This story first appeared in the Aug. 1 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.
The 28-year-old Canadian actress had been building a career up north, doing TV and the occasional movie, when Orphan Black crossed her path. Her performance — which has Maslany playing a series of clones, all trying to figure out who created them and why — has gotten her two Critics' Choice Awards, a Golden Globe nom and the adoration of such showrunners as Damon Lindelof and Shawn Ryan.
When did you go to your first convention?
It was in San Francisco about six years ago; we were doing press for a movie I did called Ginger Snaps: Unleashed. There were four people in the front row and four of us on the panel, and we basically outnumbered the audience. I absolutely loved it.
Is there anyone whose autograph you'd wait in line for?
The cast of Shaun of the Dead. I met Edgar Wright, and he was awesome, but I'd love to meet Simon Pegg. I saw Shaun of the Dead when it first came out, and I was just blown away. I was just like, "This is a perfect film." I cried. I laughed. I was terrified. I believed every moment.
What has been your favorite fan interaction?
There was a girl who was dressed as one of the clones on Orphan Black dressed as another clone. It was like this totally esoteric, very detailed costume — nobody else would know who she was except us. It was really great to see that.
