IN CONVERSATION WITH DAR ZUZOVSKY

Interview by SAMO ŠAJN

Dar Zuzovsky is a highly regarded Israeli actress celebrated for her performances across both television and film. Known for her critical acclaim, Dar recently won the Best Performance award at Canneseries for her role in Corduroy. She first gained prominence with her breakout role in The Greenhouse and has since made a mark with significant roles in The Survivor, The Checkout, and Hostages. Next to acting, she also has a successful modeling career, and her diverse talents continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Congratulations on winning the Best Performance award at Canneseries for your role in "Corduroy." Can you share what drew you to this role and how you prepared for it?

Thank you so much! Winning at Cannes was an incredible surprise and a moment I’ll always cherish. The script for "Corduroy" was unlike anything I’d read before; it felt deeply personal and resonated with me. The writing is contemporary, witty, and full of life. The character, a vibrant woman in her mid-twenties in Tel Aviv who falls for a married coworker, is multi-dimensional and compelling. This relationship challenges her views on life and self, making it a provocative and intimate portrayal of modern relationships. The role allowed me to explore both strength and vulnerability, and preparing for it was both a challenge and a thrill.

You've had a notable presence in both the modeling and acting worlds. How has your experience in modeling influenced your approach to acting, and were there any unique challenges balancing both careers?

I love working across different fields and see myself as a storyteller. Creating characters excites me, whether in acting or fashion. Both areas offer a platform to explore and express myself creatively, and they enhance each other rather than competing for my time. My experience in modeling has given me a unique perspective and a strong sense of visual storytelling, which translates well into acting. I don’t feel like I need to balance them; instead, they form a cohesive celebration of creativity and life. I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue both passions simultaneously.

Your role in "The Survivor" received significant acclaim and an Emmy nomination. How did working with Barry Levinson and a talented cast like Ben Foster influence your performance and growth as an actress?

Working on "The Survivor" was deeply personal for me, as my grandparents were Holocaust survivors, and my grandfather was in Auschwitz. The film, based on the true story of Marie Haft, allowed me to connect with my heritage and family in a meaningful way.

Collaborating with Barry Levinson and Ben Foster was incredibly inspiring. Ben’s generosity and dedication as an actor taught me about leadership and professionalism. Barry’s approach, including letting the camera roll for raw, unscripted moments, was liberating and provided valuable insights into the art of acting. Their influence helped me grow and explore new dimensions in my performance.

You’ve appeared in a variety of genres, from drama in "Hostages" to thrillers like "The Checkout." How do you approach preparing for roles in such different genres, and do you have a favorite genre or type of role?

My favorite genre is really good writing. I don’t confine myself to one specific genre because every character I play represents a new world to explore. In real life, we experience a mix of drama, comedy, and action, so my approach depends on the character and the script. What draws me most is the depth of the writing and the opportunity to explore different aspects of life through my roles. 

Looking back at your career, from "The Greenhouse" to your recent projects, which role or project has been the most personally meaningful to you, and why?

Each role comes to me at a meaningful time in my life and teaches me something new. I feel most connected to my recent roles as they reflect who I am now. For instance, playing Danielle in "Corduroy" was particularly significant. During that period, I was dealing with a breakup and questioning modern love and intimacy. The deep exploration of these themes with the director and creator was incredibly enriching. The intense preparation and the opportunity for a raw, authentic portrayal made it one of the most impactful experiences of my career.

If you could play any character from a book or movie, who would it be and why?

I’m drawn to characters who are free and liberated, as they challenge my inner world and help me break through my own patterns and social norms. This connection to my purpose is most profound when I explore such characters. I’d love to play someone like Jo March from Little Women, Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady, or Matilda from my favorite childhood movie. I’m fascinated by characters that embody these themes and would enjoy bringing such stories to life.

You have a notable collaboration with Chanel. Can you tell us more about how that partnership came about and what it's been like working with such an iconic brand?

Working with Chanel has been a magical experience. They began supporting me in 2018, starting with an unforgettable trip to Deauville with my best friend and agent. Chanel saw potential in me before I even recognized it in myself. Their support has been invaluable, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have this connection. Over the past 6-7 years, they continue to inspire me with their work, and I’m grateful for the beautiful relationship we share.

You’ve been seen wearing some stunning Chanel pieces at various events. How do you choose the perfect Chanel outfit for a big event, and do you have a favorite look or piece from their collection?

Choosing a Chanel outfit for a big event is always a magical experience. When preparing for a premiere, I visit their showroom and work with their team of stylists. It’s a fun, colorful process where we aim to connect the outfit with the event or the character I’ve played, creating a cohesive story and theme.

While I love all the pieces, one of my favorites was the sequin dress I wore to the premiere of Beautiful Imperfection. It felt fun, chic, sexy, and feminine, and I felt incredibly strong wearing it.  

Can you share any details about upcoming projects you're excited to work on in the future?

I’m excited about a couple of upcoming projects. The movie A Beautiful Imperfection, based on Artur Japon’s book Lucia's Eyes, releases this week. It tells the story of Lucia, who breaks Casanova's heart and becomes a notable courtesan in Amsterdam. I also just wrapped filming a new Fox show called The Saint in Morocco, a docudrama by Martin Scorsese that explores eight different saints in history. I play Mary Magdalene, and I’m currently in New York for ADR work on the show, which is set to air this fall. I’m very proud of both projects and hope they resonate with audiences. Exciting times ahead!