Dichen Lachman – Animal Kingdom

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What drew you to being a part of “Animal Kingdom?’

A) I love working with talented people. It’s an amazing show and I’m very lucky to be a part of it.

Q) How was Frankie originally described to you?

A) She was described as someone who’s always watching.

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

A) I think all artists bring something, a unique quality. It’s something you can’t always put your finger on. There was one episode where she was suddenly Australian. I don’t think that was initially on the cards.

Q) What can you tease is in store for Frankie this season?

A) I wish I could. I will say there’s some wonderful work coming up from the cast and Shawn Hatosy comes back to direct. He is just wonderful.

Q) Frankie continues to seek Craig out to help with jobs. What draws her to him?

A) My take is Frankie genuinely likes him, more deeply than she might usually allow herself. She’s obviously interested in making money, but at the same time there’s something about him that leaves her guard down from time to time.

Q) Craig has a baby on the way. Will his relationship with Renn cause a wrench in his activities with Frankie?

A) I think Frankie is very open. There’s a worldly quality there that wouldn’t let something like that effect how she feels. But we will see…

Q) This season more of the Cody family lends a hand with Frankie’s art jobs. Were you looking forward to working with any one of them in particular?

A) It’s an amazing cast and crew. I looked forward to working with all of them.

Q) Last season saw you paired up with Denis Leary. Talk about getting to work with him and fellow acting icon Ellen Barkin.

A) It was a dream come true. Legends. When you grow up admiring people and then find yourself onset with them you have to take a moment. Then, you ask them to tell you stories… And it’s the best.

Q) What have been some of your favorite scenes to film of “Animal Kingdom?”

A) It’s hard to pick. There’s one coming up so I can’t really talk about it. It’s a nice scene where she’s different to how you have come to know her. I’ll just say that it’s really a blessing to work with these people. Actors and writers who are so committed to their craft.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that continues to make it a fan favorite?

A) It’s a good show. Everyone on it makes a commitment to make it the best it can be and that teamwork shows. People feel it.

Q) We loved you on projects like “Dollhouse,” “S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Altered Carbon.” What have been some of your favorite shows to have been a part of?

A) I love them all for different reasons. Each role is important to me because I had to access specific parts of myself and my imagination. My physicality. I’m so fortunate to be able to go and play in these worlds with incredible people.

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

A) Thank you. I hope I can keep doing work that effects people…I want to keep doing better, pushing myself.