Rachel Redleaf on set of "Atypical."
Rachel is starring in a Netflix Original called “Atypical.” “Atypical” is a coming-of-age television series created by Robia Rashid for Netflix. 18-year-old Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist), who is on the autism spectrum, decides he wants to fit in with other teens. The challenges he faces are both comedic and heartfelt. The first season released on August 11, 2017, and consisted of eight episodes. We’re happy to announce that is was renewed for a second season for ten episodes. It’s set to premiere on September 7, 2018.
We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Rachel on her role and character. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Rachel! Thank you for granting the interview. Your career is soaring and we’re excited to speak with you about it. Tell us about current projects.
I just finished filming season two of “Atypical.” I had so much fun and definitely got closer with the cast this season. I also just wrapped up my first feature film; an “Untitled Miranda July Project” starring Evan Rachel Wood, Gina Rodriguez, Richard Jenkins, and Debra Winger. I played a character named Kelli Fain who is a young pregnant woman that gets the lead character involved in something new.
What should the audience expect to see?
In “Atypical” season two, the audience can expect to see new beginnings, budding romance, and a lot of quirky one-liners. Also, my character gets a chance to put her dancing shoes on. The “Untitled Miranda July Project” is a heist film with a lot of new adventures for the main family.
To date, what has been your favorite role and why?
Playing Beth Chapin will always hold a special place in my heart. It is so empowering to play a character who is body positive and doesn’t let her weight determine her self-worth. Beth has taught me so much!
Is there a particular role you would like to play in your career?
There are so many things I would like to do! One of my goals right now is to be in a musical movie or tv show. I’ve been doing musical theatre since I was four. I would also love to play a character with multiple personalities or a mental patient because it would be an exhilarating challenge.
How do you prepare for a role?
It depends on what the role is, but I usually start by reading the scenes I am in (because I get over excited and want to see how many lines I have). Next, I read the rest of the script to put the whole story together. Then, I usually read it again as my character; looking at the story from my character’s perspective in order to see how the character feels about whatever is going on in the story. This helps me understand my character’s emotions and subtext.
What was your first acting job?
When I was thirteen, I played the seven-year-old, Tootie, in “Meet Me in St. Louis” at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Arizona. I remember being so excited because I got to miss a bunch of schools to do the thing I loved most. I even framed my first paycheck.
What is your profession’s greatest challenge today?
The greatest challenge of this profession is that nothing is guaranteed. When a show ends, an actor can be out of work for a while. That’s why it’s so important to always work hard and never take anything for granted. Despite its many challenges, there is nothing else I would rather be doing!
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would have to be Bette Midler. It’s my dream to have a successful film and Broadway career like her’s. I would love to be known in both worlds. They are so different, but both so fond to me.
When looking back on your career, what resonated with you the most and why?
I love playing villains. I got to play Ursula in the Little Mermaid when I was in high school and I have a soft spot for them because I’m an evil little sister to my kindhearted big brother. That aside, I’d really love to play a musical theater nerd one day because that’s truly who I am, a Rachel Berry / CC Bloom type character.
In your opinion, what makes a great movie?
A great movie is all about twists and cliffhangers. I love when you think one thing the whole movie, but it’s really another. I love dissecting a movie the second time watching it. “Black Swan” and “What Happened to Monday” are two great examples of this. However, my all time favorite movie is “Wreck It Ralph,” so ya know, it goes all ways.
Tell us about your favorite thing to do.
I love to sing, dance, and act. I’ve been striving for that triple threat superpower, my whole life! I also LOVE to do makeup. I’m certified in special fx and like to get on sets doing that now and again. Check out my makeup on Insta: @rar_facades.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your career?
I am so glad audiences have been responding well to “Atypical” and I can’t wait for everyone to see the second season, myself included! To stay updated and to catch some weird Rachelisms, follow me on Insta: @rachelredleaf.
Check out my website: rachelredleaf.com for even more!
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