Shiri Appleby – UnREAL

By: Taylor Gates

Q: So we’ve heard a lot about your relationship with Quinn going into the next season, but could you tease your relationship with Jeremy and your mom?

A: Jeremy and I are definitely at odds this season, and he uses my mother to really get under my skin, and he succeeds. It’s definitely a tumultuous relationship.

Q: Who would your dream contestant be if you could cast anyone on Everlasting?

A: Oh, that’s so funny. I just ran into Jason Behr who I worked with on Roswell, and I think it would be really fun to have him on the show. I would love to do that.

Q: Which character do you feel like you’re the closest to in real life? Who do you relate to the most?

A: I want to say Rachel because I play her, but that’s a little terrifying. I don’t know that I relate to any of them, honestly. I think I’m an honest, straight-shooting person.

Q: If you could switch places with any of the other character on TV, who would you like to play?

A: The President. I don’t know, I just think it would be fun to play the president.

Q: How was directing an episode of “Unreal?” Was that a new experience for you?

A: Yes, absolutely. I loved it. It was so satisfying to be that creative and really tell the story the way I imagined it in my head and bring that vision to life. I really hope it’s the beginning of a whole new career for me.

Q: Do you think being an actor affects the way you direct?

A: I think it only enhances and makes it so much easier because I have a natural communication with the actors. Especially this season, we have a lot of actors who are fresh into the business, so teaching them camera and teaching them how to deliver performances and how to get the best out of it was actually incredibly gratifying for me.

Q: Do you have any advice for any young actors or young directors hoping to break into the business?

A: Sure, you need to shadow other directors to learn so the networks take you seriously. And pay attention when you’re on set acting.

Q: If you were to move away from “The Bachelor”-type reality show in season three, what reality show would you like to produce?

A: Constance [Zimmer] and I keep joking that we would do Survivor or something so we could go on the road and live in Hawaii.

Q: The Faith Diaries was a huge hit. What character would you love to give a spinoff to?

A: Oh, Madison.

Q: Yes! I love Madison. She’s so underrated.

A: I love her, too. She’s great this season.

Interview Conducted at UnREAL FYC Screening & Panel