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She’s been estranged from her sister, cooped up in a psychiatric hospital and, at the end of last season, left for dead in an upturned car courtesy of the Headless Horseman; what more is poor Jenny Mills expected to endure? A lot if the teasers for Season 2 of Fox’s Sleepy Hollow are of any indication. “Things get very dark and twisted,” says actress Lyndie Greenwood of the new season, set to premiere on September 22nd.

Newly signed as a series regular, audiences will have a chance to get to know Greenwood’s Jenny, the Mills family’s dark horse, more intimately, a prospect that has Greenwood eagerly awaiting the start of Season 2. “There are some aspects of Jenny’s past that I’m very excited to explore,” she shares. “She lead a very bizarre life before we caught up with her on Sleepy Hollow, so it’ll be interesting to dive into that a bit.” And with the Headless Horseman kicking around the neighbourhood, life is not likely to get any less “bizarre.”

Considering how well Greenwood owns the tough-as-nails Jenny character, it’s difficult to believe she’d be as laid-back and chirpy as she is in real-life. But just as our national myth would have it, she’s as humble and nice as one would imagine a good Canadian girl to be. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, the 31-year-old actress has made her way up the ranks with noteworthy guest star roles on shows such as Lost Girl, before landing series regular roles on Nikita and now Sleepy Hollow.  While she’s officially made it to the big time — she does star on last year’s breakout fall show and one of this year’s most highly anticipated returns, after all — Greenwood hasn’t fallen for the trappings of a high-maintenance Hollywood life; rather, for this hometown girl, it’s all about staying chill, just as her personal style suggests. “I really love jeans and a t-shirt, and dressing casually on most days; but part of the joy in doing that, is that it makes dressing up more fun.”

Away from the action of the Sleepy Hollow set, Greenwood takes a moment to chat with FILLER about girly delights including her personal style secrets and her idea of true beauty.

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How do you think your character, Jenny Mills, would describe herself in a nutshell? As a viewer, the word “strong“ immediately comes to mind.

I think Jenny Mills would describe herself as “no-nonsense.” She knows what she wants, she doesn’t mince words, and she doesn’t suffer fools.

And what do you think Abbie would think of this description? Might her character sketch of her sister differ a bit?

I think Abbie’s description of Jenny would fall along the same lines, but she might add that Jenny is impulsive, brash and stubborn.

You’ve had some time to get acquainted with your character, and you’re coming on as a regular in the new season, does the Jenny Mills character completely feel like yours now? Is playing her become more and more natural for you?

It is becoming more natural to play Jenny, but there is still a lot about her that I don’t know, yet. I’ve become accustomed to the way she speaks and moves, but each piece of new information about her backstory helps me add more to her. Whether or not the audience actually notices a difference, I’m not sure, but it does feel fuller as we move along.

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What’s one of the most significant differences you see in Jenny, from the moment viewers first met her in, to her first scene in Season 2?

Well, for one, she’s not in a mental institution anymore. I can’t give too much away about Jenny’s first scene of Season 2, but in general Jenny has lost a bit of the chip she was carrying around on her shoulder, and has come to allow herself to trust others again (if only a very select few).

Without giving away any spoilers, where’s Jenny’s storyline going to take her this new season?

It’s really hard to answer that question without any spoilers! We’ll see more of the interaction with Jenny and Abbie, but this season, they start from a different point in their relationship, so there are different aspects of it to explore. There are new characters being introduced as well, and it will be interesting to see how Jenny interacts with them.

Sounds intriguing. What aspect of her story are you most looking forward to developing this season? Personally, we’re intrigued by getting to know the Headless Horseman and how he contributed to your car crash at the end of the first season.

Getting to know the Headless Horseman is going to be very interesting.

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Sleepy Hollow has been praised for how it embraces the dark side of storytelling, can the viewer expect things to get even a little more dark and scary as the war against the End of Days is waged?

The humour and character chemistry remain intact. I think that’s what makes Sleepy Hollow so successful — it successfully incorporates aspects of many different genres: horror, fantasy, comedy, crime, etc.

Your character on the show isn’t one for girly glamour, she’s a little more utilitarian. In your own everyday life, would you say your sense of style leans more towards the casual/practical or are you into keeping up with fashion/beauty trends and getting dressed up?

It’s a bit of both.

In terms of beauty, what’s your daily routine include, especially when busy on set, but still in need of looking camera ready?

When I’m going to set, I don’t so anything, as the wonderful people in the hair and makeup departments take care of my mug. But day-to-day, I try to keep it simple; I cover up my dark circles, and put on mascara. When I’m going out, I’ll add some blush, and maybe some eyeliner, or lipstick.

With all eyes on you, is it sometimes hard to see how you really look, rather than how fans and the viewing public perceive you as looking based on the context of whatever magazine they read?

I try not to stray too far from what I really look like for photo shoots and such. That being said, I have been known to walk around in my jogging clothes and cap, and no makeup, so maybe I look pretty different then.

Who is your beauty idol and what about her beauty looks inspires your own look?

My mother is my beauty idol. Watching her get ready was always such a treat as a child. She’s confident, and secure in her appearance, and she wears whatever she feels like on whatever particular day. She is beautiful on the inside too, and her personality radiates and makes her even more beautiful on the outside.

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Happen to pick up any beauty secrets from the hair and makeup artists you’ve worked with in the past? I imagine they have some gems!

Cotton pads soaked in witch-hazel can do wonders for tired eyes, as can a little white eyeliner along the water-line. A little liquid makeup remover in a dry mascara tube revives it completely.

Those are gems! In your opinion, what’s the one beauty product every woman should invest in?

I think every woman should have a really good mascara, and some nice lip-gloss. Boring, I know, but it’s the truth.

What’s an easy way to transition from your usual daytime beauty look to the perfect evening look?

I feel like amping up the lips with some colour is an easy and effective way to transition to night.

What’s your go-to red carpet beauty look?

I’ve tried a few different looks, and I still don’t feel like I have a go-to, because it really depends on the event. However, If I could wear black skinny-jeans, sexy boots or pumps, a fun top, and a blazer for every event, I’d be a very happy woman.

What beauty items can we find in your purse on an average day?

You can find M.A.C. Studio Fix powder, Benefit They’re Real mascara, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Corrector, and City Lips lip gloss. I also usually carry my NARS Red Lizard matte lipstick, too…for that day to night transition.

What’s one thing we will never see you do beauty-wise?

You’ll never see me pluck my eyebrows into non-existence (again).

What new beauty trend are you planning to test out this fall? Maybe some grey hued eyes or nails?

I love fall and all the fashion that comes with it. Grey has always been one of my favourite colours, so I think you’ve inspired me! I’m just excited for scarves, and boots, and toques, as I am every year.

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