Feature: French Actress Rachel Kylian Joins the Season 2 Cast of Facebook Watch “Strangers”

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Rachel Kylian is a French actress, model, and voice-over artist. Her latest film and TV credits include notably, Universal’s comedy “Almost Christmas”, the Lifetime TV movie “The Wrong Man” and she was recently seen in CBS reboot of “MacGyver”. Her upcoming projects include the new STARZ’s sci-fi espionage drama “Counterpart” and the action thriller “Interpreters” directed by Michael Ryan.

Rachel is also a voice-over performer and recently dubbed the voice of Amanda Abbington in the movie “Crooked House”. Her latest voice-over projects include Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!”, TV shows “The Affair”, “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” and “Red Oaks”, and she is the French voice for the app FitBit.

We had the amazing opportunity to speak with Rachel about her latest projects. Check out the interview below.

Hi, Rachel! It is a pleasure to speak with you. Thank you for granting the interview. Congrats on joining the cast of Facebook’s “Strangers”. Tell us about your role and character.

I am playing a new character in the season 2 episode 1 of Strangers alongside Zoe Chao (Isobel) and Meredith Hagner (Cam). At the end of the season 1, Isobel and Cam decide to move to New York City, and they meet interesting new people. I invite you to watch the season 1 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StrangersSeries/ and the season 2 to find out more about my role.

This is an incredible opportunity. Facebook Watch plans to rival Netflix and Hulu with original content. This is something those platforms do well. What are your thoughts on starring in series on an innovative platform?

I am very excited to be part of this Facebook first scripted series. It’s an excellent funny witty TV show and it can only add value to Facebook, which has a worldwide large audience, that can totally relate to this content. I believe Facebook Watch is on the right path to compete with Netflix and Hulu, with this original series with a diverse cast & beautiful story.

We heard that the show is produced women, such as the female lead actresses, female creator, and a female director. This is awesome! How do you feel being part of such as incredible production?

I am so proud of all this “Superwomen team”, it is such a joy to work with a team of female creator, female producer, female director, female stars, female crew etc.

Females are just as creative as men, however, it is a male-dominated industry, so being part of this TV show was an amazing experience. This show was created by Mia Lidofsky who is also an executive producer, director and writer. I am very inspired by this woman to create my own show. I feel like woman have very interesting stories to tell in a different light that men do.

We’re certain you have been asked about your thoughts in people of color in the industry numerous times. We would like to know how and in what way has opened doors for you.

I am very grateful for all people of color in the industry, they open the doors for other people of colors, they inspire, they create opportunities and visibility for all of us.

I was born in France but I am from an island in the Indian Ocean. I am black. Therefore, I often get called for “African American” roles. However, since I am European, look ethnically ambiguous and speak four languages fluently, I am lucky to get called for other parts such as German roles (I played a German character on CBS MacGyver), I don’t feel like I am being typecast.

I think people of color in the industry are amazing actors, directors, writers, showrunners I absolutely love the diverse cast of Strangers, and I believe “Hollywood” is embracing diversity more and more.

It is hard to avoid being typecast when you are from a certain, country, when you have an accent, or have a different sexual orientation you are likely going to get called for the same type of roles. To avoid it I think actors should create some content that show they can play different parts.

Our readers would like to know how does being an actress in France is different from being one in America?

Entertainment industry is bigger in America.

Actors salary are better in America. French actors don’t get residuals, or very little. SAG-AFTRA doesn’t exist in France.

There are more opportunities in America.

There is very little diversity in French television and movies.

Also, if you don’t speak French it will be very hard to work as an actor in France.

To conclude, I believe it is easier to be an actor in America.

Thank you for sharing that insight. Is there a role you would love to play in your career and why?

I would love to play the role of Cleopatra, I am fascinated with Egypt.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to travel, go to the movies, go to the beach, and dancing. I believe wellness is very important, therefore I do hot yoga and visit the spa often.

If there was one thing in the world you could change, what would it be and why?