Lily Rabe

Can you tell the story of how you got started on American Horror Story?

I had done an episode of Nip/stuck, I played a headband wearing cannibal if I remember correctly, then I was doing a summer play at Williamstown, playing Nora in a production of A DOLL’S HOUSE, and Ryan called me up and said he had a new show, he described the structure and it sounded remarkable as it reminded me of a repertory theatre company.. he said was writing me a part, her name serendipitously was Nora, and that he thought it would be a few episodes, could I do it? Of course I said yes.. BUT I had a problem which was that I was about to start rehearsals for a play on Broadway (called Seminar with Hamish and Alan Rickman) and we would be in performances by the time they were shooting so I didn’t see how I could do it. Without taking a beat, he said “when are your days off” I said “only Mondays” he said “great, you’ll fly to la after your sunday matinee we will board all your stuff for Mondays and you can take the redeye back that night for your Tuesday performance.” And that’s what we did for something like eight or nine episodes. There is truly no one like Ryan, he moves mountains, moves them. Now when my reps call about this or that job and say “well it’s a conflict with something else you’re doing,” I always say, “well, nothing is impossible.” 

How long would you personally like to see “American Horror Story” show run?

However long Ryan wants it to and thinks it should! It really is the gift that keeps on giving, to the fans, and to those of us who have been a part of making it. 

Who is your favorite character on “American Horror Story” across all seasons?

That I’ve played? Sister Mary Eunice. That someone else has played? Hard to choose, but two favorites are Franny Conroy as Myrtle Snow and Evan Peters as Mr. March. 

Can you tell us about your cast members that you met onscreen and grew into offscreen friendships?

I would say I average one long term friend per job, sometimes it’s more, but keeping in touch, real touch, is a commitment. It’s a wonderful one, and so very worth it when it’s worth it. But I’m honestly terrible at superficial friendships, I tend to be all in or I’m out. So when it’s all in, those relationships really last for me. 

If you have to choose Broadway stage or film/tv screen, what would you choose?

Right now, I miss doing plays so much it’s like a hole in the heart, so at the moment I would say the theatre. I’ve also had and have upcoming a run of limited series, which is such an incredible format and I never want to stop, but I would love to make another movie next year. I made a movie this year called THE TENDER BAR with George Clooney and that was a very special experience.

You have a tremendous amount of projects coming up. You were recently cast for “The First Lady” and “Love and Death”. What is your process for selecting projects?

It’s changed a bit over the years; when I was younger I would always choose projects based on the role. The trouble was that often I would fall in love with a role, but not the script, perhaps not even the director’s vision, but just felt I couldn’t not play the part, and that never worked out in the way I hoped. I’ve learned doing something from a place of fear of not doing it is never the right way to go for me. The role is of course still front and center in the decision making process, asking the question “do I HAVE to play this part, does my soul feel called to tell this person’s story, etc” but it’s really now in absolute equal measure with who the director is, what their vision is, their sensibility, and the story overall, and the writing the writing the writing. So now it’s more “do I have to play this part, in thisstory, and say these words with this person leading the way.” Susanne Bier is directing The First Lady, and she is someone I would work with again and again. I’m completely devoted to her. And I’ve always wanted to work with Lesli Linka Glatter who is directing the majority of Love and Death, and am thrilled to work with David again on that one.

You are an actor and producer. Are you good at making hard decisions?

I’m getting better at it! Decision making hasn’t always come easily to me. However, when I really think about it, with big decisions, I’m always quite clear, and have a very strong gut. I just have to let that be the loudest voice, and listen. 

Whenever I make an intellectual decision over a gut decision, I regret it, so I try not the do that. It’s hard to say no, but I do. My producing partner and I are a small company, and when we take something on, it’s completely consuming, so I think we have both grown more and more selective even over the last year. The last thing we want to do is say yes to something we won’t have time to devote the proper time and care and energy to. Decision making is a constant learning process. However, smaller decisions, like deciding what to order for dinner, that’s never easy for me. My dream restaurant was this one I went to in Rome.. You sit down with a glass of wine, and they bring out dish after dish of incredible food until you say “Basta!”

You are versatile as an actor transforming easily between protagonist and antagonist characters while keeping the audience thrilled by your ability to find reasons to like your characters nonetheless. What is your acting secret?

Thank you that’s such a lovely compliment! I think it’s vital in process for me not to worry about the audience liking my character. Unless, I suppose, I’m playing a person who is always thinking about being liked, then perhaps it could be useful. But otherwise, I try to work with directors I trust because really the audience experience is in their hands and it’s my job to tell my character’s story as honestly as I can and not worry about controlling that part of things. My least favorite kind of acting to watch is when I feel an actor is indicating everything as if they don’t trust me as the audience to have whatever experience I’m going to have. So I hope never to do that. I never like to shy away from the messiness, the “ugliness” of someone I’m playing – to me that’s usually where the best stuff is to play. 

Can you tell us about working with Barry Jenkins on “The Underground Railroad”?

Working with Barry was deeply inspiring and life altering, frankly. He is incredibly brilliant and specific, but leads always ALWAYS with unprecedented kindness. His heart is enormous.  I also think the way he shoots, the way he lets shots breathe, and exist, it’s stunning. He doesn’t hold your hand, but he walks alongside you as an actor, and a viewer, in a way I feel no one else does.

“Tell Me Your Secrets” is another outstanding show that you are part of. Can you tell us about the creative mind of Harriet Warner?

She has a singular way of seeing the world, and such a wonderful way of expressing it. We have stayed very close since the making of that show, she’s one of those people who I find comfort in – just knowing she is walking around on the planet. 

You have starred alongside your partner and father of your children, Hamish Linklater, a number of times. Do you enjoy sharing the screen with him?

 I do. We got to know one another working together so it’s something that feels inextricably linked to our relationship. Finding people to be honest with – truly no holds barred honest – is difficult – and I know I have that with him. He’s not worried about offending me, thank goodness! I like the truth. Anything else is such a waste of time.

You were part of another great show/limited series “The Undoing” did you enjoy working with Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, and of course Donald Sutherland?

Oh yes, I did. That job feels like a dream now. It did then, but it really does now, running around Manhattan in the Spring, shooting with such a wonderful group of people, while the cherry blossoms were blooming. Susanne shoots incredibly civilized hours as well, so Hamish and I would meet at the theatre almost every night! It was perfect.

What would be your ultimate role? 

I would like to do a full on comedy, I would like to do a 19th century period piece, and a western. And an action movie. And a musical. Also Chekhov, Ibsen, always more Shakespeare. And work with Jennifer Coolidge in any capacity.

If you had a chance to give your younger self a piece of advice what would it be?

Worry less. There’s going to be so much time later to worry. Go out more. Book the trip. Say yes to the invitation. I had my fair share of wild nights and wonderful adventures in my 20s, but i’ve always been such a homebody that I would often choose staying in. Now that seems like it was pretty silly.