Diana Hopper – Goliath

By starrymag | July 20, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I just wrapped shooting on a film called Bit that tells the story of a transgender teen named Laurel (Nicole Amber Maines) who moves to LA. I play Duke, the ruthless leader of a pack of female vampires that befriend Laurel. It’s very reminiscent of The Lost Boys and I am beyond excited to share it!

 

Q) What’s new this season on “Goliath” and with your character Denise McBride?

A) Denise and Billy (Billy Bob Thornton) live together this season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they see each other more. In fact, Denise is often left to her own devices in season two and we see that she and Billy aren’t so different after all.

 

Q) How was she originally described to you?

A) I just went back through my emails to give you the exact character description I was given, which was really cool to do by the way as so much has happened since then. The description was: “She is pretty with an edge. A smart, perceptive teenager.”

 

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

A) So, as you can see the initial breakdown of a character is really just a skeleton of who a character could  It’s potential. A starting point. As more episodes are written, the writers’ understanding of the characters grows and changes as does the actors’. That’s one of the most exciting elements of storytelling – the discovery.

 

Q) What have you found challenging about portraying this character?

A) I played drunk this season and that is always a fun but tricky challenge for an actor.

 

Q) Was there anyone you were really looking forward to sharing a scene with this season?

A) Ana de le Reguera was an absolute pleasure to work with. I love the way our scenes turned out!

 

Q) Talk about working with legendary actor Billy Bob Thornton.

A) Billy is an actor who never holds anything back. He is completely present in everything he does, and I think that’s why he is so compelling to watch. It also makes him incredible easy to act across from.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming this season of “Goliath?”

A) I really enjoyed joking around with everyone on set. Everyone is always telling stories and laughing. The cast and crew are a big family.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy seeing the instant fan feedback to episodes?

A) Sometimes! I try not to focus too much on the feedback. I’m proud of what we’ve done and of course am delighted when people feel the same way.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series that has made it such a fan favorite?

A) Everyone in every department excels, making the show impressive on many fronts. But mostly I think people love a good underdog story and Billy McBride is a perfect underdog.

 

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

A) Keep. Going. A lot of what we do is a numbers game. Keep focusing on the work and try not to tie your happiness to where you are in your career.

 

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

A) THANK YOU!!! A million times thank you.