Laura Niemi – The Patient

By starrymag | August 30, 2022

By: MJ Asuncion

 

 

 

Q) You’ve been involved in many high-profile projects, including “This Is Us” and “Stranger Things,” and we are excited to see you in the upcoming limited series, FX’s “The Patient.” Please tell us a bit about the premise and what we can expect.

 

A) It’s a thriller from the talented minds of Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg, who created “The Americans.” It’s about a psychotherapist (Steve Carell) who recently lost his wife (played by me). There are a lot of unexpected twists, turns and edge of your seat entertainment.

 

Q) How would you describe your character?

 

A) I play Beth Strauss, the wife of Dr. Alan Strauss (Steve Carell). She’s a cantor at a reform synagogue who is struggling with family relationships, especially with her son, Ezra.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the series?

 

A) I didn’t know any of them personally, but I was very familiar with their work and of course, a big fan. It’s exciting to work with actors you have such admiration for. Challenging and a bit nerve-wracking, but exciting.

 

Q) Were you in need of doing any kind of pre-shoot preparation for the show?

 

A) Yes. The most prep I have ever had to do. I had to study Hebrew, brush up on my guitar skills for hours and hours each day, learn all the songs not just to repeat but to deliver them with a spiritual connection you would expect from a Cantor and had vocal lessons and exercises in between everything else. At a certain point my husband started singing the songs in our house since he’d hear them on a loop in my studio. We are still singing them. THEY ARE IN MY HEAD. HELP.

 

Q) Tell us about the experience working with such a stellar ensemble cast including Steve Carrell, Domhnall Gleeson, Andrew Leeds, Linda Emond and David Alan Grier.

 

A) Most of my days’ work were spent with Steve and Andrew, who were both delightful to work with. I would see Domhnall and Linda in the hallways during filming and we’d catch up on things. Unfortunately, I did not get to spend much time with David, but he made me laugh in the make-up trailer. It was a good gang. The crew were fantastic as well. I loved seeing them every day.

 

Q) Keeping it spoiler-free, what was one of your favorite scenes or episodes to film?

 

A) The stuff in the temple. As I’m playing a cantor, there’s a lot of singing and playing guitar, but getting to perform in the right space – the temple – had a profound effect on me. It was very moving, very spiritual. I had been to the temple many times growing up but this time I understood it so much better. The connection was deep. I’m very grateful for the experience.

 

Q) What do you hope audiences will take away from watching “The Patient?”

 

A) Well, I hope they love it of course, but I also hope they recognize just how good the FX network is at the moment (no, they didn’t force me to say that and that isn’t a gun). They are consistently delivering fantastic content. I’ve been on three shows on this network – “Justified,” “It’s Always Sunny in PA” and now “The Patient” – and I’m so proud of the work. Always original, gritty and highly entertaining.

 

Q) You are also a talented musician, having played with the rock band SPORK and many LA-based bands. Will you be releasing an album or EP in the near future?

 

A) Maybe… I was approached to compose music for something recently. I’m staying open.

 

Q) As a trained theater actress, you have performed at The Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Rep, and The Taper. You are also the Artistic Director and founder of the multi-award-winning Lost Angels Theatre Company. Will we be seeing you going back into theater again soon, either as producer or performer?

 

A) I’ve been toying with the idea of doing LATC’s first musical. Theatre is hard work, so the project has to be a work of passion for me to dive in. We just put up our first site specific play poolside at beautiful mansion on Mulholland Drive during the pandemic. It was perfect to get people out of the house – outdoors, socially distanced and played out under the setting sun. It was a very rewarding experience, so it might have stirred up something.

 

Q) What advice would you give to those looking to have a career in the acting industry?

 

A) When first starting out, say yes to anyone who asks you to be involved in any way in the business. It’s in the doing that you grow the most, even if it’s not your chosen field. Never underestimate the experience and value of being a grip or PA, you learn a lot about what it means to be in the industry.

 

Q) You’ve had quite a year already! What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you can share?

 

A) Since it has been so busy, I am taking a moment to enjoy some of the summer with friends and family. The phone isn’t off the hook, but it may go to voicemail until I get back from the beach.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans, and to all those who support you and your work? 

 

A) Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down a road and back again
Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant!