Taryn Manning: It just depends what you believe in, really. I don't want to mess with anybody's religion, but one thing I hold on to is the fact that I believe in Heaven and I believe all souls are reunited. So, I just hold on to the fact that I'll see him again. It really excites me - not like I'm excited to die - but I'm excited to see him again.
As a kid, it was tough. It really drove me, though. Instead of taking a route where you get really depressed or do bad things, it really drove me instead. I really wanted to make the most out of my life. I was so driven when he passed, all I wanted to do was fulfill my dreams of being an entertainer. My dad was an entertainer too and he never blew up. He was involved in lots of records where the band broke-up or folded, or whatever. So, my whole thing has just been to live on and fulfill things he didn't get to. It was so painful and confusing when he died. I still wonder why and I still miss him a lot. I know it's been 10 years but I can still get really, really sad. Now, though, I just live in his essence and just kinda keep moving and try to make him proud.
Sindy: Speaking of proud, your mom must be pretty proud, huh?
Taryn Manning: She loves it. Our mom's our biggest fan, ever. She just wants us to be happy. You know, it's not always easy, and there are moments when I say 'this is not fun.' But, my mom gives me the best advice on how to keep my head on straight, enjoy the journey and not think about the destination. If you just think about the future, you're passing by everything that it takes to get there and you're ignoring your life. My mom grounds me and my brother and she's so proud of us. It's funny because she's in the game with us too and she's got her ear to the ground.
Sindy: We have lots of members who want to be an actress or a singer. You've scored big in both areas, so what advice can you give?
Taryn Manning: Well, I have always taken voice lessons. Even though I have a good voice, I believe that you can always be better just by learning how to breathe and place your voice properly. Same with acting. I took tons of acting classes and it wasn't to become a great actor. I believe that you can't really learn to act because ultimately it's just something inside of you. But, my acting classes taught me confidence and how to perform in front of other people and not be shy or scared.
Also, take every opportunity to perform. Whether it be a church or a school thing, or whatever you're involved in - you need to perform to gain confidence. I believe that confidence is ultimately what drives any performer. You gotta be able to put yourself out there.
I also read a lot of books on how to make it as a performer in LA or New York. Stuff like how to start your cover letters and head shots. I just really researched it. I started with nothing but a dream. I took acting classes, was in drama classes at school, and every opportunity I got to show myself, I did.
