I made a very concerted decision to go to drama school in the United States. But I did have the opportunity to go to Britain's Central School of Speech and Drama, and my dad and I had a few tense words about that. He wanted me to go to British drama school.

It ultimately becomes an asset to be part of a theatrical family if, indeed, you're good at what you do.

Beauty Queen' is the weirdest, strangest, and most perfect play to do before 'Hedda Gabler', because there are so many similar issues for Maureen and Hedda. I had played leading ladies before but couldn't really hook into them. After 'An American Daughter' and 'Beauty Queen', I had all the ballast.

I was lucky enough to be able to grow and mature in a natural way as an actress.

For me, hour-long drama was always the thing I felt the most comfortable doing, and I've played so many dramatic roles in the theater.

I have a tendency as an actress in general to ground my characters. Even when doing outlandish characters, that's my instinct.

I know from growing up in the spotlight, as it were, that the most important thing is your family.