IN CONVERSATION WITH LIZZY GREENE

interview JANA LETONJA

Lizzy Greene will next star in Netflix’s series ‘Ransom Canyon’ opposite Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, releasing on 17th April. She is also known for her role as in ABC’s hit series ‘A Million Little Things’, which recently concluded its fifth and final season on ABC and Hulu.

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earrings and bracelet LOREN STEWART NECKLACE BY ALEXIS BITTAR
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‘Ransom Canyon’ is set in the vast and rugged Texas Hill Country. What drew you to this project, and what can you tell us about your character?

I grew up in Dallas, and if you know me, you know it’s such a huge part of my life. This project felt like such a sure thing when I got the audition. What initially drew me was the connection to my own life as my mom was a UT cheerleader, my grandma was a rodeo girl, and I also resonated with my character’s desire to spread her wings in pursuit of her goals. I think Lauren acts with her heart before her head sometimes, which does get her into some trouble, but at the end of the day, she’s a naive 16-year-old in love. Whether that be with Lucas, or the idea of her future, her intentions always come from a very real and unapologetic place.

blouse, shorts, bodysuit SELF PORTRAIT
tights CALZEDONIA
boots BUERLANGMA
bangles and earrings ALEXIS BITTAR

 The series is described as a contemporary Western with deep family dynamics. How does your character fit into the story, and what challenges does she face?

In the beginning of our story, Lauren’s been in a long-term relationship with Reid. Her family life is a bit tumultuous. Her dad is the head sheriff, her mom is a functioning alcoholic, and her parents are seemingly in a loveless marriage. I think Reid has been a comfort to her, because on paper it seems like the right decision. Given her parent’s dynamic behind closed doors, I think it’s created this sometimes hot and cold approach to love from her. Especially when the validity of her parents’ relationship is rewally thrown for a loop later in the series. It’s very exciting.

What can the fans expect when the series premieres?

I think there will be something for everyone. The great thing about multi-generational shows is their ability to meet the entire audience somewhere. As far as our storyline goes, we all had a lot of freedom as Gen Z to give suggestions and ideas to further sell the reality of growing up in this generation.

shirt, shoes, blazer and shorts VERSACE
earrings SELF PORTRAIT

Did you have to learn any new skills for this role, like horseback riding or ranch work?

They sent us all to cowboy camp for a month before production, which is honestly the quickest way to bond with people when you're covered in horse poop. It was a wonderful experience because we all got our own horse and had to care for them. It wasn’t a “show up and ride” kind of thing, it was us saddling them up, feeding them, grooming them, and overall building relationships with them. And while I don’t get to ride in this season as I was mostly in cheerleading practice, it was a lot of fun. I eventually branched off and spent a few hours a day in the gym for the next few months, until I fractured my knee, which made for me to be propped up against things in the show, instead of walking, for the next month. Keep an eye out.

You spent several years playing Sophie Dixon in ‘A Million Little Things’. How did that experience shape you as an actor, and how does your new role in ‘Ransom Canyon’ compare?

I credit so much of that show with teaching me how to be grounded in performance, because of my co-stars. I started on Nickelodeon, so I never really had an experience that required real listening and reacting in a scene. As far as characters go, I think a lot of teen girls in film and TV have a lot of similar fundamental traits. At that age, you usually are a bit defiant all while trying to figure out who you are. Both Sophie and Lauren come from interesting family lives and are actively trying to overcome the cards they have been dealt. In both, it creates this bubbling desire to break free and not be like those before them.

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earrings and bracelet LOREN STEWART
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‘A Million Little Things’ resonated with so many fans because of its heartfelt storytelling. What was the most memorable part of being on that show?

I’ll forever love all the aunts and uncles I gained and still seek advice from them to this day. I dog-sit for some of them and go visit others while they’re out of state. As well as learning about acting, I also learned a lot about myself during that time because I lived in Canada without really anyone my age for 5 years. I grew up fast and lived alone in the city, so I also owe those castmates a lot for mostly listening to me yap about my respective problems and struggles. They’d call it my YA soap opera. To this day, I keep them in the loop about everything - friends, relationships, work. They’re the best.

You’ve worked in both network television and now streaming with Netflix. How do you think the industry is changing, and do you approach roles differently depending on the platform?

I think the industry does a “spring cleaning” almost every year and changes things up. That said, post-strike a lot has changed. I think the accessibility and ease of streaming these days is becoming more appealing to viewers. I feel like it’s opening an opportunity for a lot of innovation to be made in the industry. I’m really curious where everything will be in 5 years. But whether its network or streaming, I approach every character as an individual case with an individual story, so I wouldn’t say it’s much different.

dress EMILIA WICKSTEAD
earrings LOREN STEWART
bangles ALEXIS BITTAR

You started acting at a young age. What advice would you give to young actors looking to break into the industry?

Be patient. Don’t take yourself too seriously and keep good people around you. It’s a hard profession we’ve chosen because so much of it is rejection, but at the end of the day, it’s a blessing to do what we do. I think if you keep things fun and filled with gratitude, it really shows through in your auditions.

Outside of acting, are there any passions or projects you’re currently exploring?

I love drawing and painting. I spend Thursdays here in LA going to art class with my co-star Garrett. We also spent our weekends over the 6 months in Albuquerque going to class during shooting as well. I think art is therapy and in another life I wanted to go to art school. But slowing down and putting on some music while I draw is one of my favorite things.

Besides ‘Ransom Canyon’, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?

I have a few movies coming up that I’m really excited about, as they're very different from what I’ve done before. As well as a short film I shot with my co-star that we are so excited for. It’s twisty and very fever dream-esque. I’ve also been spending time writing my own scripts. Overall, staying busy and trying to always be creating keeps me sane.

full look VALENTINO

talent LIZZY GREENE
photography ASHLEY CHAPPELL
styling ELLIE WITT at THE ONLY AGENCY
styling assistant LINN TABUDLONG
makeup JEN TIOSECO at A-FRAME AGENCY
hair EDUARDO MENDEZ at A-FRAME AGENCY
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA