Top by JONATHAN MARC STEIN
Corset by 0770 by enzo pirozzi
*Top is faux fur

Whether you thought her portrayal of Doris Von Erich in The Iron Claw was worthy of an Oscar nomination, or you’ve been a die hard fan since her days on ER, Maura Tierney is an actor whose career spans decades, and we can’t imagine it slowing down any time soon. Yes, she has a die hard fanbase, but her longevity can only be attributed to the actor herself. Tierney approaches her characters with genuinity, bringing a humanity to even the most closed off of characters.

It’s rare for an actor to be as humble as Tierney when speaking about their work and approach, but perhaps that’s what allows the public to connect with her and the roles she takes on. She’s honest and makes you empathize with the people she’s playing, regardless of the preconceived ideas you may have had about them at first glance. Her versatility and depth captivates audiences, and it's her dedication and grace that continue to inspire.

Your acting career began in the 80s–what’s the biggest positive change you’ve noticed on set between now and then?
I think honestly for me the most positive change is that I have a lot more confidence in what I’m doing. And I’m not afraid to speak my mind. Of course the industry, for the protection of young actors, has put measures in place that weren’t there when I was coming up which I’m sure has a positive effect in a more general sense.

The second season of your show American Rust premiered earlier this year on Amazon Prime, where you play Grace Poe. Grace is someone who has greatly relied on herself to keep going and keep moving forward, which can make her a morally gray character. Are you someone who loves all of the characters you play no matter what, or do you look at them honestly?
I mostly love them. Or I should say I mostly love trying to figure them out.

I have a much easier time loving someone like Grace, who has a certain kind of fearlessness (even though she can be reckless) than a character like Doris Von Erich, which required a lot more work trying to bring some humanity to a woman so closed off by tragedy. I don’t think loving them and looking at them honestly are necessarily at odds with each other.

Do you think that living in the Rust Belt, a place that experienced loss for so long, had an effect on Grace’s actions and decisions?
Of course! Living there for six months had an effect on my actions and decisions. It’s a tough place, not limited to the economic hardship it’s endured. The weather can be extreme, the winters are freezing. It takes a certain kind of resolve to live there. The community is tough.

You were nominated for an Emmy for your role as Abigail Lockhart on ER, which you starred in from 1999 to 2008. If you were told today that a role was yours, and all you had to do was say yes, but you’d have to be on it for a decade, what about a project would make you give that yes?
I don’t think at this point I’d commit to ten years of anything.

Dress by LEKIEU
Corset Belt by 0770 by enzo pirozzi

Twisters is set to be released later this year in July. Storm chasing probably isn’t a go-to hobby for most, but is it something you’d actually be willing to try? Do you have any hobbies that people might be surprised to know about?
I don’t think that's something I’d be willing to try. It seems like a lot of patience is required to wait for the event. I do go skydiving every year on my birthday.

Between stage, film, and TV, you’ve done it all! What makes each one special?
I think the common factor with all of them that makes them special is community. I have worked with The Wooster Group and traveled all over the world performing with them. Working with them feels like being in a band. On the various television shows I’ve done the length of time, working with a group for years has its own special quality. And with film it’s always unique to be on location with a group of new people.

What was it like shooting with Rowan Daly for PhotoBook? Do photoshoots feel like their own kind of performance?
I loved it. I think he’s super talented. I don’t usually enjoy getting my picture taken but he had a fairly strong vision which is really helpful. And the lighting was gorgeous.

Often in films, like The Iron Claw, that center men, women are made one dimensional, however that was not the case with your role as Doris Von Erich. What was it about her that connected with you?
Nothing really. I’ve never played a character that lived a life so entirely beyond my experience. And there’s very little in the way of research to be found (there’s an abundance of information about all of the men). I relied on Sean [Durkin] to help me navigate that role.

Many have said that the dress scene in The Iron Claw is deserving of an Oscar, alone (true). How does it feel to have such a devoted and passionate fan base after all these years?
It feels awesome. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunities I’ve had. And to have stuck around for a while.

**Right:**
Dress by The Last Follies Closet

In 2019, your beautiful home was toured by Architectural Digest. Are there any mementos from set that have made it into your home decor?
Not really. I’m not so sentimental like that. But on American Rust they did create a tiny doll version of Grace. I have that.

You recently talked about your neighbor leaving a not very pleasant note on your door, after listening to James Taylor a little too loud for their liking. What’s a song that can never be played too loudly?
Debaser by the Pixies. I’m sure when I was younger I pissed off a bunch of neighbors with that one.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Maura Tierney
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Rowan Daly
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders at TMG
Hair: Charles Dujic at TMG
Makeup: Michelle Radow
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Maura Tierney, From ER to The Iron Claw