Cynthy Wu – For All Mankind

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) We’ve always seen Kelly centralized in a family dynamic with Ed (Joel Kinnaman) and Karen (Shantel VanSanten), but she develops a special relationship with Dani (Krys Marshall) that we haven’t seen before. Talk about this bond that develops between these characters and you’re getting to work more closely with Krys and maybe how having that on screen felt a bit reflected off screen.

A) Yeah, you’re right. In Season Two we saw Kelly kind of planted in the Walton family home. And this season I love that we kicked off her relationship on screen with with Commander Poole. With episode three when Kelly visits the the conference room and they have a chat, and Kelly is shooting her shot to be selected to go on the NASA mission – I love working with Krys and we had a lot of fun that day was my first scene with her. And she is just one of the sharpest actors that I felt like I could just ping pong off of and I was just so happy to be able to work with her and spend a lot of time together. She’s truly phenomenal.

Q) What I love about seeing Kelly and Dani work together is this mutual respect and camaraderie. They are two intelligent and resilient women who are a lot alike. We see a lot of men in positions of power, but these are two women who make space work for them. What does that mean to you?

A) Yeah, they’re both women of color, in a space that’s dominated by white men and I definitely think Dani sees a bit of herself when she talks to Kelly and takes her a bit under her wing. And, of course, also there’s the history of Danielle and Ed being such good friends that being a daughter I think there’s already a fondness and a kindness and a connection there.

Q) Well, what does that say about the way of how the world especially during that time period values/valued women’s contributions over men, and how it’s kind of still perceived today? And now the series really puts a spotlight on female contributions.

A) Oh, it’s just so refreshing to be a part of a show that tells that story that shines a light on the narratives of these brilliant female astronauts, and female scientists who have busted their ass (for lack of a better term) and deserved and earned their space. And so, in that sense, it’s a delicious alternative history that I really enjoyed watching personally, even as a fan of the show, seeing women take up space. That’s why it was especially painful to watch as a viewer – the tension between my dad and Danielle vying for the seat of Commander. But I love that we told that story because that is how it is in real life. It’s not often met with generosity when women show up and say, “Hey, I’ve been at this for a long time and I deserve it.” So, I’m so glad that we are telling that story.

Q) We see an important evolution in Kelly’s relationship with her father as well this season. What is it about the regard they hold with for one another that continues to solidify their bond?

A) Ed and Kelly obviously have a special bond. Father and daughter. She wanted to kind of walk in her father’s footsteps initially going to the Naval Academy, becoming a pilot, obviously. And he sees himself in his daughter and she is carrying the Baldwin legacy. And so that has been fun to play with. What makes it interesting this season, as you all will see, is my dad is on the Helios ship and I am on NASA’s jet and how everyone has to eventually work together because conditions are not ideal and a lot of things go down and how everybody has to work together to stay alive. Kelly is growing up. She’s a young woman now and seeing my dad respect my contributions – it’s wonderful to see as an actor and as a character that you see you’re stepping into your own. And it’s I think it’s a wonderful dynamic that we get to really play with.

Q) We’ve had a question submitted by Shantel who says, “Who do you love more – Karen or Ed?” She says, “You better say mom.”

A) Oh my god! I just saw that. I just obviously love, love, love mom. Shantel knows I love her. I actually did not get enough screen time with her in season three. And we’re always like, “I’m not getting enough time with you.” She’s like, “I know you’re up in Mars.” I love her to bits and pieces. That was our one thing was like “I need more time with Shantel.” She is just genuinely one of the most talented actors with the biggest hearts and she gives the best hugs in the world. So, I love mom. Yes. And Shantel, I love you.

Q) What have you personally taken away from your experiences working on such an outstanding series?

A) Well, I have learned so much and this show has given me just the greatest growing opportunity. The thing I’ve probably taken away the most this far is to just step in with every script that the writers hand us. It’s really crazy seeing where they’re taking the characters and sometimes I go, “Oh my god! Is this where we’re really going?” And it’s all a big jump. Everything is so big in scale and scope this season. And sometimes I get it I’m like, “Oh my god, is this really happening? Okay, I guess it is. Let’s jump.” So, I think this show has taught me that just show up and we’ll make it happen. So, yeah, it’s given me a lot of faith and just trusting in myself and the team that that we will deliver all the crazy ideas that are written on the page.