Most people recognize Cassie Steele from her nine seasons on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" playing Manny Santos. But these days Steele is all grown up and so is her new character, Abby Vargas, in the CW series "The L.A. Complex." The show, also a Canadian transplant like "Degrassi" and Steele herself, centers around a group of young people all living in the same apartment building trying to make it in Hollywood. In a recent exclusive interview she discussed her new role and how it mirrors her real life.
Cassie Steele describes 'The L.A. Complex'
Steele described the show saying, "It's actually a play on words. Abby lives in a complex, and she has a complex… It's basically a group of people trying to make it in L.A., in a different world and the struggles that you go through, and the competition, and how people deal with rejection, people having personal lives and trying to make it. So it's just a lot of hurdles and obstacles, and she's trying to get through it the best she can."
Cassie Steele says Abby mirrors parts of her own life
The actress admitted that Abby's life definitely mirrors parts of her own journey. She noted the similarities, "Trying to afford everything without always working because it's so on and off. Trying to stay on top of it and trying to also make friends. Because you come down here, and you don't really know anyone. And everyone out there is also trying to make it. So it gets really tough trying to balance your personal life, your work, and keeping your sanity."
Cassie Steele is also a singer
Aside from being a busy actress, Steele is also a musician who has been singing since first grade and released her first album at the age of 15. But she says that acting and music take up most of her awake hours not leaving her a lot of time for other activities. She remarked, "I do have a lot of fun on set. So that's good. In my down time I'm a homebody. I like to do a walkabout. I like my alone time. Being with other people so much, it's just nice to be in the quiet. I have two dogs and a parrot, so they require a lot of attention. They deserve it. I'm having fun with my pets and writing music."
And despite her success, she has managed to stay out of trouble like some young actresses these days. When asked how she stays grounded she joked, "Am I grounded?" But seriously, she replied, "I've always really worked in Toronto. I haven't really done a lot of projects in L.A. So being close to your family and friends [makes a difference]. And also no one really gets crazy over here when they recognize you, if anyone recognizes you. It's a pretty normal life besides going to set, which is normal for me."
Watch Cassie Steele on "The L.A. Complex" on Tuesday nights at 9PM EST/8PM CST on CW.
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