Gissette Valentin – The Walking Dead: World Beyond

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What made you want to be a part of “The Walking Dead: World Beyond?”

A) I mean, who wouldn’t want to kill zombies for a living? I really enjoyed the world “The Walking Dead” Franchise created over the years – the makeup, the wardrobe, the sets, etc. In a strange, dark way, that world seemed fun to join.

Q) How did you land the role of Corporal Diane Pierce? Was it just another audition for you?

A) I feel, as actors, all we can do is our best. We study, play and let go hoping that we stick the landing. If not, it goes to the person that does. It was a fun audition and I enjoyed Pierce’s skepticism of Huck (Annet Mahendru).

Q) Please tell us how your character Pierce was described to you.

A) Pierce was said to be someone who “commands the respect of someone in a higher position.”

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

A) I created a hypothetical backstory for the character that helped me understand how she would act in certain situations. I felt she played by the rules, as long as the rules were in line with the mission. That mission was her focus. Anything or anyone that got in the way was a problem.

Q) Pierce is loyal to Huck’s mother and seemed to sense there was something not right about Huck’s off-site escapade. What makes her so tied to Elizabeth?

A) In a way I feel Piercewanted to be like Elizabeth (Julia Ormond). Elizabeth was grounded in her choices. She too was focused on the mission and would do whatever was needed to get there. Pierce admired her drive and willingness.

Q) You worked closely with Julia Ormond and Annet Mahendru while on the show. How did it feel to be sharing scenes with these two powerhouse actresses?

A) It was great! I enjoyed watching their on and off set chemistry. It was fun witnessing everyone’s take on their characters.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from working on the series?

A) I really enjoyed how kind and professional everyone was – from the set AD, hair, makeup, wardrobe, the cast, the whole crew, the producers, writers and directors. I think that can make or break a performer’s experience on a set sometime.

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming?

A) I would do some sort of physical activity. Yoga, dance, work out. Something to reset my mind and body back to me vs Pierce.

Q) What do you think it is about “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” that has made it a fast fan favorite series?

A) I think it’s fun for the audience to sit back and watch a younger generation go through everything and to take the reins on what’s happening, especially so long after the initial start of the zombie take over. Also, to watch these characters grow. At the beginning they didn’t really experience the world outside of their walls of comfort. Now they are having to take risks and fight with and for one another.

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) “Claws” comes out December 26th on TNT.