Nazneen Contractor – Children Ruin Everything

By starrymag | July 24, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) For US audiences who haven’t seen “Children Ruin Everything,” what is the premise?

A) “Children Ruin Everything” is a hilarious comedy that hits close to home. This show is for anyone, from those who have kids or are thinking about having kids or never wanted kids in the first place. It speaks to a wide spectrum of people across generations and cultures. The show follows Astrid (Meaghan Rath) and James (Aaron Abrams) as they try to hold onto their old identities while negotiating their new lives as parents to their two children. It’s created by the wonderful Kurt Smeaton, and I promise you it will leave you in tears from laughter.

 

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

A) Initially, Dawn was described as the perfect older sister of Astrid who is incredibly successful and flies around the world firing people. I mean, what was there not to love about this character? And when I looked at the material, I couldn’t stop laughing.

 

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

A) There was no other way for me to play Dawn truthfully without including something very important that wasn’t in the initial breakdown. Her unabashed love and unwavering support for her family. I think it’s actually the most important thing about Dawn…how much she cares for her family. Not just her husband, Bo (Dmitry Chepovetsky), and their “perfect” son Corey (Darius Rota) but also her sister Astrid, her niece, nephews and her mother Neisha played by Veena Sood. As materialistic as she can be, she always puts her family first. She just happens to have zero filter!

 

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

A) I actually didn’t know anyone personally before starting the show. So, I went in with an open heart ready to forge fresh new relationships. Now three seasons later, I am very close to Dmitry Chepovetsky, the actor who plays my husband, Bo, and Veena Sood who plays my mother. Also, Kurt, our creator and showrunner is absolutely wonderful and so open to collaboration. He operates with kindness and writes with perfect comic timing. We’re really lucky, everyone in the cast and crew are absolutely wonderful. I guess this might also be the opportunity to reveal that the actor who plays my son, Corey, Darius Rota, is actually my son in real life. So, I guess I should’ve started this answer by saying I am the closest with him, considering we’re blood! Working with my son is one of the most beautiful gifts the show has given us. And I know he’s my kid, but I think he’s pretty great on the show!

 

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is that something you have worked at or is it something that you have had naturally?

A) I love doing comedies. Getting a laugh is like the most powerful sensation in the world to me. It’s just the best feeling. So empowering. And I love making people feel happy. I do work hard at finding the right tone for Dawn. Fortunately, the writing is so rich and nuanced that I’ve found the more I relax and just say the words in the moment, the funnier it is received. I just stay in character as Dawn; she’s so ridiculous that if I stay true to her it always turns out funny.

 

Q) The series premieres on The CW shortly. What were some of your favorite moments from filming Season 1 or maybe episodes you think that fans should keep an eye out for?

A) I’m really proud of the first season of our show. My favorite episode by far is “Sick Days.” I love it because Aaron Abrams, who plays James, and I got to improvise a bit in this episode. Improv is a big part of my process as an actor, so anytime it makes it onto the screen I’m elated. Also, Darius has a really fun part as well. I don’t wanna give away any spoilers…But he ends up showing me how he really feels!

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Children Ruin Everything” that is going to make it a fast fan favorite show?

A) This show is going to be a huge success because it speaks the universal truths about family life: the turmoil, the fun, the compromises, the celebrations, etc. Kurt Smeaton described it as “a love letter to parenting” and I couldn’t put it any better. Everyone in the cast is really creating fantastic performances. Not just our two incredible leads and the amazing kids, but all the supporting characters fill the show with so much side-splitting whimsy and heart. Everyone is taking big swings. Holding nothing back. I’m always humbled by their work.

 

Q) You’ve been a part of a number of wonderful series and films. Do you have a project that continues to hold a special place in your heart?

A) I’ve got to say that “Children Ruin Everything“ is doing that right now. It is one of the most special things I’ve ever done. First of all, sometimes the topics in the script hit so close to home I’m wondering if the writers have put cameras in my house. It’s wild how accurate the stories are. Being a parent myself, sharing the screen with my son, making a show that is funny but feels so real and has received such positive responses – it feels incredible. It feels special. It’s rare. To be a part of something that resonates with oneself so many other people.

 

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

A) I’ll be in Hallmark’s new Christmas series airing this holiday season called “Holidazed.” And I am about to embark on the second season of The Love Club movie franchise. Both roles are very different from Dawn, but I don’t think I’ve ever played anyone quite as complicated and fun as her so it would be unfair to compare them.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

A) You know, I’m always so happy to work and it is such an added bonus to receive support and love from an audience. I do it from my soul and share it with the audience. So, I feel very thankful for everyone’s support, and it is my pleasure and honor to continue to tell stories that make you laugh, cry and hopefully cry from laughter!

 

 

 

 

 

 This interview was done before the SAG strike