Lidya Jewett – Good Girls

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Throughout the two seasons we saw Sara struggle with her health as well as deal with some coming of age and classmate issues. What milestones or marks can you tease that we will see her hit and possibly struggle with this season?

A) Oh!  Everyone is really going to see Sara change in a few ways.  Sara is a smart girl and starts to pick up on some of the things going on at her house.  Some of it does not happen until mid-season, so I can’t say too much but everyone will be excited and surprised to see what happens.

Q) Last season Sara watched her father get arrested in front of her and her brother. She is quickly becoming a young adult and can easily see her parents have been hiding things from her. This season will we see her still wide eyed or will she become a little more curious about why her mother and father have been struggling so much?

A) Well, like I said, Sara is smart so I don’t think too much will get past her as time goes on.  She loves her family very much and I think she will start connecting dots and understanding what is going on behind the scenes.

Q) What I love about “Good Girls” is it puts these fierce females front and center. They empower and inspire viewers all while still being able to be vulnerable and at times flawed. Why is it even more important these days we see these multidimensional types of female leads?

A) Well, we are all flawed and everyone will be vulnerable at some point.  These women show their strengths by pushing through their vulnerabilities.  Like Ruby, for example.  Her vulnerability and her love and protection for her family is what gives her to strength to keep doing whatever it takes to take care of them.

Q) How will this season continue to test and challenge their balance of faith and family?

A) I think as Sara grows into her young teen years, she becomes more aware and knowledgeable of her family’s activities.  It is harder at this age because what you have always been able to know as true and what you could count on in your family starts to change. What she knows for certain it the Hill family is there for each other.

Q) What are some of your favorite things to do behind the scenes when not filming? 

A) Between takes, the Hill family loves to sing!  We really do. We have a piano in the living room and my TV Dad, Reno Wilson, is a great piano player.  My TV Brother, Danny Boyd Jr, and I actually taught Reno [Wilson] a Tik Tok dance!  So, we love doing that and we love taking the golf cart to the back lot of the studios and giving ourselves little self-guided tours.  I also do a lot of school on set.

Q) Your parents are played by Retta and Reno Wilson – what’s something about them that maybe most people don’t know? 

A) Well, I’m not sure whether people would know it or not but Retta attended Duke University and still has her class notes. She is super smart!  Reno Wilson is like the mayor.  He does a “shake and howdy,” as we call it, everywhere he goes.  Some people call me the little “mayorette” because I am like him in that way.

Q) Is there a particular episode you are looking forward to fans reaction to?

A) I think they will enjoy a few episodes for the Hill family.  Episode 4 and Episode 9 are two of my favorites so far!  I think the audience will be surprised.

Q) What’s been your favorite moment to film so far?

A) I really liked last season when Sara and her Journey Scouts were at a senior facility and I got to sing.  Fun fact, the girl who played my best friend in that episode is one of my best friends in real life.

Q) Are there any special guest stars that you can tease? 

A) Well, of course, our favorite payday loan worker, Julian Gant, is back.  He is so funny!   Also, Charlyne Yi and Jackie Cruz and Ione Skye.  We are so fortunate to have these talents to join us.

Q) As an actress, what have you learned from your experiences from being a part of this series?

A) I have learned so much.  Mostly, it is to just be natural. I have great role models to watch and learn from and their acting is so good. Just talk and be real. I also have learned a lot of behind the scenes knowledge. I plan to direct and produce and write someday, so I pay attention to everything. I think that is really important.  It also shows all the departments like sound, lighting, props, etc. that you see their work and acknowledge their importance.