By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) How did the role of Rachel Jeffs in her bio, Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story for Lifetime find its way to you?
A) Rachel’s story is one that immediately hits you in the gut and so when it came to me through my agent, I knew it wasn’t just another role. It was an opportunity to step into someone’s real trauma and resilience. I felt honored to even be considered.
Q) What was it about Rachel’s life or the script that drew you to be a part of this film?
A) What drew me most was her quiet strength that was born out of surviving unthinkable circumstances and still finding the will to love and protect. There’s something sacred about portraying a woman who takes back her power after years of being silenced. As an actor, I’m drawn to characters who’ve been through darkness and somehow find the light again. Rachel embodies that.
Q) The FLDS Church held a tight grip on Rachel. What surprised you most about what you learned about her experiences when you were first reading her story?
A) I was shocked by how normalized the control and fear were and how deeply it was embedded in daily life. Reading her memoir, I remember feeling chills realizing how much courage it must have taken to question a belief system she was born into.
Q) The Warren Jeffs story is well-known and scandalous. Were you a bit nervous about portraying certain aspects of Rachel’s experiences?
A) I think the nerves came from wanting to do justice to Rachel’s truth – not just as an actor but as a woman telling another woman’s story. I wanted to portray her quiet strength and resilience on screen because there’s a huge responsibility that comes with portraying someone’s real trauma, especially when it involves such sensitive subject matter.
Q) Rachel is truly a survivor. Did you have the opportunity to meet with her before filming and if so what did the two of you discuss?
A) Yes, I did and Rachel was incredibly open and kind. We talked about her healing, her children and what freedom means to her now. I remember leaving that call feeling emotional. She’s been through hell, and yet she radiates peace. That energy stayed with me throughout filming.
Q) Talk about working with Michael Eklund who goes very dark for his part as Warren Jeffs.
A) This was the second project I’ve worked on with him and Michael was amazing to work with. Even though the subject matter was dark, he created a safe space on set. He’s one of those actors who can go to the most disturbing emotional depths and then be completely grounded between takes. I had so much respect for how he navigated that balance.
Q) Ali Liebert directed the movie. How did her history as an actor help make your work easier while filming?
A) Ali was a dream to work with. She’s such an actor’s director. She understands performance from the inside out and creates space to really live in the moment. There’s an ease and safety that comes with working with someone who knows what it’s like to be in front of the camera. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to direct this film with such sensitivity and care. I hope I get to work with her again.
Q) There are so many emotional moments to this film including Rachel’s escape and her return to save her children. What were some of the scenes that challenged you?
A) Every scene can be a challenge in its own different way as an actor. This was an incredibly emotionally demanding story. Many of the scenes were centered in manipulation, trauma and abuse and to get to those places as an actor it’s imperative that you have a way to take care of yourself at the end of the day.
Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming and being in survivor-mode on-screen?
A) At the end of the day, I would take hot showers, read my Kindle and journal to get back to me as Kaitlyn and to separate myself from the work. After each project that I film, I like to take a short trip to reset. After filming this project, I spent some time in Nelson, BC.
Q) What did you personally take away from your time working on Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story?
A) Portraying Rachel taught me so much about resilience and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild after trauma. I learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means reclaiming your power, your truth and your voice.
Q) What are the other projects that you have been working on recently?
A) As an actor, I’m always auditioning and I have a couple of things in the works, so stay tuned.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) I’m endlessly grateful. The people who follow my work have watched me grow up on-screen and their support means everything. I want them to know that every project I take on comes from a place of truth and heart. Thank you for letting me tell these stories, especially the ones that hurt, heal and hopefully inspire.