A L I L A R T E R
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { John Russo
PRODUCED BY { Photohouse Productions
HAIR BY { Kat Thompson for Forward Artists
MAKEUP BY { Georgie Eisdell for The Wall Group
STYLING { Jeanann Williams for Forward Artists
LOCATION { Los Angeles California
JR: What drew you to the role in “Landman”?
AL: I’ve always been incredibly inspired by Taylor Sheridan‘s work and I felt like it was an extraordinary opportunity to play a character with such emotional depth. And obviously, to get to spar with Billy Bob Thorton!
JR: How does “Landman” differ from other projects you’ve been involved with?
AL: Landman is a show that encompasses many different tones. It’s exciting to get to go from raw, vulnerable, dramatic, scenes all the way into comedy.
JR: What has been your favorite part of working on “Landman” so far?
AL: My favorite part of Landman is getting to play a character with so much emotional death. She is a wild ride! Also, we were so moved by how many people connected with our show.
JR: Are there any particular challengers you faced when preparing for your role in the show?
AL: I think one of the greatest challenges of playing Angela was finding her fierce inner confidence. She lives life by her own rules without fearing judgment of others. When I slip on her stilettos, I have to walk her walk.
JR: How do you balance your characters story arc with your personal life? Do you ever find yourself slipping into Angela in certain real life situations?
AL: It is a delicate balance, moving between my home life and back onto set in Fort Worth. Some days, I’m hopping on the last flight home to make it for parent teacher conferences and then racing back to Texas to film. I feel so grateful to be part of this show and I’m teaching my children that you should be able to be a mother and still follow your dreams.
JR: Looking back on your career, what have been some of the roles that have been most meaningful to you?
AL: I started working at 13 years old, so I’ve been doing this for a long time! I’ve been lucky to get to work in so many different genres from feel-good movies to comedies, sci-fi, and action. It’s very special that people are still so excited about Legally Blonde, Varsity Blues, Heroes, and Resident Evil. It’s very cool to be able to put a smile on someone’s face and that my movies have passed the test of time.
JR: How has your approach to acting evolved over the years?
AL: I’ve studied with many different acting coaches in my life and learned from many different techniques. I have a toolbox at this point and I’m able to draw from it depending on the project that I’m working on. Ivana Chubbuck has been my acting mentor for many years. There is a trust that comes from experience.
JR: What advice would you give to an aspiring actress who wants to make it in the industry?
AL: Don’t allow this business to define your worth. Follow a strong work ethic and constantly continue to learn. Stay on the path of curiosity. Being your unique self is your secret weapon.
JR: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your time in the entertainment industry?
AL: There are so many variables that go in to making a special show. You could have an incredible director, writers, actors, and somehow it still doesn’t work. When you’re lucky enough to be part of a project that you not only are inspired to be working on, but connects with audiences too, you know it’s special. It’s that little bit of magic fairy dust when it all comes together, so I live in gratitude and know that every moment is fleeting.
To learn more about Ali Larter, follow her @alilarter