Remember the pretty brunette who caught a drop of Bailey's Irish Cream on the tip of her tongue? That's her, Natalie Brown. Also the young bride who ages so gracefully in the London Life commercial and the girl in the Salon Selectives spot that customizes her slovenly boyfriend.

Then, suddenly, here she is – high atop the Park Hyatt in downtown Toronto, sitting across the table, unwrapping a violet scarf. The city, below us, glistens. She smiles warmly.

Natalie Brown in Pictures

I feel I’m in a commercial, a barely discernible soundtrack playing. But what’s the product? It could be CBC’s half-hour comedy, “Sophie”, the show Natalie stars in. It’s been picked up for a second season, 18 new episodes, and principal photography begins in Montreal in July. But that would be too obvious.

No, the commercial that we are in is not about her show; it’s about her, as a person. Fortunately, I have a list of questions.

Her present state of mind? Grateful. Her greatest extravagance? Cabs. Her most treasured possession is her family and the person that she most admires is her mom. Yes, but what does she dislike most about her own appearance? Her slouch. And what talent would she most like to have? “That’s easy,” she says. “To sing.” Can she carry a tune? “I can’t but I do.” The qualities that she admires most in a man and a woman are one and the same: sensitivity. And the trait that she deplores most in others? Insensitivity. I nod. I should have seen that coming. Natalie says that she would like to work with Almodovar, admires Cate Blanchett, and most deplores in herself the feeling of doubt.

Doubt? The world is presently this lovely young woman’s oyster. What is there to doubt? I am intrigued, and about to ask her, but then I see that my 30 seconds are almost up. It’s the final moment of our fleeting commercial together, time for what ad guys call the hero shot.

I gaze at her, questioningly. Her face is joyful, serene, playful, sensual, delicate. This occurs in 2.3 seconds. Then it’s over.