INTERVIEW BY ALLIE KING.
Annie Starke, American actress, has worked her way to the big screen, after a 2011 run in the off-broadway show “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.” After roles in a few projects, including “We Don’t Belong Here” and “Father Figures,” Annie Starke was cast in the 2017 award-winning film “The Wife,” playing young Joan Castleman. Gaining eyes from this popular project, Starke used her platform to promote causes close to her heart. Now, her vocalized passion bleeds into her work, as she enters the twisted world of Nurse Mildred Ratched, originally from the Ken Kesey novel, “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” in the new Netflix Original series, “Ratched.”
AK: With the COVID-19 Pandemic amongst us, this year has been a challenging one for everyone. How has it been for you as an actress during this time? How does it look moving forward?
AS: Well, like most things it seems, my career is currently at a standstill. But, my Lordy, I hope to get the wheels turning again once it’s safe to do so. Moving forward — I’m sure we won’t go back to “normal,” per se — but hopefully, through this crisis, we’ll become better at our jobs as actors, producers and creators of our craft. Plus, I’m sure some great COVID-19 scripts have been born during quarantine!
AK: Throughout the hectic year, you have stayed vocal about your opinions on Instagram, creating tributes to the Black Lives Matter Movement and Pride, and speaking out about COVID-19 and the election. What has inspired you to use your platform this way? Do you think followers are receptive to these posts?
AS: I think that if you have a platform —no matter how small — you should try to use it for the greater good. It is as simple as that. So many of us — including mother nature — are under attack from our governmental leaders, and I simply refuse to be silent while the world literally burns and people are killed needlessly by those sworn to protect us. BLM, all day, every day.
AK: Before your 2017 roles in The Wife and We Don’t Belong Here, you had worked off-broadway in Love, Loss, and What I Wore. How easily were you able to transition from stage to screen? How did your stage experience benefit you once you returned to a film set?
AS: I absolutely adored my experience in off-broadway. I truly believe that if you’re serious about becoming an actor, it is essential that you partake in theatre study. Theatre is the foundation of our craft, and it teaches you lessons that you just can’t find anywhere else. There is no better feeling than coming off stage after an electric evening with your audience. The transition was a little tricky, as so many struggling actors know. But I’m still extremely grateful to the theatre for giving me so much confidence moving forward.
AK: Ratched is the emotionally-complicated origin story of Nurse Mildred Ratched from the Ken Kesey novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. What was your first impression of this script?
AS: I was blown away by the genius that is Evan Romansky’s script. Holy cow. I read it in what seemed like 5 minutes — never putting it down and probably not even breathing— and I was amazed by his beautiful treatment of Mildred herself. I believe that nobody is born evil. Not even the notorious Nurse Ratched. So his answer to the “why?” gives this character an entirely new and more human dimension, that we can all empathize with. I’m so proud to have someone like Evan in the industry. The sky is the limit for Mr. Romansky.
AK: Did it carry weight on set knowing that you were adding to a story that was already established and highly acclaimed?
AS: Yes, we definitely were aware of the pressure. But thankfully, because of Ryan and Sarah’s incredible leadership on and off-set, I think, everyone was confident that we were developing something very special.
AK: This series, based in 1947, takes us back to a time before the progression of LGBTQ+ rights. The story anxiously reminds viewers of the lawless past. What was it like on the set of a series with such an emotional toll?
AS: I simply wouldn’t be who I am today without my friends and family in the LGBTQ+ community. So I put a ton of pressure on myself to do my character justice. The medical world has been used as a weapon against those perceived as “different” — even today with “conversion therapy.” I think it’s important to shine a spotlight on the horrific traumas and injustices experienced by so many.
AK: This was your first time working with Ryan Murphy, a many-time Emmy Award-winning television series creator. What was your experience like working with him?
AS: It was amazing to work with Ryan, and it was an even bigger honor to have been directed by him as well for my first episode. I think he’s an incredible force, a profound leader, and I deeply admire his passionate fight for communal inclusion on and off-set.
AK: Without giving anything away, I’d like to talk about your bath scene. Watching this scene, I was equally impressed and horrified. How do you get in the headspace for that kind of acting?
AS: Ah yes, the tub scene. Fun fact: I actually practiced in my tub at home. Just kidding! It was a very difficult scene to shoot — as you can imagine — but I love a good challenge. I would be lying if I said I didn’t use a little bit of my legitimate fear of confined spaces to push my performance to the edge. Don’t try that technique at home, kids.
AK: You were also a part of the 2017 award-winning film, The Wife. This is the first — of what I can only assume will turn into many — highly acclaimed projects you participated in. Can you talk about the response to that film? Why do you think people reacted as well as they did?
AS: The Wife was a beautiful experience, and I’m still so grateful for my time playing Joan Castleman. For me and my mother, our treatment of Joan was an homage to both my grandmothers, who were certainly “victims” of the 1950’s social mentality. They were brilliant women that sacrificed so much — personally and professionally — for the sake of their husbands. Which I think a lot of women can relate to, even today. What really blew me away was the deep response from men in particular. I think they saw their own mothers in Joan. In many ways, it gave them a new perspective of their own relationships.
AK: Ratched and The Wife both have important notes on feminism. Is it important to you as a woman in the industry to participate in these types of projects? What originally draws you to a script?
AS: Absolutely. Not only do I think it’s vital to tell these stories, but I feel a profound sense of honor and duty in representing my “fellow woman.” I’m always looking for a challenge when it comes to characters — the “onions” so to speak — because we humans, especially women, are incredibly complex creatures. It’s always a thrill to mold oneself onto an entirely different mindset.
AK: Ratched is already getting a lot of attention from the press and imminent viewers. In your opinion, why should people watch? What can they look forward to from this series?
AS: Oh my goodness. If you like a glamorous drama with a side of horror, Ratched is for you. I think the world will be astounded by Sarah Paulson’s incredible performance. And with so many patients coming and going through her hospital doors, who knows what juicy insanity will happen in the coming seasons.
AK: How will you celebrate the release of Ratched?
AS: We’re going to celebrate by having a small outdoor screening on our back patio with some friends, “doggos” and good wine. The perfect evening, really. Can’t wait!
AK: What is next for you?
AS: I have a lot of ideas for producing, so I’m hoping to get some of those projects off the ground once our industry starts rolling again. I also have very strong ambitions to create a food & travel show. So stay tuned. I think you guys will be intrigued.
AK: Any word of advice or inspiration for readers as we move toward the end of this eventful year?
AS: One word of advice, VOTE!
QUICK Q’S
AK: Current favorite song?
AS: I’m kind of obsessed with the feel-good song, Crowded Table by The Highwomen. My husband says it’s my theme song.
AK: Last TV binge?
AS: Chef’s Table BBQ. Drooling still.
AK: Memory you’ve made during lockdown?
AS: My husband and I just got another English Labrador — so, big memory there. His name is Hamilton, named after our alma mater, and he is the cutest thing on planet earth.
AK: Dream role?
AS: A Scythian warrior. I kid you not.
AK: If you weren’t an actress you would…?
AS: Definitely be a chef. Food and food culture is an epic obsession of mine.
AK: Favorite meal?
AS: This is a hard one, but I’ll never forget our meal at Fävikan in rural Sweden. It was a pilgrimage for sure, and so worth it.
