At 20, Caylee J. Blosenski has already had a role in a Disney picture (Cheaper by the Dozen, 2022), a Grey’s Anatomy (2005–) appearance at 17 years old, and a closet full of prosthetic legs, including one modeled after Cherry Darling’s rifle leg in Planet Terror (2007). The Wisconsin-born, LA-based actress and model had her left leg amputated at 11 following a bone cancer diagnosis and began wearing a prosthetic about a year later. Getting dressed is an occasion to indulge her more expensive tastes. Her gold chrome prosthetic, for instance, was on her wish list for over a year. Caylee likes things with a little history to them, whether that means old runway shows, antiques, or the smell of her grandparent’s house. Below, she talks life on set, grindhouse movies, and her current obsessions.
Age: 20
Occupation: Side quests
Where are you from and where do you live now? I was born in a small town in Wisconsin and now live in LA.
How did you get started with acting?
I started in theater, doing small productions in my hometown. Disney was a huge inspiration, specifically watching Jenna Ortega in Stuck in the Middle [2016–2018]. Then I signed with an agency and appeared in my first on-camera role for an educational agriculture channel.
What’s your favorite memory from the set of Cheaper by the Dozen?
The last day of filming, celebrating with the whole cast and crew and reflecting on the memories we all made together.
What’s your Letterboxd top four?
This question haunts me in my sleep. I think it is nearly impossible to answer since my top films are constantly changing. But one I can confidently say is The Grinch [2000].
How do you get into a new character?
While the process is never the same, I like to start by piecing together what events have happened in the character’s life to make them feel or act this way.
Where do you get your sense of style?
I try to experiment and use my own brain, whether it’s from old memories, objects or coming up with new creative ideas. I also take inspiration from late ‘90s and early 2000s runway shows.
What’s one piece in your closet you couldn’t live without?
My prosthetics babe. Truly, they are my most treasured accessories. Coming from a place of insecurity and resentment, I’m so happy to be in a place where I’m proud to put one on every morning. I feel very fortunate that I’m able to have a closet of legs and grateful that Prosthetic Plus has made this possible.
What’s the story behind how your rifle prosthetic came to be?
It started with seeing a few comments on my socials about Cherry Darling from Planet Terror. I fell in love with the grindhouse film and the concept of a hot, powerful, and badass amputee. So naturally, I decided to be her for Halloween last year and have been using the leg ever since.
If you could design your own prosthetic from scratch, what would it look like?
I’m constantly thinking of new ideas for my next leg. I would love to incorporate a form of energy or add mechanical movement to my next prosthetic. I also admire Italy and its historic architecture and monuments. A leg based on that would be an absolute dream come true.
Describe a perfect day off.
I genuinely love what I do, so being on set or getting glammed is kind of my perfect day. But otherwise, give me a new city to explore, an iced latte, a little Harry Potter, having a yogurt bowl, a hike, and some antiquing, and I’d be happy.
When do you get nervous?
I’m naturally a very anxious person. But when I’m nervous, I remember what Rihanna once said: pretend.
What’s a smell you’d bottle forever?
A coffee shop, fresh cut grass, or my nana and papa’s house.
What’s a hill you’ll die on?
Being yourself is better than pretending to be someone else.
What’s one thing nobody knows about you?
I love singing and am hoping to make my own music very soon.