*This article contains major HOUSE OF CARDS spoilers
Rachel Brosnahan captivated us with her mesmerizing work in Netflix’s HOUSE OF CARDS and shocked us with her powerful presence in MANHATTAN, tonight we get to see her in an all new light on the CBS two-night miniseries, THE DOVEKEEPERS.
Over the last year Brosnahan has become one of the most promising actors to watch, role after role she keeps delighting us. Brosnahan has such a wonderful career ahead of her and we are privileged to get to watch her grow and perform.
I caught up with the phenomenal young actress about her thoughts on her characters death on HOC, her character Yael in THE DOVEKEEPERS, and what we can look forward to in tonight’s installment of the beloved book’s adaption.
Did you think that Doug would actually kill Rachel?
I definitely saw it coming; it’s a show where no one is safe ever. I was thrilled and surprised that I lasted as long as I did. I think it was the only way Doug (Michael Kelly) could move forward, it had to happen or he couldn’t return to his usual ruthless self. It wasn’t too much of a surprise.
How was your whole experience working on HOC?
It was an absolute dream come true! It was my first job post college and I was only supposed to have five lines or so and it turned into this wonderful, complex, and challenging arc and it was the best job I’ve ever had and maybe will ever have.
THE DOVEKEEPERS premieres tonight! For those who aren’t familiar with the book, what can you tell us about the story of these women?
It’s about three complex and unique women who find each other under this great oppression that they are facing from the Romans. They have escaped from their hometown of Jerusalem and they are living together in the hidden Masada where they are hoping to band together and survive.
What drew you to Yael? What about her story stood out to you?
I was lucky enough to read the book and I thought that she was so incredibly complex and asked a lot of questions that were very unusual for her time. It’s a lot about questioning of faith and coming of age and I thought she was very strong, resilient, pretty badass, she’s fearless and she’s very courageous.
Can you tell us anything about Yael’s relationship with her father?
They have a difficult relationship; Yael’s mother died in childbirth and her father unfortunately blames her quite a bit for that. They have suffered a great loss and unfortunately that’s how he has dealt with it. Clearly she feels an enormous amount of guilt, he has made her feel as though she has committed the greatest sin at birth, which is murder and she will never be forgiven. I won’t give too much away but you definitely see a lot of their relationship explored.
What can you tell us about the first half of the mini series?
You meet the three women, you’ll meet Shirah, (Cote de Pablo) Yael, and Aziza (Kathryn Prescott) you will see them flee their homes. You’ll learn a lot about their back-stories and see them grow together.
You mentioned that you just graduated college as a young actor what have you learned and taken with you with these experiences?
I learn so many new things everyday; I think that’s been the biggest thing. Every time you think you have a handle on something it changes. I’ve learned to remain open; I’ve learned how important my time at school was as well. I don’t think I appreciated nearly as much when I was in school. I’ve learned how important my training has been with creating a foundation for me as an actor. Also how important it is to take big risks and make big moves and to try and not be afraid of the outcome.
What shows are you loving on TV right now?
There are so many good ones out there right now it’s incredible! I’ve been obsessed with ORPHAN BLACK! I came a little late to the party but I’ve been loving it and I cannot wait for the third season to start airing
You can watch Rachel in THE DOVEKEEPERS tonight and tomorrow night at 9:00 EST on CBS.
*I highly recommend you watch Rachel in the GREY’S ANTOMY episode, “The Face of Change.” She is incredibly powerful as Brian Weston and portrays the character with such grace.