Show Success We spent months and years on this project, hoping the jokes would land and fans of the game would appreciate the world-building and effort we put in. I was just reading that it's the highest-rated show on Prime Video in the U.S. and second globally. It's exceeded our expectations, and while we knew it was special, it's pretty cool to see the world agree.
Journey to the Entertainment Industry I was always interested in the arts and performing, starting as a ballet dancer and participating in school plays. Initially, I wanted to be a doctor, but I had a supportive community that encouraged me to pursue acting. I chose to study psychology and theater at Harvard to learn about humanity from all angles, which I believe is crucial for being a good actor.
Moving to New York I love New York City's energy and its unique artistic community. I initially wanted to be a Broadway star but ended up being guided towards TV and film by my representation. However, I hope to return to theater someday.
Harvard Experience Coming from North Carolina and Virginia, moving to Boston was a significant change. I loved living in Boston and studying at Harvard, where I met some of my best friends and grew as a person. I studied psychology and theater to understand humanity deeply, which I find essential for acting. The community and challenges at Harvard pushed me to be my best.
Involvement in Improv Improv is an invaluable skill for actors, particularly improv comedy, as comedy is often harder than drama. I was part of some improv groups at Harvard, including the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, which was a significant and fun experience.
Career Aspirations I want a career that spans genres, playing different characters and telling diverse stories. The joy of acting is playing someone other than yourself, which helps grow empathy. After 'Fallout,' I found the scale of sci-fi and action films incredibly fun and hope to do more of those.
Role in 'Fallout' My audition for 'Fallout' was in early 2022. Initially, casting wasn't sure if I was right, but I persisted and sent in a tape. I was thrilled when I got the part, which turned out to be a recurring character, not just a one-scene role. Meeting Jonah on set and discovering the depth of my character, Stephanie, was exciting. Stephanie is a quirky, slightly off 1950s housewife with an eyepatch who wields a machine gun—a joy to play.
Research and Character Development I tried playing the games but found watching gameplay videos more helpful for understanding the tone and lore. Stephanie is not in the games, so I had the freedom to shape her character. I played her in various ways during filming and was glad the editors chose the spookiest versions, adding to her intriguing persona.
Impact and Fan Reception The fan response to Stephanie has been great, with people loving and distrusting her, which means I'm doing my job right. I love that people are intrigued by her and argue about her backstory and future.
Stephanie's Bond with Lucy I believe Stephanie and Lucy's friendship is genuine, though Stephanie's loyalty to the vault might be stronger. I hope their relationship is pivotal in Stephanie's journey, whether she remains loyal to the vault or rekindles her friendship with Lucy.
Stephanie's Pivotal Moments Stephanie is territorial and values security and status, which is why losing her husband was not part of her plan. She quickly moved on to Chet, seeking to maintain her status and security within the vault. Her complexity and smartness make her a fascinating character.
Set Experience The vault set was incredibly detailed and practical, with real elements like a functioning vault door. This level of authenticity made acting in the environment a gift.
Challenges and Learning One of the biggest challenges was learning about camera angles, which was new to me. This project has been a highlight of my career, and I can't wait to return for season two.