Olivia Grace Applegate – Love & Death

By starrymag | April 28, 2023

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Love & Death.”

 

A) It’s a stranger-than-fiction true crime show about an axe murder that happened in a small town in Texas in 1980.

 

Q) What was it about the series that made you want to be a part of it?

 

A) As an actor, I’m always looking for great writing, so David E. Kelley was the first calling card for me. I was sent the first three episodes to read with my audition and I was immediately drawn into the world because of the impeccable storytelling. Each character was fully fleshed out and each scene drew you in with its wit and nuance. Beyond that, I thought the story itself was truly fascinating and furthermore, that Carol Crowder was a woman near and dear to my heart. Growing up in a similar suburb in Texas, I felt as strong connection to this world and women like Carol Crowder.

 

Q) This is based on a true story. What kind of research did you do on the case after coming on board this series? 

 

A) Texas Monthly has a series of articles from the 80s that details the case— “Love and Death in Silicon Prairie” by Jim Atkinson and John Bloom. In fact, some of the dialogue for the show is pulled directly from interviews cited in those articles. I read that as well as various newspaper and magazine articles about the Crowders to get some insight into their relationship. Fascinating stuff!

 

Q) You play Carol Crowder, whose husband is defending Candy. Was it important for you not to have a preconceived idea of guilt/innocence when portraying your character?

 

A) It was! Carol Crowder is in a very difficult position: her husband is defending their friend (and fellow church member) who is on trial for the brutal murder of another friend (and fellow church member). The evidence is damning, and her husband’s tactics become morally and ethically questionable—it’s a lot for her to take in as a good Christian woman!

 

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing scenes with someone(s) in particular for the series?

 

A) Everyone! Have you seen this cast? But in all seriousness, everyone was exceptional to work with. This cast is filled not only with extremely talented actors and consummate professionals, but kind and lovely human beings. I especially loved getting to work with my onscreen husband, Tom Pelphrey, who became a good friend throughout the course of filming.

 

Q) Which scene(s) did you find the most challenging for you to film?

 

A) Because this show centers around a murder, we obviously were dealing with some very serious subject matter. Several of the scenes dealing with the loss of a dear friend were emotionally difficult, but again, because the writing is so good, it made my job as a performer much easier.

 

Q) What were some episodes viewers should look out for or even some of your most memorable moments from working on “Love & Death?”

 

A) In the last two episodes, Carol starts to speak up to her husband about some of his questionable tactics and motivations for taking on this case…be on the lookout for a wife calling her husband out!

Q) What do you think it is about “Love & Death” and maybe even the Candy Montgomery case that makes it so fascinating?

 

A) The characters in this show are so relatable—they could be you or me and I think that draws you in. They are regular people dealing with the sometimes-disheartening monotony of life and dream of something more fulfilling. Then, the unthinkable happens in this neighborhood that could be yours or a mine, a completely relatable person chops someone to death with an axe. It’s wildly compelling!

 

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

 

A) I have a western thriller called Organ Trail currently in select theaters and will be available to purchase on streaming platforms starting May 12^th. It’s a period piece drama and I get to be quite the badass. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ll be in the Disney comedy “Honeymoon Friends” set to release on Hulu later this year. It’s a fun range from true crime to period piece western/thriller, all the way to rom-com. I’m also a singer and will be releasing an EP this summer, so be on the lookout!

 

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

 

A) It is such a delight to be able to do the thing you love and to be supported on top of it by viewers and fans is an incredible gift! Thank you, thank you, thank you!