Chaley Rose – Code Black

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I just finished a movie called Dinner For Two that I’m really excited about. It’s the first movie I’ve done and the first leading role for me as well. While I’m excited about “Code Black,” this takes the cake for me.

Q) How was your character Pepper originally described to you?

A) It’s funny because when I got the breakdown and read that Pepper was this very timid, unsure character I was like, “Well, I’m not right for this.” So, I went into the audition thinking, “Well, I’ll just do my best and it will be fun to try to play something so different from who I am.” So, I was kind of shocked when I got it and excited.

Q) What did you find challenging about your portrayal?

A) Well, I am typically not going to do something for a living if I don’t feel pretty confident in what I’m doing. I spent a lot of time thinking why a person who probably graduated at the top of her class was so unsure of herself. It was really fun for me and really interesting to play because I think it’s so opposite of me. Even if I’m unsure, I’m probably just going to announce it in some crass way and then fake it until I make it. So, it was fun to play someone who was so timid and nervous. Not that I haven’t been that person in the past…

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Well, I worked with my acting coach whom I love. We just created some backstory for Pepper that wasn’t necessarily in the script and also some physicality of a person who isn’t sure of themselves. So, that was really helpful to me when we were shooting the scenes. Especially with how frenetic some of them are, it kind of helped me to move through space like a person who was trying to stay out of the way, versus a person who was confident and knew what they were doing in their space.

Q) Who were you most looking forward to working with on the show?

A) I have to say, working with Marcia Gay Harden was the coolest. You always hear people talk about generous actors. We have a scene together that was very simple and she was like, “I’m just going to take my performance a little further to assist you in your shot.” It was very cool and completely not what I expected from an Oscar winner. So, to watch her work and how seamlessly she’d move from Marcia to her role was very, very cool. You can kind of feel the magic that comes off an actor like that and you hope it rubs off on you.

Q) What were some of your most memorable behind the scenes moments from filming?

A) While I was there, there was the solar eclipse. We went outside and were looking through our little viewfinders. We were shooting episode three. I don’t know if I can tell you what happens in Episode Three, but we had one of the guest stars recording people as they looked at the sun and they didn’t realize we were recording them. It was an offset kind of moment where we were building friendships.

Q) Is there a chance for Pepper to get a love interest?

A) They are done shooting the series and I think that Pepper was supposed to have a longer journey on “Code Black” than what ended up happening. So, for me, I would have been happy with having a romantic connection with any of the characters on the show. It didn’t happen for me, unfortunately. [laughs] But it was fun while it lasted.

Q) What do you think it is about “Code Black” that has made it such a fan favorite series?

A) When I watched the first season it was very interesting. You don’t actually spend that much time outside of the hospital in peoples’ personal drama. There is a little bit, but it’s full on medical drama 90% of the show and it kind of puts you on the edge of your seat. The way it’s shot is so cool because it is messy and that is what it is really like in an ER, especially in that particular ER.

Q) You are a part of social media. Did you enjoy the instant fan feedback you received to the season premiere?

A) Oh yeah! It was great. There was a lot of discussion about fanny packs and I just happen to be wearing one now. It’s funny because my character picked one up and almost dies from exposure. I haven’t lovie tweeted in a while. It is fun to interact with people as they watch your performance. It’s pretty cool. I think their favorite moment for Pepper (as I’m unconscious for most of the first episode) is when I collapse. I’m very proud of my collapse. [laughs] It was a favorite moment for me.

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

A) The one thing I always say is you have to be willing to be hungry, literally and figuratively. It’s like we all have our different ways of getting here and I think for people like me (I’m from Indiana and didn’t know anyone in the business) there is no rhyme or reason to how you get here other than being in a class, doing good work, networking (not trying to do so with Matthew McConaughey, but with your peer – as that’s how a lot of us meet our agents and managers) and build a real, even if you’re doing student films or short films with your friends. You need a reel and you need to be in a class. I think that if you have the drive and you do the work there is a place for everyone here. I really believe that.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about this season of “Code Black?”

A) I have to just say that cast was really, really incredible and warm. That’s an intimidating group to come in – Marcia Gay Harden, Boris Kodjoe, Rob Lowe and everyone. Marcia remembered my name as soon as she learned it. Everyone was really nice and engaging. They treated you like an equal and they do that even for people who are there for one episode playing someone who was in a car accident. That is very refreshing because that’s not always the case.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) It blows my mind that I have people who follow my career. It’s really humbling and thank you. “Code Black” is the first work I’ve done in a while, especially since working with the acting coach I started with recently. So, I hope they recognize the growth and I thank them for watching my journey.