IN CONVERSATION WITH EMILY BETT RICKARDS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Award winning actress Emily Bett Rickards will return as wrestler Mildred Burke in the upcoming feature film 'Queen of the Ring', which will be released in theaters on 7th March. Emily may be best known for her breakout role on CW’s long running series 'Arrow', where her one-episode guest star booking role turned into a starring role that spanned eight years and 155 episodes. Aside from working in film and television, in 2024 Emily launched an all organic matcha company Paradise Macha, designed to help others find a little paradise in their day by taking a moment that nourishes their heart, mind, and soul. 

Soon, we'll be seeing you in 'Queen of the Ring'. What drew you to the role of Mildred Burke and how did you prepare for such a physically and emotionally demanding role?

Mildred was absolutely captivating from the moment I read the script. She was a dreamer, an innovator, and right away, I found myself inspired by her. She resisted the pressure to conform or quit, fought against the forces trying to hold her back and wasn’t afraid to fight for what was right. She believed that everyone deserves the freedom to choose. I think that’s what makes her story so timeless. I was drawn to that sense of empowerment and resilience. To prepare, I immersed myself in research. ‘Queen of the Ring’ was deeply influenced by Jeff Leen’s book ‘Sex, Muscles, and Diamonds’, which quickly became my bible. I took it everywhere I went. I also spent hours combing through the internet for every photo of her I could find, creating an album to track her journey. She loved being in the spotlight, so there were plenty of images to study, and I’d get lost in them for hours. The few photos of her with her son were especially meaningful, they helped me connect with her heart. On the physical side, it was a lot of weight training, a solid nutrition plan, and learning to work the wrestling ropes. All of that was essential to bringing her to life. Without that muscle, I wouldn’t have been able to tap into her strength, how she carried herself, how she moved through the world. It was key to understanding how she operated, both physically and emotionally.

Mildred Burke was a trailblazer in the world of professional wrestling. How did you research her life and legacy to bring authenticity to your portrayal?

As I mentioned earlier, the script was based on Jeff Leen’s book ‘Sex, Muscles, and Diamonds’, which really delves into her life in more detail. There’s so much more in there that we were unable to fit into the film. The research, the photos and the physical training were all essential to finding her truth, her physicality, and her unrelenting drive. Each piece helped me connect with her legacy in a deeper way.

This film explores the struggles of a single mom in a male-dominated sport. How did you connect with the emotional journey of Mildred, and how did you balance toughness with vulnerability in your performance?

For Mildred, embracing her femininity was crucial. She understood that both her gender and her sexuality were part of her strength, physically and emotionally. I truly believe she loved being a mom as much as she loved being a wrestler. There’s this beautiful balance of softness and power that she embodied. This really resonated with me and taught me a lot. As someone who aspires to be a mother while continuing my career in acting, I can relate to the idea of both roles co-existing and even strengthening one another. I think that’s something everyone can draw inspiration from. Real strength is often soft, yet unwavering, and that’s something I reflected on often while portraying her.

What was the most rewarding aspect of playing a character like Mildred, and what did you learn from her story that stayed with you after filming?

It’s wild, I’m still learning from her, even now. Mildred strengthened my ability to stand firm and have my own back. She helped me clarify and solidify my own dreams. She was so clear on what she wanted, and I really admire that about her. Her drive, her momentum, and her refusal to give up, those qualities are incredible. People told her she couldn’t do it, and her response was always “Watch me.” I’m sure there were moments of self-doubt, but what I know for sure is that her desire to push forward always triumphed over doubt in the end. She was a warrior in every sense.

Your role as Felicity Smoak in ‘Arrow’ was such a breakout moment. Looking back on your time on the show, what stands out to you as the most impactful aspect of that role?

Felicity is incredibly dear to me. I met her when I was 20, and we sort of grew up together. Now, in my 30s, I realize just how formative those years were. Not only was I learning who I was as a person, but I was also learning how a set worked, how TV was made, and how the best stories are told through strong collaboration. Felicity was a good, smart person with a solid moral compass, and I feel so lucky to have played someone like her during those years. She’s truly a part of me forever. 

You’ve played a diverse range of characters, from a hacker to a legendary wrestler. How do you approach the challenge of stepping into such varied roles?

Each character asks something different of me, and that’s what makes acting so exciting. It’s not just about physical transformations, it’s about truly getting to know each character, honestly and without judgment. I have to strip away my own biases and personal baggage to fully accept them for who they are. Sometimes, it can be a confronting process. I’ve learned that the more I understand myself, the deeper I can connect with the characters I play. If the character is based on a real person, there’s also a lot of research, scouring every corner of the internet to learn about them. But whether the character is real or fictional, there’s always discovery involved. At its best, I think there’s a spiritual aspect to the craft, a deeper connection that makes it all come alive.

How does it feel to be named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 50 Favorite Female Characters of All Time, and what has the support from fans meant to you over the years?

It’s amazing. Just hearing this question makes me smile. I have to give credit to Felicity for that one. Like I mentioned, she was a good person and always authentically herself. I’m so grateful that so many people could relate to her and connect with her. It’s truly an honor to have played her.

Last year, you’ve launched your own organic matcha company, Paradise Matcha. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to start it, and what is the company’s vision?

I’ve always loved matcha. It’s packed with incredible health benefits, great for your heart, detoxing your body, and calming your mind. But my favorite part is how it makes me feel, calm yet alert. Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine that gives you this perfect balance of invigoration and peacefulness. I love it. Honestly, I think L-theanine is matcha’s superpower, and something coffee’s a little jealous of. I also love the ritual of making matcha, whisking it in hot water and watching the foam come together. It’s such a simple yet grounding moment. That’s where the inspiration behind the name Paradise Matcha came from. The idea is that, no matter where you are or how chaotic life gets, you can always gift yourself a little moment of Paradise.

You’ve always advocated for taking moments that nourish the mind, heart, and soul. Can you share some personal wellness practices that help you maintain a balanced lifestyle?

Wellness is like a quest, always evolving, sometimes difficult, and, hopefully, long. Everyone’s practices are different, and I think it’s important to remember that things can change over time. Listening to the subtle, or not so subtle, conversations between your body, mind, and spirit is key. Some things that help me stay open are matcha, meditation, therapy, time in nature, breathwork, hanging out with our animals, gardening, chatting with friends, spending time with family, running, yoga, and of course, more nature.

We've heard you are writing several projects for film, TV, and stage. Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from your creative endeavors in the coming months?

I’m currently working on a novel. Maybe saying this here will help me write more. 

CREDITS:

photography COLTON HAYNES