Though Natalie Brown cut her TV teeth on the CBC show Sophie, she's earned legions of new admirers playing Kelly Goodweather on FX’s The Strain – the much buzzed-about vampire drama created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan (and shot in Toronto and Hamilton).

The show has also led to some seriously cool experiences. "Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman – it was filled with every star you could imagine,” Natalie said of last year’s Comic-Con, where she admitted to feeling like a fan – even as her own star-struck fans were lining up to meet her!

“I’ve loved becoming a vampire,” she says. “Prosthetics are fun and scary!” Here, the 43-year-old chats to Hello! about sinking her teeth into the role.

‘I’m loving every minute of it,’ says Natalie of The Strain (Sundays, FX). Photo: © Getty Images

What can fans expect from the third season of The Strain ?
The intensity and excitement really ramps up. We’ll see some different sides of my character, Kelly, that we haven’t seen before. Some unexpected alliances are made and some interesting, unconventional relationships are nurtured.

When you tried out for the role, did you know you’d aced your audition?
[Laughs] The auditions you think went great are the ones you never get. Often the ones I think went horribly are surprising when I get the phone call, like I did after my screen test for The Strain. I didn’t think it went very well at all and then I ended up getting my dream job.

Natalie as Kelly Goodweather on The Strain. Photo: © Rogers Media

What do you love about it?
I get to work with incredible people who keep me inspired. I feel very lucky.

Growing up, were you into sci-fi?
I loved Star Wars – who didn’t? But as far as horror, I was always sitting safely behind my cousins and friends pretending to watch Friday the 13th. I always had my eyes closed.

Do you enjoy doing stunts?
I love it! I love becoming more fit as I’ve gotten older and more physically prepared for whatever challenges have come my way. It’s a great way to force yourself to stay in shape.

You’re a big foodie. What should someone make to impress you?
I’m pretty easy to impress with a plate of cheese, charcuterie, chocolate and wine. If you want to take it to the next level, anything with truffles!