Q&A

GN: What’s life been like for you lately? What’s been taking up most of your creative energy these days?

LS: I recently finished working on Reese Witherspoon’s Legally Blonde Prequel “Elle”, so I’ve had some time on my hands. I’ve been writing and developing ideas I want to play with as a filmmaker. Also, I’ve been spending a good amount of time remodeling my house with my Dad which has been a lot of fun. We just finished a Brazilian mahogany door which turned out way better than I thought it would. 

GN:  Looking back, what body of work whether film, TV, or a specific performance has had the greatest influence on the kind of actor you’re becoming?

LS: I’m so inspired by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. What do you even say about an actor like that? Risk it all, be willing to be wrong, and surrender to the moment… That really doesn’t even capture it. He’s incredible. 

GN: You’ve grown up in this industry. What’s something you’ve learned recently about yourself or your craft that surprised you?

LS: This industry and this art is so humbling. It’s not worth taking anything for granted. It’s something I keep learning, but one bad day doesn’t define you. As a person or an artist. 

GN: What kind of roles are you gravitating toward right now? Are you seeking something grounded, something gritty, something offbeat?

LS: I look for redemption in everything. I look for light in the darkness, so I’m compelled to dive into rolls that have those components pronounced. 

GN: What are you watching at the moment, any shows or films that have really stuck with you?

LS: I just watched Magnus Von Horn’s film ‘The Girl with The Needle' and thought it was amazing. Haunting and human in the best way. I can’t seem to get ‘Midnight Cowboy' out of my head. It wasn’t a recent watch, but that story has really stuck with me. 

GN: What music are you listening to these days? Anything fueling your mood or shaping your inspiration?

LS: I’ve been listening to a lot of Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell recently. The raw story telling in their work really inspires me. 

GN: When you think about your next chapter, what’s one dream collaboration or project you’d love to explore?

LS: Dream collaboration for me would be Lars Von Trier. I think he’s exceptional. 

GN: What’s one thing you’re excited about right now, either in your work or your life that people might not know?

LS: It feels like such a strange time for me, hard at times. I’m excited about who God is shaping me into. I’ve been learning how much I don’t know, and learning to walk with Jesus everyday. The growth and the shifting is scary, but also exciting in a way. 

GN: What does Goodnight mean to you? 

LS: I think of “goodnight John Boy”. And I think of do not go gently into that good night. 

Images courtesy of photographer Mi

Editor: Kimberly Goodnight

Groomer: Lisa Sasson using Unite Hair