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Self-Professed Easton 'Homebody' Perfects Her Role In New Vietnam Era Film

EASTON, Conn. -- The occasional bout of homesickness helped Taylor Owen with her new role.

Easton native Taylor Owen stars in a new Vietnam-era film, "I Got You Babe."

Easton native Taylor Owen stars in a new Vietnam-era film, "I Got You Babe."

Photo Credit: Dana Patrick
A still from "I Got You Babe" starring Fairfield County native Taylor Owen.

A still from "I Got You Babe" starring Fairfield County native Taylor Owen.

Photo Credit: Aditya Akash

The Los Angeles-based actress -- originally from Easton -- said she drew on a moment just after her mom had visited her in California to get emotional in her new film, "I Got You Babe."

The independent movie is inspired by the 1965 real-life story of a bride who traveled to Las Vegas to marry her sweetheart so he could dodge the draft during the Vietnam War.

Owen said the role was one of the most grounding she has ever played. It was also something she was surprised she got. 

"When I walked out of the audition room, I was sure I didn't get it," she said.

"I'm primarily a comedic actress but also love dramas so getting a chance to explore Beth's story was truly special."

The struggle of her character, Beth, was a timeless one, she said. "Coming from the small town of Easton,  I was the biggest homebody there was. I come from such a loving close family that I never really wanted to leave them," she said.

Knowing she wanted to pursue acting, however, meant heading to California. (She studied at Chapman University.)

In "I Got You Babe," Owen's Easton roots helped her tap into the many emotions her character, Beth, is going through. The thought of going against her family -- and giving up her dreams was something she realized she could use when Beth is thinking about how her life will be changed with her marriage.

There's a scene that starts with Beth thinking about her mother and how she knows she won't understand. That's where Owen said she imagined how she'd feel letting her family down.  

"Even though this was in 1965, the decisions, themes, and battles in our lives really never change," she said.

Next up for Owen: A web series with her production company, It's A Girl Thing Productions. It will be out in September so stay tuned.

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