Born in Springfield, VA., Emily Peachey grew up an exceptional student with a passion for acting, dancing and the theater. She would go on to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she double majored in Communications and Broadcast Journalism. But even as she remained passionate about acting, she chose to enroll in law school with the goal of becoming a lawyer. It soon became evident she was meant to be in entertainment when she landed the role of Monica in the 2014 box office hit, “The Fault in Our Stars,” on her first day of class. She then left law school and turned her attention to acting professionally.
The role would lead to parts in HBO’s Emmy Award-winning series “Veep,” and MTV’s “Awkward,” as well as the films “American Pastoral,” starring Ewan McGregor and Dakota Fanning, “Strange Weather,” where she plays opposite Academy Award winner Holly Hunter and cult, indie film “Gearheads.” “I think every time you book something it affirms you’re in the right place,” she said. “It makes you want to work harder and learn as much as you can.” A passionate student of her craft, Peachey continues to learn and grow as a performer with each role.
Today Peachey is set to star in the upcoming films “Tar,” with Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene and Golden Globe Nominee Timothy Bottoms And Fishbowl, Produced by George Pelecanos who also produced “The Wire” and “The Deuce.” She is also currently filming a Funny or Die Short “Hot Girl Problems” and will begin filming another feature in June 2018.
Hi, Emily! Thank you for granting the interview. It is a pleasure to speak with you about your new role in the upcoming film “Tar.” Tell us more.
“Tar” is a thriller/horror film about a creature lurking in the LA Brea Tar Pits that is awakened following some underground construction, and out for blood. I play the lead in the film alongside Golden Globe Nominee, Timothy Bottoms. Together, we take on the creature in our desperate fight for survival.
How did you prepare for the role?
I auditioned about 4 times for this role and during the last 2 auditions, I was able to test with my on-screen boyfriend so we were able to develop our chemistry. I also worked closely with Timothy, both on and off set, to rehearse our scenes and develop our characters.
You were studying to be a lawyer until you landed the role of Monica in the 2014 box office hit, “The Fault in Our Stars,” on your first day of class. Walk us through that moment when you learned you landed the role.
It was such an insane experience, in the best way. I was sitting in class and got a call that went to voicemail. On our break, I checked my messages and found out I got the role! I was on cloud nine!! I finished out the day and at the end asked the dean if I could defer for a year and she allowed me to and was very happy for me!
You were booked on several high-profile projects, such as HBO’s “VEEP.”
I am so lucky to have been able to work on such amazing projects. Veep is such a funny show, and I was a fan before I was on it! It was surreal getting to see myself in a show I had watched beforehand working with a comedy genius like Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
What has been your biggest takeaway in acting, thus far?
My biggest take away so far is to not obsess about auditions. When I first started out I would wait by the phone after every audition and hope they would call and now I’m much more relaxed about it. After I do my audition, I put it out of my head and if they call to tell me I booked it, it’s just an added bonus.
You’re currently filming a Funny or Die Short called “Hot Girl Problems” and will begin filming another feature in June. Tell us about the films.
“Hot Girl Problems” is a short about a group of girls who seek advice from Hollywood legend, Robert Conrad. The upcoming feature is a horror film and will be filming this summer!
If you could choose a role you would like to play, what would it be and why?
I would love to play a really gritty role, like something in an Aronofsky film. I love dark movies and dark characters and it is such a contrast to my person that I think it would be really fun to portray something like that.
Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the industry?
Honestly, it would be so hard to choose. I have been fortunate enough to have worked on so many amazing projects with so many wonderful people who have treated me so well and taught me so much!
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I do have another project coming up that will be filming in the fall that I am very excited about!
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
I would love to work with one of my idols like Darren Aronofsky or Wes Anderson – that’s my biggest goal.
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