Ruth Connell – Supernatural

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) “Supernatural” has kind of taken over my life now, which I am actually thrilled and delighted about. Jim Michaels, one of the producers, said, “You’re in for a ride.” And I really am! I’m really happy it’s taken over.

Q) What drew you to this role on “Supernatural?”

A) My friend sent me the breakdown and when I read it I was just like, “Wow!” I said to her, “If I can’t get seen for this, there is no point in me being in America.” It completely resonated with me and I made the decision at that point in time that I would do whatever it took to be seen for the role. At this point in time, I hadn’t been in a room for a TV casting in eighteen months in America. I was finding it very difficult so I was working hard and doing lots of independent projects. I found it difficult to make that transition so I’m grateful to “Supernatural” and Robert Ulrich and Alex Newman for letting me into their casting office and pushing me forward to the producers.

Q) What was your reaction to learning your character would be Crowley’s mother?

A) I had suspicions that maybe I had something to do with Crowley and the character played by Theo Devaney (Crowley’s son). Then, when they told me I was going to be Crowley’s mom – Honestly, it was hard to put into words. I think it was a slow dawning. I think it slowly dawned on me the magnitude in the “Supernatural” world of this relationship. The casting office said to my agent as well, “We don’t think that Ruth is understanding the action this is causing.” I think the world of Mark [Sheppard] and he is very dear to me. I’m so delighted to be his mom. It’s a great position to be in on the show. Being a relative is an unusual relationship for a female and for a baddy on the show. I’m interested in seeing where the writers go with that.

Q) What is it like working alongside Mark? Did the chemistry come naturally or take some time to develop?

A) When I first met Mark, I was in line at the food truck. He was a few positions behind me and his face kind of appeared amongst a few people. He reached out to shake my hand and said he had heard nice things about me. He immediately made me feel welcome. We sat down and had lunch together that day. I was a bit overwhelmed. Honestly, I have to say that with Mark, Misha, Jared and Jenson I’m ashamed to say that I did get a little bit star struck. They are everything they seem to be and more! I’m a fangirl as well. It’s a thrill for me to work with them all!

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that might not have been scripted for you?

A) I may have added the add little Scottish expression. Robert Berens, who wrote the episode that everyone saw a couple weeks ago, is great. We met a bit at a party and struck up a friendship. I improvised the “meow” at the end. So, I have added some feline essence to Rowena.

Q) As a member of social media, how has it been for you getting that instant fan feedback and connection?

A) It’s been insane! I think I have arthritis in my right arm from responding to tweets and I am loving the artwork on Tumblr. I’m really enjoying it, I have to say. I’m learning and I want to reach out to the fans. I really appreciate the positive response they have had. It’s really nice to feel welcomed and I want to do my part to support the show. To be a part of the fandom is great fun!

Q) What has the fan reaction been like for you?

A) I’m Scottish so terms like “badass” and “big bad” are still a novelty for me to hear. So, I’m really loving that they are getting behind the storyline and how it is going to unfold between Crowley and Rowena. I’m glad they are invested in the fun of it all, as well. They do take it pretty seriously and they do really care about Mark’s character as well as the boys and Misha.

Q) What can you tease will be in store for Rowena this season?

A) On Tuesday night, the episode will be called “The Things We Left Behind.” I love the titles of the shows because they really do encapsulate the content. The question is, “Did I leave my son behind? Did he leave me behind?” There is one line in it that is the most outrageous thing I’ve ever had to say as a character, which pertains to our past. When we did the rehearsal, the crew would bust out laughing. I hope the fans have the same reaction. I think my Twitter will explode on Tuesday night when that line gets shown. I think that is the fun and joy of Rowena, what I reveal about Crowley and what his past is. I think that’s part of the fun of it all.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) I would like to say thank you. I have been in the business for a long time and I have worked very hard like a lot of actors do. I have nearly had breakthroughs a few teams so now that it is happening with “Supernatural,” I am aware how lucky I am to be in the SPN family. I’m aware how lucky I am to be on such a warm set with such amazing people. I know how difficult the other side of this business can be and I am so grateful for the response and support that I am getting. It means the world to me. I’m the happiest girl from Scotland that has ever moved to Los Angeles!