Juliana Canfield
stars in
Peacock Series
The Calling
Photography Shina Ping
Stylist Rika Watanabe
Interview JoliAmour DuBose-Morris
Peacock’s The Calling, created by David E. Kelley, has provided audience members food for thought on the discussions of religion and spirituality. As the series spirals into mirages of self-reflection, something specifically seen with the conflicted protagonist Detective Avraham- Juliana Canfield is one to watch as the supporting right-hand woman. Janine Harris, a new addition to the team, categorizes Avraham as her new mentor, and together, the two push the show beyond its limits. Speaking of exponential growth, Canfield continues to soar to new heights, her role as Jess Jordan in Succession and now as Detective Harris allow her to make a significant impression on viewers. Canfield is presenting herself as the phoenix on the rise as even though she’s a rookie in the film industry- just recently graduating from Yale’s Drama Program- her acting has sanctioned the title of both a veteran and a superstar. Canfield delivers us a conversation about her experience as a student at Yale and provides advice for the future generation of theatre kids.
As Shakespeare was one of your first introductions to acting if vou could choose to be a part of a Shakespearean work now, in your adult career, which one would it be?
I’d love to play Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing and I’d love to play Hamlet. Two great wits.
As Detective Avraham has his own superpower, theoretically, what would be Janine’s superpower when solving cases? Do you think she could cross over into the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
I had to look up what it is called, but Janine’s superpower would definitely be “intangibility,” which is the ability to go through a solid object, like, say, a locked door, or the wall of Captain Davies’ office when Captain Davies gives Janine an answer she doesn’t like. And Janine would love to be a part of the MCU, although it would be bad for the franchise because all of the villains would be instant toast.
Printed halter dress, bangles, flats: Chanel Blue fringe dress: Acne Studios White western boots: Miu Miu
If Jess Jordan and Janine Harris were to sit down for coffee, what would they talk about?
There would be stones thrown from their respective glass houses. There would be trading of academic credentials and a sussing out of the others’ ultimate ambitions. And there would be a reluctant but ultimately fruitful discussion about where to buy the best pant-suits.
Blue striped shirt, black feather top, blue denim: Miu Miu White western boots: Paris Texas
How has Yale shaped your experience of acting?
Has it helped or hindered your continuously budding career?
It’s hard to encapsulate how deeply Yale affected my understanding of acting: what I learned there felt as fundamental and mind-blowing as learning how to read.
One of our teachers once said that training as an actor is like building a trellis for climbing roses. During the hardest stretches of a rehearsal process, on the best days on set, with the trickiest, last-minute audition materials, and in the lulls between jobs, I can feel the support of that trellis. But most importantly, my teachers and classmates have become beloved colleagues and essential friends. I can’t imagine finding my way through this wild biz without them.
Do you have any dream directors to work with?
What’s a film or series you wish you could’ve partaken in?
Yes! A running list that is more like a scroll and would take up a city block! To name a few: Janicza Bravo; Yorgos Lanthimos; Kenneth Lonergan; Spike Lee; Sofia Coppola;
Danya Taymor; Celine Sciamma; Ruben Ostlund;
Guillermo del Toro; Tobias Lindholm; Karena Evans; uh oh, I’m rambling. But a final mention, with respect to the series I wish I could have been in, The Great Mike White, whom I hope reads Content Mode and will accept my plea to be in Season 3 of The White Lotus.
For younger actors who are trying to make it, what are your recommendations for sharpening the acting craft?
Watch as much as you can: plays, movies, and television.
Take in as much art of all kinds as you can. Actually, learn as much about the world as you can. Everything is useful.
Photographer
Casting
Interview
JoliAmour DuBose-Morris
Stylist
Make up
Mika Shimoda using Mac Cosmetics
Hair
Ro Morgan @The Wall Group