Elysia Rotaru is a recurring character on The CW network’s hit series Arrow. Known for her guest star appearances on Supernatural and iZombie, Elysia plays Taiana Venediktov on Arrow, a prisoner on Lian Yu who Oliver Queen (Arrow) sparks a love interest with. Together they plot their escape from the island.
The Season 4 finale aired last night, but not before the Canadian actress filled us in on her work and personal life.
CraveOnline: Tell us about your role on Arrow and what that’s been like.
Elysia Rotaru: Taiana was brought in at the beginning of the season and Arrow (Oliver Queen) have been Bonnie and Clyding it and trying to save everyone else. It developed more and more on that level, and we’re starting to see more encounters of the mystical side and why things are happening there. As the season progressed you see more of that coming into play with my character in response to Ryder’s character, coming to a culmination point mostly spawned by my interpretation of Taiana’s anger and eagerness to get people off of the island.
Are you working on any other projects?
I just wrapped a horror film called Residue, which was an independent feature film shot in Vancouver, and they’ll be shipping it off to festivals by the end of this year. It’s pretty fun dealing with demons and music relics among that world, and your own personal demons too. It was a really fun project and I got all bloodied up and got to play with great people.
Do you like horror films?
They’re one of my favourite, and I’m always beyond excited when I book those projects. Different levels attract me in different ways.
When you’re not acting, what do you do for fun?
I’m outside as much as I can be. I like to get out in nature and take advantage of what’s here in BC. I’m always hiking and try to get my paddleboard out and spend hours on the water.
Who is someone in the business that you look up to and why?
Women I enjoy include Meryl Streep. She’s a huge A-list actor, and I would love to work with her… who knows if it will happen. Over the few years I’ve asked myself that question: who inspires me? And it’s not even so much people in the craft on my side of the table but the other people – the directors, writers, and colleagues doing other work. It’s the crew guys and the people behind the camera – those are the people I do it for. You make me look good so I want you to look good.
Photo: Farrah Aviva
