Lara Wolf Reveals Her Dream Roles And Character In New Peacock Series ‘Those About to Die’

This is definitely not the first time you’ve seen this actress.

From the captivating film ‘The Performance’ to the hit ABC series ‘Quantico’, Lara Wolf has been showing off her incredible acting skills for years, and she’s not stopping. In fact, she is set to star as Queen Bernice in the highly-anticipated Peacock series ‘Those About To Die’.

We had the amazing honor of speaking with Lara about Anthony Hopkins, filming in Rome, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

L: I don’t think it was a specific moment in time – but rather an accumulation of certain experiences growing up leading to a need to express myself. I grew up in a little town in Zurich and didn’t know a single person who pursued anything film- or music-related professionally. It just wasn’t a thing. On top of that, I was shy and introverted, and I was reticent around other kids. But I was artistically inclined and, for some reason, and maybe for that reason, I participated in a school play. I must have been 8. And I remember the feeling so clearly: it was liberating and oddly safe. Then, 10 years later and a few traumas deeper, I was on an academic path to becoming a therapist. A few unfortunate things happened, and I wasn’t doing very well. There was a lot of self-destruction and a deep longing. So at some point, I picked up vocal lessons as a hobby with an American Jazz singer who lives in Switzerland. But it was so much more than that: Every time I walked out of a lesson, I felt lighter, and things didn’t look as grim as they did then. It was like therapy.

At some point, my teacher noted that I should finish my psych degree in between vocal warm-up exercises, but I’d pursue something else anyway. And that one sentence changed everything. It resonated with me deep down. So I increased opportunities to sing live and additionally to psychology, started to study film, and fell in love with everything from framing and composition to lighting and sound and film history. Late at night, after studying for exams, I would watch arthouse films on my laptop. And I remember precisely how I was left totally entranced and fascinated by films like Incendies (2010) and Dancing Arabs (2014), The Apple (1998), Irezumi (1966), The Hunger (1983), The Celebration (1998) or Control (2007).  Some of these films really caught my interest artistically and emotionally and drove me away from self-destruction and to the need of wanting to express and create. There was no going back.”

Tell us more about your amazing character in ‘Those About To Die’. Do you think you have anything in common with Queen Berenice?

L: “I know that the character resonated with me on a deep level that I can’t grasp rationally if that makes sense. I never doubted that I could play her; it felt right. Also, the writing was beautiful (thank you, Robert Rodat!) and rhythmically felt in sync with who I am.

She was a fascinating and important historical figure, and I hope I did her justice. The fact that her quest still rings relevant 2000 years later makes me admire her character even more. Lastly, there is something to be said about strong women making strong moves and being loved for them by one part of society and misunderstood and scrutinized by the other part of society.”

Can you tease what fans can expect from the series as a whole?

L: “Those About to Die is a grand-scale original Peacock TV show starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, written by the legendary Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan), and directed by industry titan Roland Emmerich and recent BAFTA winner Marco Kreuzpaintner. It is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, chariot races, blood, and sport. It explores a side of ancient Rome that has never been told before. It’s an intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties told through characters from all corners of the Roman Empire!”

What would you credit as your biggest pinch-me moment in your career thus far? 

L: “This whole experience with Those About to Die was magical from beginning to end. So many stars had to align for me to get cast and they somehow did. And then to shoot in Rome at Cinecittà in a brand-new Peacock show starring Anthony Hopkins and getting the opportunity to work with Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner and playing Queen Berenice on top of it all still seems like it was all just a nice, warm, cozy dream. The kind of dream that makes you drool.”

You have worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry! Have you ever been starstruck before? 

L: “I think when you grow up watching an actor in films or listening to a band, they somehow turn into your companions and are there for you during good and bad times. And when you then get the chance to meet them in person years later, all the feelings come up again! For instance, when I was shortlisted for Those About to Die, there was a Deadline announcement that Anthony Hopkins would be starring in it. I had to lie down on my carpet and do breathing exercises. Then I called my mom, hoping she would calm me down, but of course, she got all nervous…it was hilarious.”

From a detective to a queen, you have got some serious range! Is there any other type of character that you would like to take on next?

L: “Thank you for that. There is a multitude of characters I would like to play; there is so much to explore. It’s endless, really, but because I studied psychology, I would be excited to play a psychotherapist. I think there is also a world in which I want to play an athlete, maybe a tennis player. And then of course, what all my friends (and an immigration officer, believe it or not) have always said and I agree – A SPY that can speak a bunch of languages, jump out of planes, and throw punches!”

What is your best piece of advice to young girls who want to pursue a career in acting?

L: “Learning when to say NO will be one of your biggest assets. If you believe in yourself – that’s good enough! Your mental well-being is as important as your physical well-being. Take care of them. Strong, positive, moving forward!”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

L: “You can find me on Instagram @laradwolf.”

Make sure to watch Lara in ‘Those About To Die’, premiering on July 18 on Peacock!

Photo Credit: Sharon Daniels

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.