‘Arrow’ Star Emily Bett Rickards Chats About Felicity Smoak Chaning Her Life, Working with Stephen Amell and ‘Brooklyn’
Emily Bett Rickards has become one of the most buzzed about actors on Arrow. She has shot to critical acclaim for her portrayal of tech-nerd Felicity Smoak and continues to astound audiences. Her work has exceeded expectations as she has created a beloved character onArrow.
An unknown actor prior to Arrow, Emily Bett Rickards began as a guest star in season one. From there, her impeccable acting and lovable charm earned her a starring role as Felicity Smoak. Although the Arrow universe knows her well, this year Rickards appeared in the Academy Award nominated film Brooklynopposite Saoirse Ronan.
Emily Bett Rickards sat down with Emertainment Monthly to chat about Felicity Smoak’s upcoming journey, “Olicity” fans, her work in Brooklyn and so much more.
Check out the full interview below.
Emertainment Monthly: You started off as a guest star and have become such a big part of Arrow, how has that journey been for you?
Emily Bett Rickards: Well it was extremely life changing. Going in for one audition and ending up four years later is crazy. It’s such a big family and is such an integral part of my life. I was talking about this with one of our executive producers a couple of days ago and I was like, ‘I find it strange that Felicity’s life is sometimes connected to mine.’ Sometimes the themes in our lives are so similar. I wonder if that is an actor trying to relate to her character or she went through huge life changes when I was also going through huge life changes. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about lately. Wondering why saving the world and having so many people die around her, why I feel like we are still going through the same things? I was very fortunate. Preparation meets opportunity four years ago or a few Augusts ago. I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out.
EM: Currently, Felicity is going through arguable the hardest time in her life. What was your reaction to getting this storyline of Felicity being shot and ultimately being disabled?
Rickards: One thing I was really protective over was sort of her attitude and how her attitude towards being disabled was going to affect her life. There’s only so much we can tell in our story about how impacting that disability would be on a life and people who have to live with that every day and not in a world of magic. It’s such a life change and it’s an all encumbering life change. There’s no way around it, there’s no way to fix it. There’s only acceptance and moving forward. We tried to portray that as gratefully and as quickly as we can in a TV show. Keeping Felicity’s voice and keeping her attitude towards life positive while faced with this total rearrangement of her life was something I tried hard to portray and hopefully we did an honest job of it and we saw that in the last episode.
EM: This season, you and Stephen Amell have been working together even more! How has it been playing this relationship side to Felicity?
Rickards: Stephen and I love working together. There’s no other way to put it. We love the scenes that are Felicity and Oliver. They’re fun, they’re creative. Their dialogue is locked and loaded. They understand each other. We get to play around because we’ve known each other now for four years as people, let alone characters, which is really fun. I love working with Stephen. It’s one of the highlights of my job. Our characters have kind of found solace in each other or fallen in love as you do, but in the very difficult life that they have. We are seeing whether or not their love can withstand these pressures of the life they’ve chosen or accepted or keep diving into, is something they battle with every day.
EM: The “Olicity” fandom is in full-force on the Internet and they are some of the most dedicated fans. How has the fan response been for you?
Rickards: “Olicity” is unlike anything we could’ve expected to be honest and we are so grateful for it. I didn’t even know what a ship was before people were yelling “Olicity” on my Twitter with a whole bunch of crying emoji’s. I was like, ‘What is going on? What is this ‘Olicity?’ Then my friend Carina [MacKenzie]was like, ‘That’s you and Stephen’s characters!’ I had no idea! It has become such a huge part of the culture that surrounds our show and we are grateful for it, obviously. We hope that we can keep going and make “Olicity” interesting, which is something Stephen and I talk about and I’m sure the writers and everyone talk about. We want to keep it real. In a world where we have magic and superhero’s and super-speed and all that, our reality is based in relationships in impossible situations. How do we keep this relationship strong, interesting and hopefully healthy.
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
‘Arrow’ Star Charlotte Ross Teases Donna’s “Hidden Past Decisions,” Her Bond with Rickards & Season Five Details
Arrow star Charlotte Ross has become a major player in season four of the hit The CW show. Tonight’s penultimate episode may be Donna’s biggest episode yet as she shares her first scenes with ex-husband Noah Kuttler (Tom Amandes).
In terms of tonight’s big reunion between Donna, Noah and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards), Ross teases that Donna isn’t all smiles when it comes to seeing Noah. “Donna hasn’t seen her daughter’s father for many, many years and there are a lot of hurt feelings, unsaid issues and volatile feelings that have been suppressed for many years and when Donna finds out that Felicity has not only seen her father but is talking regularly with him to utilize his help with some major Team Arrow work issues – well, that’s a lot for Donna to swallow.”
Ross has been eagerly waiting for her first scenes opposite Amandes, “I’ve been yearning to have scenes with Tom [Amandes] since the day he was cast because I knew the writers would come up with some really interesting, juicy things to play. The dynamic is just too exciting to ignore.” She speaks very highly of Amandes, who played a major role in last week’s episode “Monument Point.” She says, “Tom is a lovely man and when I first met him I laughed and said ‘I apologize, in advance, if I’m really mean to you while playing Donna’ Tom is, obviously, a very wonderful experienced actor and we were both very excited to have scenes together and relished one particular scene that we have in tonight’s episode that reveals a lot of what truly happened, which led to the dissipation of our relationship, our parting from each other and my becoming a single mom.”
Ross gave Emertainment Monthly a sneak peek at some of the secrets that will come to light between the trio tonight. She says, “Having Felicity and my ex in the same room was very intense and wonderfully layered and textured and very high-stakes to play so, as an actress, that’s the kind of stuff we yearn for so, I had a blast. But, in this episode, things are revealed about Donna’s hidden past decisions that have never been revealed. They lead Donna to have to explain to her daughter why she made the choices that she made and the risk of coming clean with her daughter after all these years is one that could, potentially, lead to a very strained relationship with her daughter if they even remain to have one at all…”
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
‘Arrow’ Star Echo Kellum Talks Team Arrow 2.0, Curtis’ Legacy, Working with Emily Bett Rickards and More
Last season, Echo Kellum jumped into the world of Arrow as the lovable, hilarious Curtis Holt. In just one season, Kellum exceeded expectations and created a character beloved by fans across the board.
Known for small roles on You’re the Worst and Ben and Kate, Echo Kellum began as a guest star last season. From there, his comedic relief and grounded portrayal of Curtis Holt earned him a series regular role.
This season, Arrow looks to rebuild and Curtis is a major part of that. He will be jumping into a role on Team Arrow and ultimately transition into the superhero Mr. Terrific.
Ahead of Arrow’s season five premiere, Echo Kellum sat down with Emertainment Monthly to chat about Curtis’ journey so far, building a strong bond with Emily Bett Rickards and so much more.
Check out the full interview below.
Emertainment Monthly: Last season on Arrow you were a guest star and now you’re a series regular! How does that feel?
Echo Kellum: You know, it’s truly a blessing anytime we get to work in any capacity in this industry. Especially to come on a show like Arrow that’s already established and is already doing great things. For them to want you to stay on and be a bigger part of it is truly, truly, truly a blessing. I feel so fortunate that the producers, the network and the studio saw something they really liked in how I portray Curtis and they wanted to see more. I’m really thankful for the fans. They were very vocal in what they wanted to see and everyone was on board. It’s truly a dream come true to get to be a more pivotal role in this show.
Now that you’re a series regular, what do you hope to explore more with Curtis? Whether it be with a certain character or a certain storyline.
I definitely want to explore his family life and what really got him to be the way that he is. How did him and Paul meet? I want to explore where their relationship can go in the future. How Curtis can overcome the ups and the downs you experience in the field and how you can over come it if you have a strong relationship and strong center. Just more of what Curtis has gone through with pain and with his journey of being a superhero. I’m really excited to see all of the aspects of Curtis’ character come through in this season.
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
Tony Award Nominee Laura Osnes Discusses ‘The Bandstand,’ Her Broadway Career and So Much More
Emertainment Monthly: Stagehad the amazing opportunity to sit down with two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes, who is currently getting ready to start performances in the brand-new musical The Bandstand at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
Laura Osnes got her start on Broadway in 2007 when she won the NBC reality competition Grease: You’re the One That I Want! From there, Laura Osnes has shot to Broadway stardom and performed in some of the most buzzed-about musicals in recent years.
After completing a successful run as Sandy in Grease, she went onto take over the role of Nellie Forbush in the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific. From here, Osnes only continued her climb to Broadway royalty. She went onto star in Anything Goes opposite Sutton Foster and would earn her first Tony Award nomination for Bonnie & Clyde in 2012. In 2013, a once-in-a-lifetime role was presented to Laura Osnes when she took the role of Ella in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a role she was born to play. Now, she is turning heads alongside Newsies veteran Corey Cott in the new musical The Bandstand.
Laura Osnes talked to Emertainment Monthly: Stage about The Bandstand, performing at the first ever Elsie Fest, her favorite Broadway moments, and so much more!
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
Alex Sharp from ‘Curious Incident’ Discusses His First Drama Desk Award Win, Working with Puppies and ‘Hamilton’
On Sunday May 30, 2015, some of the hottest Broadway stars attended the 60th Annual Drama Desk Awards hosted by Laura Benanti and presented by TheaterMania. The award ceremony showcased the best and brightest performers and shows from Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway.
Emertainment Monthly had the pleasure of chatting and sitting down with Alex Sharp in the Drama Desk Press Room. Sharp won his first ever Drama Desk Award for his portrayal of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He has taken Broadway by storm and now with award season in full swing on Broadway, it’s hard to imagine Sharp’s name not being called.
Alex Sharp sat down with Emertainment Monthly to talk about his first ever Drama Desk Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Play, working with the adorable (sometimes scene stealing) puppies and wanting to swap roles with someone from Hamilton.
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
‘Arrow’ Star Amy Gumenick Talks Finding the Right Role on ‘Arrow’, her ‘Supernatural’ Days and Her Original Love of Theatre
Amy Gumenick has made quite the impression this last year and now she is sitting down with Emertainment Monthlyto discuss her journey to being cast this season on Arrow, her crucial role in Supernatural, her love for theatre and so much more.
Ms. Gumenick turned heads this past year for playing the role of Carrie Cutter/Cupid on The CW’s hit TV showArrow. She brings this comic book favorite character to new heights and gives a whole new meaning to the word “obsession.”
EM: How did you get started with Arrow?
AG: I have been admiring Arrow since I read the pilot script. I read for it and it has kind of been an elaborate game of finding where I fit since. I originally auditioned for the role of Laurel Lance, Katie Cassidy’s character, and that didn’t work out and I just kept coming back. The casting team over at Arrow is so nice and kind and I was determined to find a way to be involved with this show. This was a show I wanted to be part of. David Rapaport over in casting is the nicest person and I befriended him over this long process of trying to find the right role for me. Finally I came in and read for the role of “Redhead,” who ultimately turned out to be Carrie Cuter/Cupid. And I mean just from hearing the name of the character I was concerned because I am blonde in real life. So, I went into it not knowing anything about the character, which I think was the best thing for me because I didn’t have any preconceived idea of who this person was. This was one of the first times I left the audition room thinking I left everything on the table. I gave it my all. Then I ultimately found out that the “Redhead” was Carrie Cuter and I was ecstatic.
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Jennifer Tepper on 54 Below, Her Career Path and Advice for Aspiring Theatre Lovers
Emertainment Monthly had the amazing opportunity to interview Jennifer Tepper, who is currently head of programming at Broadway’s Supper Club, 54 Below. She discussed her career leading up to this incredible opportunity and what it took to get her where she is today.
Tepper’s work on Broadway even led to her writing her own set of books entitled The Untold Stories of Broadway, which chronicle Broadway theatres, the amazing people who work in them, and the incredible performances that came and went through their hallowed halls.
How did you get started with theatre? What was your first encounter with it?
I think I started going to touring shows in Florida as a kid and I remember seeing A Chorus Line andCarousel and other shows when I was young that I loved, but it was really starting to go to summer theatre camp that really did it. I think when I was nine years old I started going to camp for theater and that just made me want to learn more shows and buy cast recordings and see more shows, so it was definitely the “gateway drug.”
What was your first Broadway musical?
My first Broadway show was actually The Full Monty, which is not a lot of people’s first show, which is what I love. My first ever trip to New York City I really wanted my first Broadway show to be something that was like an original musical and I wanted it to be something that like, I didn’t know at all that was brand new. So my Mom let us go see The Full Monty as our first show, us being my sister and I. My sister was like nine at the time. So it was definitely an experience for her, for both of us. I love that show.
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
‘The Mysteries of Laura’ Star Max Jenkins on HIs First TV Role, His Work in Theater and His Love for Debra Messing
Max Jenkins has become the break-out, fresh faced star of NBC’s hit television show, The Mysteries of Laura. The show follows Laura Diamond (Debra Messing) as she struggles to juggle her life as a single mother and her job as a detective in NYC.
Jenkins made a splash in the 2011 Off-Broadway musical, Unnatural Acts, which earned him a 2012 Drama Desk Award nomination, and now is cracking jokes on the hilarious comedy The Mysteries of Laura. He has perfectly transitioned from a stage actor to a hilarious and scene stealing television star.
What drew you to The Mysteries of Laura and how did you get involved with the project?
Well, I auditioned. I had never done a television show before and prior to The Mysteries of Laura I did theatre. In fact, before The Mysteries of LauraI only ever had co-star roles, which means I only had one or two lines in any given project so this was the first time I ever had the opportunity to play a lead role in a TV show. I auditioned, I think there was no one else testing and I might have been one of the last people to audition. It’s all kind of blur at this point. Not sure what’s true or false but, I kind of came in and I ruined my Mom’s stick shift car because I was just screaming trying to get there in traffic in the rain. I got there really late and breezed through the sides. I was super nervous and it worked. It made sense. For some reason the character words just made sense to me.
TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
60th Annual Drama Desk Awards: Goldsberry, Ashford and Fairchild Discuss Their Big Wins
On Sunday May 30, 2015, some of the hottest Broadway stars attended the 60th Annual Drama Desk Awards hosted by Laura Benanti and presented by TheaterMania. The award ceremony showcased the best and brightest performers and shows from Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway.
Emertainment Monthly had the pleasure of sitting down with three of the biggest winners from the 60th Annual Drama Desk Awards. Below are interviews with Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton), Annaleigh Ashford (You Can’t Take It With You) and Robert Fairchild (An American in Paris).
Nora Dominick 