Chrissy Metz – American Horror Story

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

A) I have been auditioning. I’m actually writing a screenplay and working on some music.

Q) We’ll be seeing you next on “American Horror Story.” How was your character, Ima Wiggles, originally described to you?

A) It was very vague. The breakdown of the character was that she came from an affluent home and that was it. I got some sides that had nothing to do with the show or any characters pertaining to the show. So, I really had to cultivate my own backstory for this character. When I booked the job and got the first script, I was like, “Oh! Okay, now I see.” I think that’s what they do, be very vague, because it is top secret to film.

Q) What was it like joining the cast who is already such a tight group?

A) They were extremely welcoming. It’s kind of like you are coming into your Senior Year at a new school and you have just transferred. They have been friends for years and I thought, “Well, I’m just going to be me.” I’m always happy to meet a stranger. I’m fine talking to them and getting to know them. I just tried to be as real and as myself as I am. I think when you are real with people they realize you’re not LA or whatever they want to coin you as. When you are working with these caliber of actors I think that you don’t have to prove yourself, but they are amazing award winning actors. So, I just wanted to do a really good job and I wanted them to know that I was taking this seriously. It was like a dream come true to me. Everyone was so warm, welcoming, kind and generous with their time. I was so grateful! I didn’t have a preconceived notions, but it was a little intimidating because everybody in the cast is so awesome.

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

A) I would have to say, it was probably the scenes with Jessica [Lange]. Jessica was amazing because she is just wonderful. Everyone on the show is amazing to watch, but with Kathy [Bates] and Jessica I have to remind myself that I am IN the show! They are so amazing. Everybody is, but Jessica and Kathy were two actresses I have revered for a long time. So, working with them was just surreal. Also, you’ll see in an upcoming episode I was able to use another talent of mine. That was super amazing and unexpected. I had no idea it was coming! I have a prosthetic suit on because I’m the “fat lady” of the Freak Show. Working in the suit was super cool and challenging. I’ve never been that size. I couldn’t do a lot for myself because I would get hot and sweaty. I couldn’t even cross my legs in the suit because the legs are so chubby. Just taking all of that into account of who this character is…Everybody is going through something. I just wanted that to play into my reactions and how I really truly felt. It wasn’t heavy, but it isn’t easy carrying that around because people do treat you differently! I just wanted it to be an honest performance. It’s so layered, but I don’t believe people are overweight just because they like to eat. I think there are a lot of issues that they are contending with. It was challenging in the way that I wanted to honor her backstory.

Q) What was the process for you to get into character and putting on the prosthetic?

A) Because I am a plus sized actress, I know there are definitely not as many roles. I could relate to Ima being kind of the black sheep of her family because I kind of feel that way as an actress in Hollywood. Until you make a name for yourself, people don’t want to take a chance on you. That could be a newcomer, whether their size or their weight; it doesn’t really matter. When you are a new, anybody taking a chance on you is always trying. I just thought I wanted it to be an honest character development and be authentic and real. That way, anybody could relate to any pain you are going through or if you are insecure. Physically, putting on the Ima suit takes about ten to fifteen minutes. We have an amazing special effects guy named Fred Frailey who developed and made the suit. He is with me all the time, like my right-hand guy. The costumers and the wardrobe people are so amazing. I kind of feel like I have to have everything done for me because of the whole process. It’s really fun and everyone is so cool about it. I definitely make the best out of it because that is who I am in real life. I’m actually enjoying the whole process. It does get warm and we get cooling packs for the inside and there is a fan on me. It’s a really, really cool experience.

Q) What do you think it is about “American Horror Story” that makes it such a fan favorite show?

A) For me, personally, I watch the show and am always looking through my fingers because I’m so scared out of my mind. I think people like that. I think they like sitting on the edge of their chair and the thrill of being scared. Then, they are talking about it. And Ryan Murphy has this amazing balance of rooting for the underdog and having these characters relate to people in real life. While these “freaks” are different, in 1952, people were afraid to look at you. I think anybody that lives their life against the grain can relate. If they are not the status quo or keeping up with The Jones they feel like, “This is my kind of show!” It’s edgy and campy (sometimes), but it is brilliantly written and has an amazing cast. It’s a recipe for amazing!