10 Things with Sarah Wynter
You’ve had a good career thus far with notable projects on 24 and American Odyssey. Looking back, are you happy with where you are, at this point?
I’ve had an amazing career, thank you. I’ve honestly appreciated every stage. I wasn’t a child actor, I started working professionally as an adult so I was fully aware that I was lucky to be making a living as an actor. And now, more than ever, as a mom of three, I feel especially fortunate to balance both worlds.
What would you say have been positive contributors to your career as an actress?
Positive contributors include having had wonderful acting teachers in New York and Los Angeles, a supportive and loving family who have always encouraged me, and getting enough sleep no matter what. I always prioritize sleep and rest!
Your latest project, Amazon’s Goliath, is about a lawyer that ended up on the wrong side of the law but later, has an opportunity to revenge his loss. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you decide to take it on?
I came into Goliath before many actors also became involved. I only knew the incredible Billy Bob Thornton was attached to star. I was excited to read something by David E. Kelly, who I had been a fan of for years, and the fact that it was Amazon was beyond appealing. So, it was a no brainer!
On the series, you play the role of Gina Larson. What can you tell us about her character and what you like most about playing her on screen?
Gina Larson is a single mother and recently widowed. She is trying her best to survive raising her son alone and deal with her husband’s sudden death. I love that she’s strong and determined to keep going although she struggles. I love her flaws and that she endeavors to do the right thing, even though she may be misguided by what that might be.
You’re on the show with Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt, Maria Bello and a few others. What has been your experience been like working with these seasoned actors?
All three stars are amazing to work with, and all have very different personalities and acting styles. They’re all so talented and unique, and I am genuinely a fan of all three. I learned so much from watching them and working with them—especially Billy Bob as most of my scenes were with him. He’s so intuitive and smart. His brain is creative and artistic but he also thinks technically as a director would. I was afforded the space to have my own input and asked for my opinion, which truthfully gave me so much confidence, and I have him largely to thank for that.
What can viewers expect to see from Gina and the rest of the cast in this first season of Goliath?
Goliath is an intense ride. It covers these many varied characters in depth and with incredible detail. You live and breathe them. It is a tale of power and control, relationships and redemption. As the episodes progress, it accelerates to a spell binding conclusion. Very exciting to make and very exciting to finally watch!
Now that we’ve all seen the shift of television to the immediacy of streaming, how has this affected how your character develops over the course of a season and also keeping the fans interested in the show?
This is my first experience with streaming television. The immediacy of the release is both scary and exhilarating. Ordinarily, with network TV or even cable, you would wait each week to hopefully build an audience, see how the ratings stack up, and how the critics, bloggers and social media weigh in. With this, it all happened at once, and although not everyone has seen it yet (and “binge watching” means some people wait longer to start) it has been extraordinarily well received.
One of the things that has been dear to you involves your work with Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. What more can you share with us about your initiatives on this project?
Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America is an organization I’ve been involved with for a few years; firstly as a supporter but more recently, as a chapter member in more of a leadership role. I do what I can to assist the incredible leaders we have here in New York and the Tri- State area. I have always been very passionate about gun safety and reducing gun violence. Gun deaths are an epidemic and public health issue. When Shannon Watts founded this organization after Sandy Hook, CT and joined forces with Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety, I knew I had found a home to devote my time and energy and advocate for tighter gun laws and expanding background checks in every state.
With respect to fashion, which designers would we see in your closet and fit your personal sense of style?
I’m so busy with three young boys that my love of fashion has taken a back seat. I’m lucky if I can take a shower most mornings and put clean clothes back on! But, I do happen to have a lovely closet… Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Missoni, Ralph Lauren— plus Chanel and Stella McCartney accessories. Loads of Old Navy and H&M too. I try to keep things classic and simple, and resist season trends.
We look forward to seeing how things develop on Amazon’s Goliath. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
I’ve just finished shooting the title guest starring role in the 400th episode of Law & Order SVU. The uber talented Mariska Hargitay directed me and it was a dream to play such an extreme character on this iconic television show. With an accomplished successful female in the industry to act with and be directed by. I’m also currently shooting a guest spot in the premiere episode my friend Sarah Easley is doing called the The Fitting Room. She takes celebrity friends and uses her endless talent as a fashion stylist and years of experience as a fashion expert to help people elevate their style— which is perfect for me and great timing…as I’ve just bought 25 pairs of sweatpants!
Twitter: @SarahWynter
Instagram: @SarahWynterOfficial
Photos: Courtesy of Amazon