SARAH MANNINEN: Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story.

E1 Entertainment, 5 for Fighting and Frantic Films in association with CBC Television announced a wrap on principal photography on the original Canadian bio-pic, Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story. This four-hour mini-series chronicles the life of Canada’s most prominent hockey personality and top sportscaster, Don Cherry.

 KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, KID: THE DON CHERRY STORY stars Jared Keeso as Don Cherry, and Sarah Manninen as Rose Cherry. The script is written by Tim Cherry, Don Cherry’s son. Jeff Woolnough (CSI; SUPER NATURAL, BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA, BONES and CÉLINE) is directing.

Canadian actress, Sarah Manninen and I worked on a Hershey, Pennsylvania accent for this star making vehicle as Rose Cherry. I was honored to work with Sarah, as her work ethic is so high, she wouldn’t settle for less than perfect. With limited audio of the real Rose Cherry, Sarah created a seamless and honest portrayal of this lovely woman and devoted wife.

The real Don Cherry said in an article for the National Post, “I went out for the last week or so of filming and I got there for the final scene with Rose. The girl [actor Sarah Manninen], she looks exactly like Rose. She even had the Pennsylvania accent down.”

Sarah Manninen is a graduate of Toronto’s George Brown Theatre School and was nominated for a Gemini Award (Canadian Emmy) as Best Leading Actress in a Dramatic Program or Miniseries for the BBC/CTV film AKA THE ALBERT WALKER STORY. She played opposite Lou Diamond Phillips as Natasha in the feature, NEVER FORGET and was a recurring character in the TV series, THE LINE, with Sharon Lawrence.

Sarah is currently shooting the CBS movie, THE LOIS WILSON STORY starring Winona Ryder and has played lead roles in CBS’ MARTIN AND LEWIS; BEAUTIFUL GIRL for ABC and MOLLY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ON THE HOMEFRONT produced by Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films.

Sarah Manninen met with TORO Magazine photographer, Franco Deleo, for an exclusive photo shoot and shared more insights into her personality in this Q&A.

Q: What is the quality you like most in a man?
 A: Compassion. Loyalty for sure. And a sense of humour!
Q: The quality you like most in a woman? 
A: Well, the same kind of things. Also, non-judgmental. And fun-loving. I want to have fun too!
Q: Which living person do you most admire?
 A: I find it hard not to say Barack Obama, but I’ll also say for the Canadian side Michael Ignatieff. I’ve been interested in him for the past four years. I was doing a little volunteering for him too. I love politics. I’m a huge fan of politics. My parents have always been very passionate about it, so I come by it naturally.
Q: What is your motto? 
A: Be appreciative of the present moment.

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http://nationalpost.com