Ryan Michelle Bathé stars in NBC’s new Monday night series, The Endgame. You might recognize the actress from roles in This Is Us, Sylvie's Love and One for the Money, and we're lucky enough to see her again on our screens. We got to chat with Bathé about the excitement of her role in the new show.
You’re starring in NBC’s new thriller series, The Endgame, as Val Turner, a determined FBI agent going after an international arms dealer. How has this role been different for you from other roles you’ve played in the past?
It’s so very different. I am used to playing smart, stylish, VERY fancy women. Even from the outset of my career, most of the roles I booked were women who were brainy and way less brawny. Val is so very far from all of that. She is so hyper focused on work, so dedicated to her job and the ideals that she has sworn to uphold that everything else sort of falls away. She could care less about how she looks and this is the first time I’ve ever fired a weapon!!
Val Turner is a powerful woman with a fiery attitude, but also a social outcast. Are there parts of you that can relate to this role you’ve taken on?
Absolutely. She is so isolated at the outset of this whole journey. I am working in NYC even though I live in LA, and it has been very isolating to go from having my family around me all the time to just work, work, work. I can relate to loneliness and isolation driving you to throw yourself into your work, even though it’s work that you love.
You co-star in this series with Morena Baccarin. How has it been working side by side with her this season?
She is such an immaculate actress. Every day with her is like being in an acting class, working on a scene. She’s a true craftswoman. It’s a joy.
The Endgame is a new series. What can fans expect to see from this first season premiere?
Well, it is NOT a slow burn. You get so many clues, puzzles, riddles and answers right out of the gate. It will definitely keep you on your toes.
You’ve played a variety of different acting roles throughout your career. What do you think is the hardest type of character for you to play?
Whew……sometimes it’s hard when there is no collaboration. It’s hard when a director or writer sort of discounts you or doesn’t hear or see you as a person. That’s hard.
You’ve participated in theater productions, produced and acted on screen. What would you say is your favorite job in the entertainment industry right now and why?
Entertaining my kids is pretty great. but you meant a different kind of “entertainment industry.” I guess I’d say anytime I get to work with people I respect who respect me is my favorite.
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Photography by: Irvin Rivera
