Beth Jean Riesgraf (born August 24, 1978) is an American actress. She is known for her portrayal of Parker on the TNT television series Leverage (2008–12).
I am drawn to roles that are strong, intelligent, and a little edgy. With Complications, I navigate my character Samantha Ellison through some really emotionally challenging times.
That lifestyle wears you down fast, so I started to take better care of myself. I exercise, sleep eight hours a night, take vitamins, eat organic foods, skip foods that aren't good for me, and I surround myself with amazing artists and friends.
I enjoy doing fun things outdoors with my son to stay in shape. We like camping together. After a weekend in the woods, I'm sorer than after a week at the gym!
If I don't take care of myself and be kind to myself, then I can't take care of anyone else.
If I don't take care of myself and be kind to myself, then I can't take care of anyone else. I think when my son was a baby I got used to not getting enough sleep, rushing and skipping meals, and feeling tired a lot of the time.
I am drawn to roles that are strong, intelligent, and a little edgy.
I find that if I use my time well and take care of my mindbody when I'm outside of work, then I feel more supported throughout my day.
It's so weird, not knowing what your life is going to be. I'm being optimistic. And when 'Leverage' comes to an end, I have lots of ideas for other things. You can't really sit and wait for things to come to you.
It's important for me to play women who can overcome adversity, make change, and take control of their lives. I think it's a great time for women in TV and film in general, and I want to help tell these stories.
I would say, being a parent is what makes me vulnerable. Loving someone so much it scares you. Knowing you'd do anything for them and then realizing there will come a time when you have to loosen the reins and let them figure it out on their own, and then trusting that youthey are making the right decisions.
I was really active as a kid. I was outdoors constantly.
If something boils up under stress later, I remind myself to breathe and focus back to how I decided my day was going to go. It's simple but it works.
Passion. Confidence. Gratitude. The possibility of making positive change in the world. It's the sort of "spark" one gets the moment they decide to go after what they want, really fight for it, work hard, and not give up. I love that spark; it's beautifully contagious.
I find that if I use my time well and take care of my mindbody when I'm outside of work, then I feel more supported throughout my day. So, instead of waking up and going straight for my cell phone or running to the gym, I take a few deep breaths, envision what I'd like to achieve that day, then rid my mind of anything that isn't going to help me get there.