl.” Most recently, she had a leading role on Global TV’s hit “Bomb Girls,” and on October 6th, she was seen on CBC’s new series “Strange Empire,” a western drama set near the Alberta-Montana border in the 1860s where the women are heroes.

Recently named one of the “Next Generation 15 Hottest Canadian Talents under 35” by The Hollywood Reporter, this is an elite group that TIFF selects each year. She shares the list with Shay Mitchell, and previous “Next Generation Hottest Talents” include Taylor Schilling and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’O.

CraveOnline: Tell us about your role on “Strange Empire.”

Ali Liebert: My character Fiona Briggs is a feminine, strong and observant young settler woman who is the mother to twin babies. At the beginning of the series, she becomes widowed and is reeling from the horrifying reality of her life. She is absolutely terrified to be “without a man, without a home” in this strange new place. She has a tremendous transformation over the series – but you will have to watch to see it unfold!

We hear you were recently named one of the “Next Generation 15 Hottest Canadian Talents under 35” – how did that feel?

I was pretty shocked but was really delighted to be honoured alongside such fantastic company.

Anything else that you’re currently working on?

My production company Sociable Films is producing a new comedic web series called “Paranormal Solutions Inc.” I play a plucky police officer, Deputy Crystal Snider, who is investigating the Paranormal Solution Inc team. We are thrilled to start production in November.

You hail from the West Coast… is that where you currently live?

I split my time between Vancouver, Los Angeles and Toronto but I’ve been living in Vancouver while shooting “Strange Empire.” Reconnecting with friends and family over the summer has been very therapeutic. I spent my 20s living in the West End of Vancouver, so I think my heart will always be here.

Have you ever worked behind the camera?

I am co-founder of Sociable Films, a boutique production company based in Vancouver. My partners and I co-produced our flagship feature film “Afterparty,” which had it’s world premiere at the Whistler Film Festival in December 2013. Besides producing and acting in the film, I also did the costume design and assisted with kraft service. It was definitely a team effort but that’s how we like to roll at Sociable Films!

Whom in the business do you look up to?

Sarah Polley, Rosie O’Donnell, and Sofia Coppola, to name a few, because in my eyes these women contribute and create meaningful stories that I respect. I had the chance to work with Rosie on “Bomb Girls” and it was one of my career highlights. She is such a warm person and an incredibly talented performer, plus the dedication and visibility she brings to her causes, like the Human Rights Campaign, is inspirational on so many levels.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a huge musical theatre nerd. 

Photo by Kyla Hemmelgarn

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