HOLR is sitting down to chat with talented actor and voiceover artist Jeff Teravainen. Check out our full conversation, below!
HOLR is sitting down with Toronto-based actor and voiceover artist Jeff Teravainen to highlight his latest role as Labelle, a special-ops soldier turned sheriff deputy, in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving- which just dropped on November 17! This must-see film follows a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizing Plymouth, Massachusetts, which is the birthplace of the infamous holiday.
During our conversation, Teravainen tells HOLR about how he got his start in the industry, along with what the audience can expect to see in his latest project, Thanksgiving. From how he got his start, to his new role and his greatest accomplishments in the industry, keep reading to learn all about Jeff Teravainen!
Talk to us about how you got your start in the industry.
I used to be a singer and musician- we came close quite a few times actually to doing big things but it didn’t quite pan out. I had to go get a real job and I hated it. I then got scouted for modeling, which sounds goofy but it was fun. I was excited to meet people and things like that. I did that, then I did a commercial and since I always wanted to act I decided to learn more about it. I took lessons and thankfully I started booking things.
You will be starring as Labelle, a special-ops soldier turned sheriff deputy, in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving. Tell us all about this role and what we can expect from the film.
First off, it was such an amazing treat to work with Eli Roth- I was a big fan of his work and was excited yet intimidated. When I met him, he was the nicest guy. He’s a super director to work with. What he’s done is put together a roller coaster ride- it’s best seen in theatres with people because there’s so much going on. It’s a slasher and a horror movie but it’s a fun one. It’s more like a thrill park ride. It feels like an older movie from the 80s or 90s because it has a combination of fun one-liners, characters, and moments. I feel like people can walk out of the theatre and have a good night- it’s a fun adventure.
What was it like starring alongside Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, and Milo Manheim?
It’s really interesting to meet these people. Patrick was great and we hit it off right away because we both raced cars for a while. He was quite the driver and we had that in common. Addison and Milo were so sweet. I didn’t know who Addison was at first, but when my daughter found out I was doing a movie with them she was so excited. One day, Milo and Addison recorded an incredible video for my daughter and I wish I recorded her reaction when she saw it- it was great!
What do you hope the audience gains from watching this film, set to release in Canada on November 17, 2023?
I hope that they walk away having enjoyed it. I hope it can become another holiday tradition.
What are some other projects you are proud to have worked on?
The Christmas Chronicles definitely is one. I also loved being in things like Dark Matter– I love that show and the people involved in it. One of the coolest things that comes to mind on the acting end is that I landed the role of Sam Fisher. I’ve been doing that now for 4 years and that’s a dream come true to take over that character because I grew up playing the games. I’m lucky I get to do lots of voice work as well. I got picked by Clint Eastwood to do his biography. Thankfully there have been some good highlights.
What’s next for you?
I’m excited about a whole bunch of things- and I can’t talk about any of them! I can say that two of them are video games and they’re really amazing things. I’m so excited to be a part of those things because I am a gamer as well. There is some great stuff coming. For anyone who is interested, I also go on Instagram a lot. I love posting my own photography and interacting with people so what I can’t say today, I hopefully can tomorrow!
Check out Jeff Teravainen on Instagram here.
Published by HOLR Magazine.