Starring in productions like “iMurders,” “Slime City Massacre” and “STARSHIP: APOCALYPSE,” Brooke Lewis is no stranger to horror and sci-fi. She’s won awards and scored covers of magazines from her work on the big screen in the cult classics, which is a dream come true for the star who grew up with a goal to find her place in Hollywood.
But Lewis’ on-screen personality softens behind-the-scenes, where the bubbly and bright beauty focuses her attention on philanthropy.
Her latest project, “Killer Rack,” is a horror comedy that raises awareness for the battle against breast cancer. The film’s producers teamed up with the Lynn Sage Foundation to raise funds for research to find a cure for the disease that affects millions of people each year.
According to the film’s synopsis, “Killer Rack” follows the “satirical story of Betty Downer, a hapless young woman who discovers her new breast implants are actually Lovecraftian, man-eating monsters hell bent on world domination – and only she can stop them.”
Lewis portrays the “voice of the boobs” in the comical feature that is currently showing at film festivals around the world.
Taking a break from promotions, Lewis took a moment to chat with GoodCelebrity.com about her work on the film and also opened up about her other philanthropic efforts. Check out her full interview below.
GC: What is your involvement in “Killer Rack”?
BL: I was cast in the horror/comedy film “Killer Rack” as the Voice of the Killer Rack creature, after playing the role of Nicole in director Greg Lamberson’s cult classic film “Slime City Massacre” in 2009. I am also actively promoting the film’s charity fundraiser to raise money for the Lynn Sage Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.
GC: Why is this film important to you? Why is this film important to society?
BL: When director Greg Lamberson first approached me with this hilarious film title, I thought he was nuts! Then, after reading the clever screenplay, written by Paul McGinnis, I was hooked! The script spoke to me because it was all about female empowerment! The subtext was genius, dealing with a prevalent issue in a humorous way, showing how so many women struggle with body image issues and run to the plastic surgeon to get breast implants to solve their problems, while often their problems become far worse.
The film shows how society reveres the external and the physical, when we should be more focused on internal beauty and strengths. The film is also important to both society and I, because when I was first cast, I asked Greg if we could please incorporate a breast cancer charity to support and promote with all the media attention the film was getting. He fully agreed and we teamed up with Jason McFiggins to raise money for the Lynn Sage Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. I have been very active in breast cancer charities over the years, so if I am going to “voice” “killer boobies,” I am surely going to use my voice to speak out for a cause I am passionate about!
GC: How are you involved in women empowerment?
BL: Girl Power is something I am committed to in my life and work. I think that far too often women disempower one another due to insecurities and competition. As an actress, I have empowered young women through my “Ms. Vampy’s Teen Tawk” show and book. We have addressed topics from body image to self-esteem to making powerful choices.
My teen talk show inspired me to go back to school at The Life Purpose Institute to become a Board Certified Life Coach and Dating Coach, then launch my coaching company Be You And Be Fearless Life Coach. As a coach, I have supported women in following their dreams and have empowered many women to “Be Fearless” in their dating and online dating lives.
In January 2016, I earned the title Tempted Dating Expert & Spokesperson for the online dating site Tempted.com. I helped to revamp this site and empower women to make dating choices that serve whatever their individual needs are. I am a firm believer that women can have whatever they want and whatever brings them joy in a relationship, without self-judgment!
GC: How can women be better self-advocates, especially in relation to health issues?
BL: I believe that women need to give themselves permission to be more selfish! As women, we tend to put others before ourselves. I see so many moms put their children first. They make sure their kids are fed properly, get adequate rest and medical checkups, yet they do not take care of themselves. I feel it is so important for women to have “me time”. We need time to check in with ourselves, both mentally and physically, and discover what our mind and body is telling us. I think is it an absolute necessity for women to cultivate healthy relationships with other women. Lastly, I firmly believe that every woman should have a life coach or therapist of some kind. I might have lost my mind long ago, if I did not have my coach, Lori Bertazzon, to vent to!
GC: Tell me about your work with the Los Angeles Mission. Why did you decide to get involved?
BL: I feel so blessed to have been invited a few times now to participate in the “Feed The Homeless” holiday events at the Los Angeles Mission. I had a calling to donate my time at Christmas and Easter for many years. I just think it is so very important to give back and be grateful for whatever we have. I have also found that when I am at my lowest times, stepping outside of myself and helping others can really pull me out of my funk.
Feeding people who may not have had a meal on Christmas Eve was one of the most spiritually rewarding things I have done! It truly gave me such a deep feeling of joy and gratitude throughout the New Year. And, serving food next to icons like Pharrell was icing on the Christmas cookie! A big “thank you” to Katz Public Relations for creating this opportunity for me!
GC: What is your favorite part about working with the Mission?
BL: I do not mean to sound cliche, but watching people who have not had a good meal in a long time just eat and smile. I had so much fun taking photos with these folks and signing autographs. There was so much joy and happiness! It warmed my heart to be a part of this. I also love that celebrities let go of their egos, pull together and get down and dirty (literally!). We had sweet potatoes, gravy and food dripping all over us!
GC: What is the most important benefit the Mission brings to LA?
BL: There are so many important things, but, in a city with such an enormous homeless population, it is essential for a home like the Los Angeles Mission to create an event to make sure those who are challenged at the holidays receive a good meal, TLC and are made to feel special. Again, I also think that in a town filled with celebrity, fame and expensive toys, it is essential for those who are fortunate to be financially abundant to support those who need help at the holidays and every day!
GC: What is the most important cause for you in terms of giving back?
BL: The most important cause is for me to help and support others in their time of need. I know what it feels like to be challenged and in pain and I want people to know that they are never alone, there is always help and you can always find hope!
GC: What is the highlight of your career so far?
BL: I think one of my greatest career moments was winning the B Movie Golden Cob Award 2010 for Best Scream Queen of 2009 for my performance in “Slime City Massacre”. One of the best feelings in the world is to be acknowledged for all your hard work and talent. A close second, was creating my passion character and project “Ms. Vampy.” And, last, but not least, landing the covers of SCARS Magazine and Talent Monthly Magazine were absolutely incredible and a true honor.
GC: Who is your favorite “Good Celebrity” and why?
BL: One of my favorite actresses and idols in the world is the late Elizabeth Taylor. Along with her talent and beauty, she always inspired me with her relentless fight against HIV and AIDS and she created her own charity and legacy, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
GC: What is your advice for someone who wants to start giving back? How do they get involved in a cause they feel strongly about?
BL: I used to think I had to be a celebrity to make a difference. I could not have been more wrong. Some of my favorite charity memories were feeding the homeless and working at soup kitchens with a group of friends in college. All you need to do is find a charity or cause that you are passionate about. Find a cause that moves or inspires you. Explore a cause that feeds your soul when you support it. Touch base with your friends and see if you have a cause you are all interested in. I love doing charity work with people I care about in my life. You will love doing something you love with someone you love! Then, jump on the internet and gather your charity data. It is so easy peasy, you will be giving back to others (and yourself) in no time.
To learn more about Brooke Lewis, follow her on Twitter. Photo credit: Birdie Thompson.