Many people daydream about what they truly want to do in life. Some will pursue that dream, but only those who are strong minded and hardworking will accomplish their goals. Anne McDaniel’s did just that and continues to climb up the Hollywood and NY ladder.
She stars in B movies such as “Poseidon Rex,” “Apocalypse, CA,” and Roger Corman’s “Attack of the 50ft Cheerleader” along with over 50 other shorts, TV shows, and movies.

Anne initially relocated from the Midwest to New York to begin her modeling career. Being thrown into the fire she quickly had to toughen up her gentle Midwestern roots, soon after to be toned down when she relocated to Los Angeles. Combining her Midwestern hospitality, NY toughness, and laid back California manner, Anne is incredibly well-rounded and can tackle anything. No pun intended since she is a former NFL cheerleader.

We’re very fortunately Anne took time out of her busy schedule for B Movie Nation.

Five Quick Questions with Anne McDaniels

You star in B Movies and major production studio films. What do you like best about acting in B Movies?
ANNE: Although high-budget studio films are deemed as more glamorous and exciting, B-movies are wonderful for learning, experience, flexibility, and teamwork. Some B-movies are literally shot “guerilla style,” and keep you on your toes in every department. Often times, every responsibility falls on that of the actor from hair/makeup, wardrobe, food, and these films sometimes require the actor to help in other departments. This is where I found out that “holding the boom mic” is not nearly as easy as it looks (shoulders shaking uncontrollably and achieving the right angle so the camera doesn’t show it). B movies are the groundwork for an actor to really see the production team working together in every step, and having the privilege to work on these movies gave me the full appreciation I continue to have for the entertainment business.

While working for a Fortune 100 Company you soon realized that sitting behind a desk is not you. What did you do after that moment?
ANNE: Working for a Fortune 100 Company was an amazing experience, and put my business degree to use immediately following college graduation. Although the money was steady and benefits were wonderful (brand new company car, gas card, etc.), I knew deep down what I really wanted to do with my life. During my final year with the company, I had the honor of being an NFL Cheerleader at the same time, which was the catalyst for me to switch careers. That final year was extremely difficult juggling a full-time business career with the commitments/obligations of being a professional cheerleader, and I slept about 3-5 hours/night. I carefully planned my exit from Corporate America, and immediately moved to NYC after resigning and took a sales job for 6 months in order to learn Manhattan and throw myself into the wolves so to speak. New Yorkers are more harsh, which gave me a thicker skin for the entertainment business, and working in business in that city was the best as far as that went! I THOUGHT I could pursue acting on the side while working in the business world, but learned the hard way when I got into huge trouble for missing a meeting while at a 4-hour callback! A modeling contract came my way, and I was able to resign from that job. Following that, I fully supported myself working as a model in NYC and started taking acting classes.


Traveling between NYC and LA, do you get to stop in the Midwest to visit and take in a Vikings game? (We’re rivals, I’m a Bears fan, but have plenty of Viking and Packer friends)
ANNE: Unfortunately, I haven’t been to an actual Vikings game since my departure from performing at The Metrodome in Minneapolis. It’s funny that since I grew up in Wisconsin I’d been surrounded by obsessed Green Bay Packer fans (with a tiny sprinkling of Viking fans), so felt like a bit of a traitor when I got onto the Vikings squad. It is a fierce, die-hard rivalry, mind you!! In addition, I have family in Chicago who live for the Chicago Bears, so it was a strong trifecta of arguments. I’ll always have purple blood being employed by the Vikings, but hold a soft spot in my heart made of cheese (sharp cheddar with bacon…yum!!!!).


Bowling for Boobies recently held its annual event which included you, Ariel Brachfeld, Carlee Baker, other horror starlets and Sean Decker. Even though the event was one night, the charity operates all year round. How did you get involved and how can fans help?
ANNE: I truly love doing any kind of charity work, and jump at the chance to participate if I have the time. Furthermore, I look at it as a personal responsibility if I’m in the public eye and can make a difference. Some of my favorite things I’ve done in the past include building homes for “Habitat for Humanity” (this is where I learned what “rebar” is and continue to impress with my knowledge – haha!), Race for the Cure, Special Olympics, etc. However, I’d never campaigned to raise money, so was a bit concerned since I don’t like asking for money and would rather donate time or money myself. However, once I started I was overwhelmed with the donations and stories that came my way for the important cause of Breast Cancer. It has touched so many lives in so many families, and my own great aunt Anne (my namesake who was actually married to a Chicago Bear!) passed away from this terrible disease. Fans interested in donations to our Breast Cancer cause can go to the following website to donate: http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=252506 .


You have over a half dozen films currently in production. Can you tell us about them?
ANNE: Thank you for allowing me to promote myself, as I feel blessed to have been so busy lately. You can watch for the following projects:

*Sci-Fi film, “Poseidon Rex” where I play the lead marine biologist, Sarah, (starring opposite Brian Krause of “Charmed” and “Sleepwalkers”) will be out in 2014, and you can see the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?[v=-HZnzhf-Od0] .
* Sci-Fi Spoof Film, “Unbelievable” (Michael Dorn, Robert Picardo, and other Star Wars actors) where I play “Anne Droid” the robot will be out in 2014.
* 2 different episodes on “Investigation Discovery”: As badgirl Terry Lea King in “Blood Relatives” and as Kresa in “Devil in the Details” (new pilot on “ID).
* Feature Film, “Nightcrawler” (Jake Gyllenhaal) as the “LA Weathergirl”
* Feature Film, “Misirlou” (Larry Bishop; Lewis Smith) as the “Malibu Lifeguard”
* Short Film, “Redeemed/New Man” (Ted McGinley) as a “Fantasygirl”
* TV Pilot, “All About Lizzie” as “Jessica”

As always, you can follow me on:

* IMDB: imdb.me/annemcdaniels
* Twitter: @annemcdaniels
* Instagram: @annemcdaniels
* Facebook: facebook.com/anne.mcdaniels.1

Again, we thank Anne for sharing all the great information about her and her films. Looking forward to seeing her soon!

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