Interview Laasya Gadiyaram
Initially, Sophie Mudd was cast as an extra in HBO’s The Idol. Yet after working with the show’s creators, Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye, she was cast as Sophie, a character inspired by and for her. Mudd tells us more about her time working on the Idol, her first role on a major television show. We discuss the visual aesthetic unique to HBO and Sam Levinson productions, how this permeates the beauty market as a result, and how these ideas relate to Mudd’s development of Sophie’s character!
Jacket, skirt, boots, & choker: MIU MIU, Earrings: Emma Pills
Jacket, skirt, boots, & choker: MIU MIU, Earrings: Emma Pills
Let’s start at the inception of your role. What was it like to go from being an extra to playing a character specifically designed for you?
It was awesome! It’s been so much fun. When I first came to film, I only thought I would be there for the day. I went home and got a call and they asked me if I could come back. It’s been pretty cool seeing this all unfold. It was unexpected and amazing in the best ways possible!
How does it feel to act in your first major role? Have these new experiences taken you aback or have you leaned into them?
I have leaned into this whole experience. It’s been cool getting to explore a new side of myself! I started taking acting lessons which is new for me, and I love it. You just have to let go of your ego and everything else holding you back in that kind of environment. It’s been fun testing how far I can push my emotions during the lessons.
Sam Levinson is known for creating shows with distinct looks. How do you think a show’s Does aesthetics contribute to its reception?
The experience couldn’t have been better. I think Sam Levinson and Abel did a great job making the house feel like Jocelyn’s, it made her come to life. She’s one of the most famous pop stars in the world. The extravagant house makes sense. The show’s aesthetic is one of the things that makes the audience gravitate to The Idol …we’ve never seen anything like it. It’s stunning, eerie, sexy, funny, crazy, and free all at the same time.
How would you describe the Idol’s visual aesthetic?
I think Sam used interesting lighting to contribute to the show’s aesthetic and how we perceive the characters. When Abel’s character Tedros is walking through the gates of Jocelyn’s house the lighting is a bit more dark and eerie and we see him more as a villain. I also loved the way Sam did the lighting for Jocelyn’s music video scene, there was one part where a red light was reflecting on her face and flashing on beat with the music – I just really felt like I was there watching the whole thing and could feel all of her emotions at that moment.
Jacket, skirt, boots, & choker: MIU MIU, Earrings: Emma Pills
Jacket, skirt, boots, & choker: MIU MIU, Earrings: Emma Pills
Euphoria shaped the beauty market in many ways, influencing beauty trends and products themselves. Do you see the Idol making a similar impact on the beauty market? If so, how?
Definitely. I am obsessed with the hair and makeup for Jocelyn’s music video in episode two. The pink hair extensions are so anime, and the makeup is just so unique. I will be taking inspiration from her looks and am already seeing people recreate Jocelyn-inspired makeup on Tik Tok, especially the overlined lips and cat eye.
Dress & tights: ETRO, Heels: Reike Nen, Earrings: BonBonWhims, Sunglasses: Vada
Earrings: BonBonWhims, Sunglasses: Vada
Before you began work on the Idol, how did you think about approaching your character?
I took my direction from Sam Levinson. I couldn’t imagine a better director for my first tv series and I had a chance to do some great improv. I feel like Sam trusted us as actors and let us have a lot of freedom.
How do you think makeup influences your character’s identity?
This may surprise you, but I got to do my own makeup for The Idol. I did a soft glowy look with a cat eye…and lots of blush! I wanted a natural and pretty look that wouldn’t be too distracting. I felt like the cat eye was culty and gave my character an edge.
Jacket, skirt, boots, & choker: MIU MIU, Earrings: Emma Pills
How much say do you have over your character’s presentation? Are there more ideas that you want to integrate into her appearance?
I had a good amount of say in my character’s presentation. I actually helped style all of my looks! I would bring in about 5 different looks each time we were on set and work with the costume designer to pick the best option. I wanted the looks to be unique and stylish at the same time. I do a lot of vintage shopping on Depop and have some rare 90s/early 2000s looks that are incorporated into my character’s appearance.
Dress, Hat, & Boots: Patou
You and your character share a name? Has this changed the way in which you relate to her? Do you see her as independent of yourself or is she you entirely?
I think in a way it helped me relate to her more although she is independent of me. I am playing a character.
Has your routine stayed the same? Do you use the same skincare products, or have you added or swapped anything?
My routine changes a bit when I’m on set. I find myself using a lot more hydrating moisturizers and serums before applying makeup, so it looks nice and glowy. I think the secret to a good makeup application is a good skincare base. I love the Tacha dewy skin cream and eye cream, it never pills…it’s amazing! I also find myself using more hair products to remove gel and hairspray. Sometimes I’m shampooing 3 times a night, using extra hair oil, or doubling up on a hair mask. I’ve been loving the Olaplex bonding oil and Davine’s hair masks. Thanks for asking me to do this interview. It’s been fun chatting with you!
Bag: Nerses, Pants: Tata Vassia Kostara
Bag: Nerses, Pants: Tata Vassia Kostara
Photography
Creative Director
Interview
Makeup
Rachel Goodwin @ a-frame agency
Hair
Nikki Providence @ Forward Artists
Web Layout
Thank You