Photo Credit:  SOLE Productions

The star of “Heavens to Betsy” recently chatted with BTSCelebs about the anticipated sequel to the 2017 inspirational comedy.

Karen Lesiewicz, who is also known for roles in new and soon-to-be released projects like “Path of Egress” and “Come As You Are”, disclosed interesting behind-the-scenes information about who she is,  how she relates to Betsy, her film character’s maturity and so much more.

Check out her exclusive “Heavens to Betsy 2” interview below.

BTSCelebs: Who is Karen Lesiewicz?

Karen Lesiewicz: I’m an actor in the Chicago land area. I grew up in Schaumburg and studied Marketing at the University of Notre Dame where I competed in track and cross country. I now reside in Chicago and focus my energy on building my Film and Television career. I enjoy themed parties, leaving sporting events early, and temporarily jumping on the latest heath craze (ask me about the juicer I’ve forgotten about)

In the first movie Betsy’s life completely transforms and makes her reevaluate everything, how has Betsy changed in the second film?

In ‘Heavens to Betsy 2’, Betsy is more confident in herself. In the first film we see her relationship with God is very one-demential; she treats God as if he is Santa Claus. By the end of the movie, Betsy has a deeper understanding of her Faith and role God plays in her life.

In ‘Heavens to Betsy 2’, Betsy moves through life with greater purpose, yet faced with ongoing obstacles that come with speaking your truth. She is better equipped in the second movie to deal with these challenges and finds peace in staying true to herself and speaking God’s Will.

Are there any life experiences that Betsy goes through in the new film that mirror your own life? 

Photo Courtesy of Karen Lesiewicz

In the second movie Betsy begins her career as a professional writer. Some of the challenges she faces as a professional businesswoman I can relate to in beginning my own acting career. Both journeys require courage to lead an unconventional life and faith in yourself to prevail against challenges.

Was there a moment when you were starstruck by your fellow cast and crew on set?

Karen, writer/director Robert Alaniz and actor Jim O’Heir (Parks & Recreation) – Photo Courtesy of Robert Alaniz

Working with such a diverse and talented cast and crew, I was impressed and inspired each day by different people. I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Jim O’Heir again, who always leaves you feeling the perfect combination of both starstruck and like an old-time friend. Francine Locke, who plays Christian talk show host Clarice Staples, was an amazing addition to the talented cast whom I was lucky enough to work with and learn from.

I’m from the Chicago area, so I was thrilled to find out Heavens To Betsy was filmed in the Chicagoland area. Tell us about your favorite filming location for the movie?

So many people were generous enough to let us reuse locations for the second film. One of my favorite places we shot at was Gatto’s Italian Restaurant… we filmed there three days and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and generous! 

What message do you hope resonates with movie goers after they see the film?

I hope movie goers feel the confidence to stay true to themselves and resist the pressure to follow and comply with popular opinion. 

“Heavens to Betsy 2” is scheduled to be released in early 2019.

A Special Thanks to Karen Lesiewicz and Sole Productions for the exclusive interview and image.