Carla Gugino on Playing Strong Women in San Andreas, Wayward Pines and The Brin

 Posted on June 25, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  749 words  |  Martina Birk

In three starkly different projects this summer, Carla Gugino has played a mom who helps rescue her daughter from the Big One in “San Andreas,” a Secret Service agent in Fox limited series “Wayward Pines,” and a lawyer who has an open marriage with the secretary of state on HBO political satire “The Brink.” The 44-year-old actress found one common thread among the characters — they’re all innately strong women.

How was it juggling these three projects?

I am definitely a workhorse. I feel fortunate to work in a business that is predominantly made up of people who love what we do, and don’t think twice about working a 14-hour day.

What do you like best about “The Brink”?

It’s a bright, talented, funny group of people with a clear vision of what they want the show to be. And I loved the wacky complicated dynamic between Tim (Robbins)’ character and mine.

How was it working with Matt Dillon and M. Night Shyamalan on “Wayward Pines”?

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Though it was their first foray into TV, both have been storytellers for a long time. And in a lot of ways, this felt like a long movie — but with a chance to explore character over more time than a traditional three-act structure allows.

Have you seen a change in the industry since you started acting?

When I was in my early 20s, there were very few meaty roles for women that age. I couldn’t wait to turn 30, so I could start playing roles that felt representative of what was going on inside me. And (now) we’ve gotten to see how powerful young women can be when given that opportunity. Jennifer Lawrence, Shailene Woodley, Mia Wasikowska, Felicity Jones … I could go on … which is a good thing!

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