kadia saraf
photo:
gil hayun
hmu:
crystal gossman
styling:
tara aquilina
eic:
kim goodnight
GN: You play Detective Claudette Wallace in Dexter: Resurrection, a character who is determined to understand the minds of serial killers. What initially attracted you to Claudette, and what do you find most fascinating about her?
KS: I was drawn to how Claudette’s mind works. She’s logical, intensely focused, and stays with a question long after most people would walk away. I’m fascinated by the depth of her obsession. She trusts herself to follow the evidence and stay emotionally detached from the outcome. As long as there is an outcome.
GN: In the second season, Claudette finds herself working alongside the very monster she once vowed to hunt. Without giving too much away, how does this unexpected partnership challenge everything she believes in?
KS: It puts her under a lot of pressure. She can usually keep her feelings separate from the investigation, but with the Ripper, she has a personal stake. Being close to him tests her judgment, her restraint, and how far she’s willing to go to finish what she started.
GN: This season explores more of Claudette's past and reveals how she developed her unusual ability to understand the minds of killers. What surprised you most about discovering these new layers of her character?
KS: Discovering where her relentlessness comes from changed the way I understood it. The qualities were already there, but suddenly they had a history. I love when a discovery lets you look back at a character and see familiar behavior differently. You understand what it costs her.
GN: You share scenes with Michael C. Hall and Brian Cox, two extraordinary actors known for portraying complex characters. What has the experience of working alongside them taught you about acting and storytelling?
KS: They’ve taught me how much can be said without words. Brian gives me such a strong presence to respond to. I can meet him as Claudette and let the scene unfold. With Michael, there’s always something happening underneath the words. Both make listening incredibly rewarding.
GN: Dexter has developed a devoted international following over the years. How does it feel to become part of such an iconic television franchise, and what has the response from fans meant to you?
KS: It’s such a privilege and honor to be part of the Dexter world. Claudette brings out very different reactions in people, and I love that she gives them something to respond to. Nobody seems indifferent to her. Hearing from the neurodivergent community has been especially moving. People have shared how deeply they connect with her, and how she makes them feel seen and heard. That’s a beautiful thing to be part of.
GN: Claudette spends much of her time trying to understand the darkest sides of human behavior. Has portraying her changed the way you look at people, their motivations, or the secrets they keep?
KS: I’ve always been curious about what makes people who they are. Playing Claudette has made me more aware of how our feelings can shape what we convince ourselves is logical. We can be very convincing when we’re explaining ourselves, even to ourselves. I still miss a few clues here and there in real life, though. I’d never hear the end of it from Claudette.
GN: You were born in Switzerland and speak several languages, including American Sign Language. How has growing up with different languages and cultures influenced your identity and your approach to acting?
KS: I love people and languages, and connecting with people from all walks of life comes naturally to me. But growing up across different countries and cultures, I often felt like an outsider. I had to find my own sense of home and discover who I was beyond cultural expectations. I’m still discovering that.
GN: Beyond acting, you are also a martial arts champion. What first inspired your interest in martial arts, and how has that discipline shaped your confidence, focus, and personal strength?
KS: The ring and the mat have taught me some of my most important life lessons. It taught me to trust myself and show up fully, with the good and the ugly. You have to work with all of who you are, because holding parts of yourself back won’t help you win. That’s shaped how I approach life, too.
GN: One of the most fascinating aspects of your life is your work as a forensic astrologer, helping detectives investigate missing-person cases. How did you first become involved in this field, and what does your work typically involve?
KS: My practice of Kabbalistic Astrology led me to this work after a client brought me a case where I was able to help. I interpret charts for possible leads and locations, which detectives then cross-reference with their own information. My role is to support their investigation.
GN: Your interest in forensic astrology creates an intriguing connection to Claudette's investigative work in Dexter: Resurrection. Have your real-life experiences influenced how you approach the character's instincts and investigative mindset?
KS: Yes! Having an intuition about something isn’t enough. I want to know what supports it. The same goes for Claudette. The math needs to math, so to speak. I also pull charts for the crimes in the script. They give me private details to carry into a scene, things I know about her that I never have to explain.
GN: You're also passionate about animal rights and advocacy. Where did that love for animals begin, and what changes would you most like to see in how society treats and protects them?
KS: My maternal grandfather was obsessed with cats. You could say I was grandfathered in! I grew up with animals and have always felt a deep connection to them. I’d love to live in a world where no animal is ever abandoned!
GN: Being based in New York, how does the city's energy influence your creativity? Where do you go when you need to escape the noise and find a little peace?
KS: I don’t just love New York, I’m in love with it! I feel so alive here. I’m naturally curious about people, and there are so many different lives unfolding alongside one another. You can be anything in this city. There are no limits. I find my peace at home. I’m a homebody, and that’s where I recharge best.
GN: After a long day on set, especially when working with such psychologically intense material, what is your nighttime routine? How do you unwind and separate yourself from the characters you portray?
KS: I love watching a show and being left alone for a little while. As a mom, It’s a dream to have time when nothing is being asked of me. And skincare! That’s my way of unwinding.
GN: At Goodnight Magazine, we believe that dreams, reflection, and the quiet moments of life reveal something special about who we are. What are you dreaming of for your future, both personally and professionally, and what does the word "Goodnight" mean to you?
KS: Personally and professionally, I dream of growing in every direction, staying curious and open to everything I have yet to learn. To me, “Goodnight” is that lovely feeling when everything I needed to do is done, and I can finally switch off.