Lydia Hearst – Z Nation

By starrymag | December 14, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I have been so extremely fortunate to be working on a couple new projects at the moment! Between Worlds is a dark, psychological thriller. I play Mary, the wife of Nicolas Cage, who died tragically in a fire. But instead of moving on, Mary cannot let go of her former life and in turn possesses a young woman’s body. She is determined to settle her unfinished business with the living.

 

Grace and Grit based on the best-selling true story is a one of courage, connection, and love beyond life.

 

The Haunting of Sharon Tate is both a psychological and a spiritual film. The plot is inspired by an actual quote from Tate, from an interview published a year before her death in Fate Magazine, wherein she reveals having dreams about ghosts haunting her house and foreseeing her own death at the hands of a satanic cult. I put a lot of time and effort learning all that I could about Abigail Folger and did my best and due diligence to respectfully portray the person I was hired to play. We all worked extremely hard and put a lot of love, effort, and care into portraying these people and telling this story

 

Q) Gearing up for the final few episodes of the season, what can you tease is in store?

 

A) These next few episodes are crazy!! They are also some of my favorites. I knew going into the show that I would only survive one season and I have to say that I am honored to have been a part of this show – it truly was a dream come true for me. I cannot wait for audience to see the final two episodes of the season!

 

Q) How was your character Pandora originally described to you? 

 

A) I was told that Pandora was written for me and that I would have the opportunity to play and truly make her my own, which, as an actor, that’s a dream come true! They said that they wanted her to come across as manipulative, a loose cannon and to prepare for a final showdown in the end as Hell half no fury as a zombie-woman scorned.

 

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

 

A) What I added to her story is the background. She is someone who thrives in the apocalypse. I imagined her to be someone who, in the real world, was a bit of an outcast, superficial and very mean. Although, I don’t think she necessarily realizes how mean and nasty she truly is. I believe on some level, Pandora thinks she’s doing what’s right, and she doesn’t know the real difference between right and wrong, and perhaps suffers from a psychological disorder that went untreated post-apocalypse.

 

Q) Talk about the process you undertake for getting into character, physically and mentally.

 

A) I think one of the most challenging parts was the physical. I was in head-to-toe latex all day, every day. Even when you see my in an overcoat or overalls, I am still wearing the entire latex ensemble underneath. So, that combined with the extreme heat we were working in, it was intense. But it was also incredible, and I loved every second!

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the show throughout the seasons?

 

A) A LOT of things happened on the show. I think I will cherish the conversations and moments that I shared with the other actors. “Z Nation” is more than just a television show, it is a family.

 

Q) Is there anything else about this season you would like to share or tease?

 

A) There really is an epic showdown coming between Pandora and the heroes, George (Katy M. O’Brian) in particular. The last few episodes are where Pandora truly shines. So far, we have only seen her be nice. I loved playing her so much and this may sound odd, but I really hope that the audience loves hating her!

 

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

 

A) I think what draws audiences to “Z Nation” is that fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The show is a bit tongue-and-cheek. Also, the actors are so talented and wonderful, and you can see how much fun they are having while filming as it literally translates through the camera and to the screen.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

 

A) I love communicating with and meeting new people. It’s wonderful how social media has offered a positive platform for people to unite and interact! I don’t live-tweet or anything like that, but it’s great to be able to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for zombies.

 

Q) You often take on dramatic or darker roles. Is there something about this genre that really draws you to it?

 

A) I have been extremely fortunate in my career and am so thankful for every acting opportunity that comes my way. I find myself drawn to more character driven roles and scripts where I’m forced to challenge and change both physically and emotionally for a part. When you’re an actor you have a script, but you have to make yourself into the character, live the part, own the words and breathe life into role; because in the end, the only thing the camera wants to see is something truthful.

 

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

 

A) Be nice to each other. Whatever you put out into the world will come right back onto you. Always remember that words are powerful – They can be destructive or constructive. One should always respect their elders, say “please” and “thank you” and be nice. It’s not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. Everyone has a journey, a story and a struggle that will break your heart. So, be nice to people – should be simple enough to do, right?