Yvonne Strahovski on The Handmaid’s Tale Season Finale, Giving Birth on TV & Growing Up in Australia

TL;DR

Ivon Strahovski discusses her role in The Handmaid's Tale and her Australian upbringing.

Transcript

next guest is a two-time Emmy nominee who comes to us straight out of Gilead she plays Serena Joy Waterford on the handmaid's tale watch the season finale Wednesday on Hulu please say hello to Ivon Strahovski well thanks for coming it's good to see you yeah thanks for having me it's been a long time since you were here last time and there's one thi... Read More

Key Insights

• 💅 Ivon Strahovski highlights her cultural heritage, merging Polish and Australian influences in her life.
• 🃏 She emphasizes the humor used to connect with her audience regarding cultural differences and jokes.
• 🖐️ The complexities of playing a villain like Serena Joy require Ivon to dig deep into emotional nuances.
• 💄 Ivon’s experiences and anecdotes bring a personal touch to her role, making it relatable to audiences.
• 😫 Filming logistics, like using a prop baby, can result in unexpected comedic moments on set.
• 🏈 Ivon draws comparisons between Australian and American wildlife, challenging common perceptions.
• 🛟 Her insights into motherhood on screen versus in real life offer an interesting perspective on the acting process.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Ivon Strahovski’s background influence her acting?

Ivon Strahovski’s upbringing as a Polish immigrant in Australia has significantly influenced her identity and acting. She brings a unique perspective to her roles, drawing from the cultural nuances she experienced growing up in a bilingual environment. Her ability to navigate and blend these cultural influences enriches her performances, especially in complex characters like Serena Joy.

Q: What are some challenges Ivon faced while portraying Serena Joy?

Portraying Serena Joy, a character known for her villainous traits in The Handmaid's Tale, presented Ivon with several challenges, including balancing empathy for her character while showcasing her despicable actions. The complexity of Serena's relationships and the emotional intensity required in various scenes made it essential for Ivon to connect deeply with her character, which sometimes blurred the lines between reality and fiction.

Q: How does Ivon compare American wildlife to that of Australia?

Ivon humorously points out that while Australians are often asked about surviving their dangerous wildlife, she finds American wildlife, particularly bears, even more concerning. She explains that in Australia, although creatures like snakes and spiders pose risks, they are less likely to cause significant harm compared to large animals like bears, which can be quite dangerous if provoked.

Q: What anecdote does Ivon share about a bear encounter?

Ivon recalls witnessing a park ranger approach a bear with what appeared to be an '80s satellite device, screaming at the bear. She describes this incident as perplexing yet fascinating, highlighting differing approaches to wildlife encounters between the United States and Australia. Ivon humorously emphasizes that such approaches are not advisable and could endanger the ranger over time.

Q: What is Ivon’s experience filming with a baby on set for The Handmaid's Tale?

Ivon talks about the challenges of filming scenes where she had to interact with a baby that was actually a prop. These fake babies often smelled of cream cheese due to their staging for realism, which produced comedic moments during intense scenes. She highlights how bizarre it felt to be in an emotional role while dealing with a somewhat humorous set piece.

Q: Ivon hinted at surprises in the finale of The Handmaid's Tale. What can viewers expect?

Ivon teases that the season finale of The Handmaid's Tale will have unexpected twists that subvert viewer expectations. She assures fans that the developments in the final episodes will be surprising, hinting at a lack of predictability in the storyline. While she refrains from giving too much away, she emphasizes that what viewers think will happen is not what will actually transpire.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ivon Strahovski, a two-time Emmy nominee, reflects on her character Serena Joy in The Handmaid's Tale and the complex emotions tied to her role.

• She shares insight into her upbringing as a Polish immigrant in Australia, comparing cultural humor and experiences in both countries.

• The conversation touches on the filming process of the show, including humorous aspects of using a fake baby and the challenges of portraying motherhood.