Angel Parker – The Recruit

By starrymag | December 26, 2022

By: Nmesoma Okechukwu

 

 

Q) I understand the show was created by Alexi Hawley, the executive producer of your other hit show “The Rookie.” Did that make you feel less tense when walking onto the set of “The Recruit” for the first time?

 

A) I love working for Alexi Hawley! He’s a wonderful boss and a great guy in general. But I was more nervous about starting this particular role and working with acclaimed director Doug Liman. Dawn Gilbane is unlike any role I’ve ever had, and I really wanted it to go well and to do a good job. My first day with Doug was the fingernail scene and shooting outside in “Yemen,” but was actually winter in Montreal. It was freezing and Doug picked up the camera and shot part of the scene himself! Alexi later told me how much faith he had in me, but I had to find it in myself first.

 

Q) How was your character Dawn Gilbane originally described to you?

 

A) Great question! I actually just went back and found the original audition description in an old email. Thank you Gmail. Here it is: “DAWN GILBANE – Female, 30s, any ethnicity. Blue collar and badass, Dawn worked her way up through the military and is now a CIA Case Officer who likes to get her hands very dirty. Scary smart and always working the angles, Dawn is not afraid to do what needs to be done.” So cool to read that back now. It’s so her!

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in her initial breakdown?

 

A) Well, over the season you learn more about what motivates her and what she’s hiding. So, the scripts really helped inform me about the role. I also had a lovely chat with Alexi Hawley about the arc of Dawn, which was super helpful.

 

Q) What was it like meeting your costars for the first time on the set of the Netflix spy-adventure series?

 

A) Everyone was so welcoming and kind! We really became a small family in Montreal keeping each other safe, sane, and warm! Fivel [Stewart] always hosted the best dinner parties and hugging Aarti’s [Mann] beautiful babies helped me not be so homesick for my own. Meeting Noah [Centineo] was very cool, too. He’s such a pro and we work really well together. Easy on the eyes, too. But I do remember being in a car scene early on and he put together that I was the mom on “Lab Rats” and he freaked!! He was like, “That was YOU!!” It was a fun, full circle moment since our times both working for Disney. I was also like, “Yes, I’m old enough to be your mother. Or at least play her on TV.” Ha!

 

Q) Who did you have the most fun with on the set of “The Recruit?”

 

A) Laura [Haddock]! She’s so damn good, but also has a wicked sense of humor. We’d go from really intense scenes to laughing super hard or just connecting about us both having two kids and the struggles of being a working mom so far from home. I loved working with her so much. We view acting the same way as well. So, every take always felt so fresh and new.

 

Q) “The Recruit” is an action-packed comedy about a young and inexperienced lawyer who stepped into a very dangerous and unfamiliar world. What did you think of the script when you first read it?

 

A) It was great! So good and a LOT happens really quickly. I love shows like that. Owen’s journey from beginning to end is huge.

 

Q) This is not your first time starring in a Fed/CIA type movie. I mean, you are super incredible in “The Rookie.” Would you say that there’s a couple of things “The Rookie” prepared you for before filming “The Recruit?”

 

A) I prepare all my roles the same way. Just diving deep into the world and the history and relationships. My roles in “The Rookie” and “The Recruit” are very different to me. Luna Grey is an eager “Mama Bear” and Dawn Gilbane is more of an actual Bear. [laughs] Not sure how Alexi Hawley knew I could do both, but I’m sure glad he did.

 

Q) What are some of your favorite episodes or memorable moments from filming “The Recruit?”

 

A) Well, ripping off that fingernail has gotta be number one! And figuring out how best to do it and make it look real was super collaborative. Doug Liman encouraged me to stay in the conversation and even flicking it off was my way to stay in the scene and not cut to reset. I loved that day.

 

Q) What did you think of Noah Centineo’s character Owen Hendricks? Do you think the fans will understand the reason he stuck his neck out instead of abandoning ship?

 

A) Everyone knows that feeling of starting something new and not being great at it. I know I do! I think Owen is a guy you root for, but also worry about. He gets in over his head and deals with anxiety. He’s the James Bond of a new generation, but he orders the White Claw instead of the shaken not stirred martini. He’s relatable and loveable, but trouble just seems to keep finding him.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “The Recruit” that’s going to make it such a fast fan favorite action series?

 

A) Lots of great characters and a strong leading man. It’s fun and fast paced. A show you can watch with your grumpy dad or grumpy teenager. Quote me on that!

 

Q) One of the beautiful things you support is HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people living with Huntington’s disease. What made you realize how important the organization’s mission is and motivate you to back them?

 

A) My friend Kate Miner has been personally touched by HD in her family. Her dedication to funding research and helping families affected, inspired me to help in any way I can.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) I’m back at “The Rookie” this season and just joined “Superman & Lois” as well. Fingers crossed we get a second season for “The Recruit.” I can’t wait to slide back into Dawn Gilbane’s Prada boots.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you so much! I love reading all your comments and making connections with you. From “Lab Rats” to “Marvel’s Runaways” and now “The Recruit.” I hope you’ll stay tuned for whatever comes next. I love telling stories and making people laugh or think or just take their mind off a bad day. I hope to keep doing it! Thank you for the encouragement and support.