At just 16 years old, Hannah Love Lanier has already proven herself as a versatile and compelling actress. From commercials with her family to commanding roles in high-stakes dramas, Hannah’s trajectory in Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring. In an exclusive chat with Pop Culture Unplugged, she opened up about her career beginnings, her transformative role as Kate in Lioness, and the lessons she’s learned from working alongside legends like Zoe Saldana.
From Commercials to Leading Roles
Hannah’s acting journey began with her family. “My mom was an actress, and we started doing commercials together,” she shared. Her first commercial featured her mom and dad, creating a soft introduction to the entertainment industry.
“I realized I loved it and wanted to dive deeper,” Hannah said. From commercials, she transitioned into theatrical roles, showcasing her ability to handle both drama and comedy. “I love tapping into all genres. Comedy and drama teach you skills that can be used interchangeably,” she explained.
Stepping into Kate’s Shoes in Lioness
Playing Kate in Taylor Sheridan’s intense and emotional drama Lioness was no small feat. “In Season 1, I was intimidated,” Hannah admitted. “Kate was dealing with so much, and I had to put myself in her shoes to understand her struggles—being a hormonal teen, worrying about her mom’s mysterious job, and dealing with so much emotionally.”
Hannah’s method for portraying Kate involved imagining herself in similar situations. “If my mom came home with bruises and secrets, how would I feel? That helped me connect to Kate’s world.”
The Emotional Growth of Kate
Hannah reflected on Kate’s journey from Season 1 to Season 2, describing her transformation as one of her favorite parts of the role.
“In Season 1, Kate was misunderstood—seen as bratty but really just struggling and hurting. By Season 2, she’s matured, lighter, and more connected with her family,” Hannah shared. “She’s blossoming into the person she’s meant to become, and it’s been amazing to portray that growth.”
Kate’s evolving relationship with her parents, especially her mother (played by Zoe Saldana), is a cornerstone of the show. “There’s a shift from resentment to curiosity and understanding. Kate begins to see the importance of her mom’s job, even though it takes her away from the family,” she said.
Learning from Zoe Saldana
Hannah credits much of her growth as an actress to her co-star Zoe Saldana. “Zoe is an incredible role model,” she said. “I’ve learned so much just from watching her on set—the way she takes direction, her suggestions, how she brings her character to life. It’s a masterclass every day.”
Hopes for Kate in Season 3
When asked if she’d change anything about her character, Hannah was quick to say no. “Taylor Sheridan has done such an incredible job with Kate. I wouldn’t change a thing,” she said.
However, she’s open to new possibilities for her character. “In a perfect world, Kate would grow even more—maybe even become a lioness herself,” Hannah speculated.
Balancing Work and Life
As she prepares to graduate high school and start college, Hannah is excited about what’s ahead. “This is such a transformative time in my personal life, and I think that will show in my career as well,” she said.
What’s Next for Hannah Love Lanier?
While the industry’s future is always evolving, Hannah is eager to continue exploring new opportunities. “I’m excited to see where everything I’ve done so far takes me,” she said.
Connect with Hannah Love Lanier
Fans can follow Hannah on Instagram at @hannahlovelygirl for updates on her projects and behind-the-scenes moments.