Not only has Wesley’s Tara Thornton gotten “sexed-up” — there is also the intrigue of a growing lesbian relationship with her vampire “maker” Pam Swynford De Beaufort, played by Kristin Bauer van Straten. The character was also briefly involved in a same-sex affair in the fourth season, and Wesley has had female fans express their “appreciation” as often as male fans do.
“One girl literally chased me down the street and she was like ‘Tara!’ ” Wesley shares. “I turned around and she was trying to holla at me!” Wesley says she was oblivious to the woman’s advances until her male friend clued her in. “I didn’t get it,” she admits.
She’s endured criticism, type-casting and some “overeager” fans, but you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re trying to find typical Hollywood cynicism. Rutina Wesley is happy and fulfilled — and truly enjoys every moment.
“I love telling a story and hopefully moving an audience,” Wesley states.
She remembers one particular fan encounter above all of the rest; the one encounter that the actress cites as an indicator of how beautiful her life and career have been.
“I met a woman at Annie on Broadway,” she shares. “I was with my husband and she came by and noticed me and didn’t say anything. I [stepped out] and came back and my husband said ‘That woman wanted me to tell you that she loves you on the show.’ I found her and gave her this big hug and she said ‘My husband passed away and we used to watch the show. I believe in angels and he put me here to meet you right now.’ We were both just standing there crying. It was an awesome moment.”
