CelebrityHauteSpot

We recently had the chance to with Ashleigh LaThrop about getting her start in the entertainment industry, working on “Fifty Shades of Freed”, landing her role on “The Kominsky Method”, and more!

1. How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?

I was living in Chicago and had just gotten an agent. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do film and TV, but I decided to start auditioning to see what it was like. One of the first things I auditioned for was the part of a homeless lady on Chicago PD. I decided I wanted to look as disheveled as possible at the audition and I’m convinced I booked the role because I was the only person who hadn’t done her makeup or hair. I only had a couple lines, but I had such a good time on set that I decided to continue doing it.

2. What is your favorite part about acting?

My favorite part about acting is how much fun it is. I love creating new characters & getting to think & react in ways that are so vastly different from my own way of operating in the world.

3. How do you like to prepare or practice your craft?

Whenever I get a new script I read it once, analytically, to understand the plot and the world being described and the tone of the script . Then I spend some time on Google researching any references or jargon I don’t know. Next, I read the script a second time from the point of view of my character to try to get a sort of rough sketch for how they see the world and to figure out what they want in every scene. I start to form opinions (in character) of everything from other characters in the script-their personalities, their actions, their word choices- to plot details. And then the fun begins: I spend the rest of my time imagining. I imagine the situations described in the script, and also experiences in my characters life that may inform why the she thinks or behaves in a certain way. I imagine my relationships with other characters in the script & try to use my own life experiences to make it deeply personal. I imagine past hurts and past loves, past triumphs and defeats to get a complete sense of the person.

4. What is some advice you have for aspiring actors?

Enjoy your journey. I think it’s easy in this career to see someone’s success and want to have the same things happen to you, but so much of this career is about luck or making the right connections or other intangible things. There is no blueprint nor corporate ladder to climb in this profession. So my advice is: don’t measure yourself against what other people are doing. Continue to do your best work and let the journey take you where it will.

5. How did you land your role on “Fifty Shades of Freed?”

The casting director for Fifty Shades wasn’t in Los Angeles, so she asked me to submit a self tape-which is essentially a home video where you say your lines while someone reads the other part off camera. The audition script was a 2 page scene in which I talked about redesigning my boss’ office. I asked my manager to read with me, but his office was unexpectedly under construction that day, and we didn’t have time to go to another place because the tape was due by 12pm. So we set up a tripod in the supply closet. I filmed the audition next to stacks of paper & folders & extra boxes of pens in a space so tiny, I could reach from one wall to the opposite wall, just by extending my arms. We laughed in between takes because it was such an absurd space and I was certain I wasn’t going to get the role because the situation was such a mess. I was STUNNED when they called 2 weeks later and offered me the job.

6. How would you describe your character?

Hannah is a very friendly, excitable person. She’s always willing to give advice or lend a hand, and she’s really supportive. She doesn’t have a huge ego, but she’s incredibly driven and when she’s given a task she’ll go above and beyond to complete it. I think she keeps her emotions somewhat hidden at work, but she’s also open enough that if you asked her she’ll tell you how she feels immediately. She’s also a bit of a flirt.

7. How are you similar to your character?

I think we’re most similar in the way we approach our friendships. Hannah is a very good friend. She’s supportive and caring but also honest about her feelings, and those are all qualities I strive to offer to my friends as well.

8. What can you tell us about your character on the upcoming Netflix series “The Kominsky Method”?

On Kominsky Method I play a character named Breana. She’s incredibly smart and talented but also guarded. She’s kind of mysterious because she doesn’t really speak up a lot in class unless she’s forced to. But she’s also funny because if she’s displeased with you, you’ll know, even without her saying anything. Most of the time though she’s laid back and cool.

9. What can fans except to see on the show?

The show stars Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin as long time best friends trying to navigate their lives. Fans can expect to see great comradere, great acting, and a grounded humor that comes from the absurdity of situations the characters find themselves in.

10. Do you have any other favorite Netflix series?

Too many to count. Although I just finished The End of the F***ing World. I highly recommend it

11. Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?

I’m appearing as a guest star on a couple of upcoming shows. Reverie on NBC  premieres this summer. I’m also appearing in The Noise for Sundance Channel.

12. What are your social media accounts?

Twitter, snapchat and Instagram are @ashleighlathrop. I also just created a Facebook page @realashleighlathrop

Subscribe to see more of Ashleigh on our channel@