Back in May 1994 R..L Stine had published his 20th Goosebumps book. a story about two teenagers who visit their grandparents on their farm. Meanwhile, they run into an old friend, Sticks and his father Stanley. Things are strange during their visit as they come to realize Stanley had an evil scheme involving the creepy scarecrows found around the farm. That's right! The story I'm talking about is: The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight.
Two years and 6 months passed before it became the 14th episode of season 2. This story starred John Campbell as one of the crucial leads, but the person Shiver and Fears got to interview was the head character. You "Goosebumps" fans know her as Jodie, but her accurate name is Heather Bertram.
After chatting with Heather, I asked if I could write her in this blog for the "Shiver and Fears" fans (and the Goosebumps fan as well)
1. How did you get the part?
Many talented actresses auditioned for the part of Jodie, including Heather herself. But out of all the tryouts, there was something about Heather that won the crew's heart.
2. How was it being in a story made by R. L. Stine?
Like you and myself, many people admire Goosebumps. Whether book or tv series fans love each chill thrill of a Goosebumps book from 1990s to today. "I liked doing the show episode I did," Heather says.
3.Who played the brother and how is your friendship now?
As you may know, John E. Campbell played the brother, Mark, in the tv episode Scarecrow Walks at Midnight. After the preformance, Heather and John went on with their lives and has no contact with him today, "I don't keep in touch with many of my co-stars these days." Like Heather, however, John also has done a few performances after "Goosebumps" as well.
4. Are you a Goosebumps fan, before or after you got the part?
Goosebumps started back in 1992 while the tv series started 3 years later in 1995, but Heather Bertram was always a fan! She enjoyed Goosebumps before even casting the part. To this day, she still is. Heather has even introduced Goosebumps to her family, "I am introducing my daughter, nephew and niece to it." she says.
5. What are you doing now as an adult?
When doing a little research, it was discovered that Heather's latest piece of work was back in 1999 in a film called "In the Company of Spies" as Julie Marko. But what is she doing now? "I am now a Connected Kids Tutor, Reiki Master ( which means I do mediation to kids and adult)" she has also stated of founding a company called Guided Hearts where she does Reiki Master.
Heather soon decided to leave acting to pursue this life dream. When asked if there was another Goosebumps episode she wanted to be a part of, Heather stated, "I am not really acting anymore, because of me wanting to live a normal life." She is now happy with her husband, Jason and her daughter Sadie.
6. How is your family life? Any Siblings?
Heather isn't the only one with an acting life. In fact, she has two sisters who also had a taste for thrills and chills. For any "Are You Afraid of the Dark" fans, you might remember of the story about a girl visiting in a haunted house. There she came across a young ghost girl. This story was called The Tale of the Lonely Ghost. And the girl who played Amanda Cameron was Laura Bertram. Who also starred in The Tale of the Mystical Mirror as Laurel.
Later in the season, Heather's younger sister played in another "Are You Afraid of the Dark" episode called The Tale of the Hunted as Laura. Heather and Jennifer later played in a Disney Channel Original Halloween movie about a phantom in a movie theater! You guessed it, "Phantom of the Megaplex"! with Heather as Caitlin and Jennifer as Lisa. "Laura is 42 now and is still acting in movies and guest starring roles," Heather explains, "Jennifer is 37 and is living a private and normal life." Heather also states her mother is still living.
Although this actress is done being on the big screen, what amazes me the most is being able to chat with her. This kind-hearted woman was not only patient enough to answer questions, but also bold to reveal her moment in the spotlight. It's not everyday you can conversate with a tv star, even if their moment was brief. So I'd like to give thanks to this 39-year-old former actress, Heather Bertram for her time.
