Willa Fitzgerald
Willa Fitzgerald, an American actress who graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Studies, has worked on many TV series since the start of her career, including “Blue Bloods”, “Royal Pains” and “Little Women”. She is known for her roles as Emma Duval on MTV’s series “Scream” and she stars with Robert De Niro in “Wash Me in the River”, a thriller film about a recovering opioid addict seeking revenge for the death of his fiancé; the film is expected to be released later this year. She is also starring in the new Netflix series “The Fall of the House of Usher”, a horror/drama based on stories by Edgar Allen Poe, including the short story of the same name. The series, which is still in the production process, should be released in 2023. Willa currently stars as Roscoe Conklin on Amazon Prime’s “Reacher.”
Top + Shorts by ALLSAINTS
Shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo
How did you find out about the television series “Reacher?”
I received the script while I was in Puerto Rico shooting a film. My time was tight, but as soon as I read the Roscoe sides, I knew I needed to read the whole script. She is a spitfire. Even from the pilot episode alone, I could tell she would be a fun adventure.
What did you enjoy about working on the show?
Working with Alan and Malcom was a real pleasure. We found such a delightful chemistry with each other both on and off camera. It made being at work (even on 6-day weeks) a total delight. I also went deep with my work for Roscoe. She presents as such a tough, decisive character, but there's a really rich, complicated history there. We get to see in glimpses throughout the season. I also do love doing action scenes. Fight choreography has always been something I find endlessly fun. I only wish I had had even more of it!
Left:
Vest + Shorts by Prune Goldschmidt
Shoes by Dee Ocleppo
Earrings by Ben-Amun
Right:
Dress by Cesar Galindo
What were you most excited for audiences to see in this first season?
I think this show both honors the books and carves its own path. It's a huge franchise to take on, with such a dedicated fan base. And I think both longtime fans and people new to Reacher will really be compelled by the show. It's an action show, obviously, but it's also a comedy, a drama, a mystery, and a romance.
Can you tell us more about “Wash Me in the River” and what it was like to work on the film?
WMITR was a different beast. It's about addiction, heroin, love, vengeance. I mainly worked with Jack Huston, who is a wonderful scene partner. There are very intense scenes in the film and having such trust with Jack made it easy to go to the really dark places.
Left:
Dress by Cesar Galindo
Shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo
Right:
Catsuit by Cesar Galindo
Earrings + Rings by Ben-Amun
What are the differences you have noticed between working on a film compared to a series?
Reacher was a special type of series because we had all of the scripts months in advance of shooting. It allowed for the big picture prep you get to do on a film, since you know the beginning, middle, and end. When you can zoom out and see the character's trajectory, the plot arc, you can prep with that holistic understanding of events.
How do you typically prepare for a role, and how does the process change with each project?
That's a big question. Every character asks something different in my experience. A different way in. I'm always interested in where a character came from, what their formative experiences in life have been. I find that building an extensive foundation makes for a more dynamic character, one who can surprise me in the playing of her.
Shrug by Cesar Galindo
Dress by Aida Kaas
Bracelet by Ben-Amun
When you’re not working, how do you spend your free time?
I am addicted to staying busy. It's both my best and worst quality. When I'm not working, I am always trying to make a schedule. I've worked with ceramics for several years and am just starting to explore more sculptural forms. I love to hike and get out in nature. I've taken a number of online courses in subjects that interest me (environmentalism, social justice, psychology, and history). I also try to spend as much time as possible with the people I love because my job often takes me away for months at a time.
Who or what inspires you?
Nature, first and foremost. Whenever I'm feeling stuck, being in nature, especially alone, is my way through.
Dress by Scarlet Sage
Corset by Cesar Galindo
Shoes by Dee Ocleppo
What are your goals for the coming years?
I've been writing casually for a long time. But I'm starting to feel a fire under my a** to start showing some of that writing to people. It's incredibly vulnerable to me, to write and then to share it. But that is a big goal. I'd also really like to start making things with some of my friends. I feel like several of us are feeling that impulse right now. Time to seize the opportunity.
Social Media.
Instagram and twitter: @willafitz
Vinyl Dress by Hustler Lingerie
Bracelet by Ben-Amun
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Willa Fitzgerald
Editor + Fashion Stylist + Producer: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Christopher Naselli at The Wall Group
Makeup: Min Min Ma
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: Blonde + Co
Fashion Styling Interns: Aileen Alvarez, Phoebe Wakabayashi
PhotoBook Logo Designed by Paul Sych
