Chelsey Reist is a canadian actress and television host, popular right now for her role as Harper McIntyre on one of television’s most followed shows of the moment, CW’s The 100. On a new exclusive interview, we have been able to sit down and chat with her about the show’s past, present and future, her experiences, etc.
Check out the Spanish version clicking on the following link.
– Hi Chelsey. Congratulations for your work. So, after all this time playing Harper in CW’s hit show The100, how has the experience been so far?
It has been as cool as you would think: I’ve busted my butt (haha funny term to use considering Harper’s drilling incident in season 2) to get to this point. There were times where i wasn’t sure I could keep hustling but I kept at it through years of sleepless nights, and now i can say i am returning for the fourth season of a major American network show. Whaaaat! You can imagine the joy and the relief that comes with such an amazing opportunity! I am genuinely grateful not only for the job, but the chance to be on set watching some serious pro’s at work. It just keeps getting better!
– When it premiered, The 100 was considered something kind of different from the CW’s «classic» style. Was it an extra challenge for you?
Nah, it’s a wonderful opportunity. Although i think the ‘classic’ CW style has been morphing for several years now, and The 100 is one of many shows that is leading the way in redefining the network and pushing the genre boundaries. And how fun for me! To work with a show that is not only entertaining and memorable, but not afraid to touch on subjects audiences wouldn’t have expected from the network in the past.
– Harper is another of these strong female characters we love so much from the show. What would you highlight about her evolution during this time?
Aw well thank you. I am so proud to have been gifted such a strong character. Every character is this show has had, and is constantly undergoing, such massive evolutions. I think it’s an incredible testament to our writers: the characters, no matter how small, have been fleshed out with their own specific arcs. I always feel so inspired by Harper’s resiliency. It would be so easy to lay down in defeat, especially after she was tortured in season two. But she chose to be a survivor. She fought back and still continues to march forward. Of course, like with any setback even in real life, resiliency is made easier with the help from loved ones. Monty helped her recover a lot. He was with her in the Mount Weather cages and he helped nurse her back to health, physically and emotionally. And now sexually?
– Do you have anything in common with her?
Yes. I suppose i feel akin to Harper’s determination. As i mentioned in the beginning of the interview, there have been so many times where it would have been so much easier for me to just give up in my career, but I never did…
«It would be so easy to lay down in defeat. Harper chose to be a survivor.»
– What would you like to be next for her? And what about Monty? Does she really like him?
For her and for all the characters, I would love for them to have a moment to feel safe. And Monty helped her experience that. In his arms she could forget their troubled world, for a brief unadulterated moment she could exist as a young woman feeling supported in a vulnerable place. That’s such a positive gift that they gave to each other.
– What did you think about this year’s season finale?
A few possible endings were debated, I think the one that was chosen is a powerful one! As sad as it is to see Mike Beach go (he’s incredible to watch), it was a swift conclusion to the Pike situation and amazing retribution for Octavia. I loved seeing Marie’s dead eyed, cool handed performance with such brutal, up close payback. And we’ve now learned through A.L.I.E. that the planet is doomed! I can’t wait to see where season four takes us!
– Do you think in a world like the one we can see on the show that «blood must have blood» or would you agree with other more pacific terms that characters like Clarke intend to establish?
I want to side with Clarke, I think Clarke wants to side with that aspect of Clarke, but olive branches aren’t as useful when your opponents are neanderthals. Which is another aspect of Clarke that i find so honorable; she wants to sensible, but she is also willing to take risks if it will save those she loves. I think the key word in your question is “intend”. Many of the characters have a conscience, a moral code which they intend to live by. But the post apocalyptic world is such a brutal one that many times pacific gestures need to escalate to more merciless ones. It’s honorable that many of the characters we love want to operate from a civilized and compassionate place, but in the cutthroat world they are fighting to survive in, I am not sure it’s entirely realistic.
– Since day one, The 100 has always been a show full of stunning storylines. As an insider, what has been the most surprising twist for you in these three seasons?
Ooooh fun question! Hmm… Most major twists we hear some part of in advance but when i first read of Lincoln’s death I was really shocked; I hadn’t heard any word of it until I received the script. My jaw dropped when I read it as I had no head’s up that it was coming! I actually rewatched that scene recently WHOA it’s a powerful one. A beautiful song playing, the rain falling, Octavia’s pain as she watches helplessly, Lincoln bowing onto his knees before the bullet. I think it was written beautifully, it felt poetic. Another stunner is the obvious: Lexa. Even though we had heard word of Lexa’s death due to Alycia leaving the show, I of course was still speechless! I loved how ferocious she could be when necessary, but how gentle she would let herself be with Clarke. She was brave in both ways; brave in battle but also brave in her vulnerability. I was also surprised in the finale to learn that Earth is doomed! Dun dun dunnnnnn!
«Lexa was brave in both ways; brave in battle and brave in her vulnerability.»
- Have you ever thought how you would like the show to end?
No. Don’t ever let it end haha When it’s time, I know it will be done in true The 100 fashion. Part of the reason I love the show is that it is not a fairy tale. So I know things won’t be wrapped up pleasantly and gifted to us with a bow. It will be a visceral, memorable experience. And I think that’s what makes good art.
– For last, do you have any new projects you would like to tell us about?
Oh yes! So many that I am so excited about. I’ll be recurring in this little show called The 100, you may have heard of it? (Have i mentioned how excited I am for season 4!?). I also had a super fun role as an international rock star sensation on an NBC pilot called, “Miranda’s Rights”. Just today I signed with the SyFy network for an upcoming show called “Aftermath” starring Anne Heche. It will be another postapocolyptic genre for me, which I love! I also have “Christmas Cookies” releasing late this year on the Hallmark Channel. Which was a blast to film because I ate unlimited cookies in so many scenes!! You can always catch my film updates on my Twitter account.
– Thanks again Chelsey, it’s been great to be able to speak with you. Best wishes.
Thanks so much for chatting with me! Truly, so fun!
An interview by Chris Patterson for Lovingseries.
Main photography by Sami Drasin.
lovingseries.com 