Check out our interview with Amazon’s Horror Series “Them” actress Sophie Guest
Sophie can be seen as ‘Doris’ opposite Deborah Ayorinde, Ashley Thomas, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Melody Hurd in Amazon’s critically acclaimed, horror anthology series “Them.” Set in 1953, the series follows a family who moves from North Carolina to an all-white, tree-lined, seemingly idyllic Los Angeles neighborhood. The family’s west coast dream quickly turns into a nightmare plagued by malevolent forces that are both real, and supernatural. Co-executive produced by Lena Waithe, “Them” debuted at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival to rave reviews, winning the coveted Audience Award.
In film, Sophie recently wrapped production on the coming of age indie dramedy “Dear Zoe” opposite Sadie Sink (“Stranger Things”), Theo Rossi, Jessica Capshaw and Justin Bartha. She made her feature film debut in 2012 opposite Tom Cruise in “Jack Reacher” and in 2014 appeared in Lionsgate’s sports drama “Draft Day” opposite Tom Welling (“Smallville”). Additional credits include: Lionsgate’s’ “Love the Coopers” starring Diane Keaton, Lifetime’s “The Good Nanny” and “Those Who Kill” opposite Chloë Sevigny and CBS’s long-running hit comedy series “Two and a Half Men.”
Follow Sophie @sophieguestofficial
Hi Sophie, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! My name is Sophie Guest, and I am 15 years old. Born and raised in Pittsburgh PA, I’m the youngest of 4 kids and have been acting for about 8 years. When I’m not acting, I enjoy cooking, running, playing soccer, and hanging out with my family.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I would describe myself as gregarious, empathetic, and creative.
How did you get started into acting?
Funnily enough, acting found me. My oldest sister used to model, and her agent knew that she had a younger sister and asked me to audition for Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise! I ended up being cast in the movie and enjoyed it so much that I continued to pursue it.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The worst part would definitely be the rejection you can face on a daily basis. I have auditioned for so many roles and so many of those I have probably been just a quick “no.” But for every no there’s a yes! On the other hand, I love meeting new people and being able to have such amazing opportunities, like all the cool things I was able to experience on THEM.
Tell us about your work in Amazon’s critically acclaimed, horror anthology series “Them?”
Set in the 1950s, THEM follows the Emory family as they migrate from the south to East Compton and all the terror they face on a daily basis.
And about your role as Doris?
Unfortunately, I cannot say much about my role since it is being held until April 9th, but I can tell you “Doris” is the quintessential California girl and becomes Ruby Lee Emory’s first friend at school.
How was working alongside such a talented cast?
I was only able to work with Shahadi Wright Joseph and Deborah Anyahide, but that in itself was amazing! Working with such amazing actresses makes the job so fun because it’s a give and take rather than a one woman show.
How do you prepare for a role?
I try to create a backstory on the character I am presented with, whether I am given a script or not, to try and understand who the person is, and how I can relate experiences I have already had to the character.
What other projects have you been part of?
As a young girl I was in Draft Day, Love the Coopers, and the Fault In Our Stars. More recently I was in Dear Zoe, starring Sadie Sink which should be coming out soon!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I love playing roles that are very unlike me because they’re so fun to play. For example, my character in THEM is very manipulative and in real life I am the complete opposite, but it’s like you’re playing dress up or something. I get to be someone I’m not.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The experiences I have and the memories I take away from every project I work on. I have so many funny stories from every set I work on, and especially since I have the privilege to have my mom with me, I love being able to share those stories with someone.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I think I have trouble being in the moment and stressing out about things that have happened or are going to happen instead. This has taught me to stay present.
The most important thing when you are filming is?
Being emotionally connected in the scene. If I am filming a scene and not actually being emotionally present with my castmate, that emotion won’t come across on screen.
What’s your advice for the newer actresses?
Don’t give up. That is such a broad statement, but it is so, so true. Being an actress, you face so much rejection every day. But you have to persevere because most of the time that rejection didn’t even have anything to do with you. One time I auditioned for a very big production and I was one of the casting’s final picks but simply wasn’t chosen because I was too far away from the location.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Definitely learning that there is no other person like me. I used to be so wary of myself and my abilities as an actress but learning that no one else can truly be who I am has helped me learn my worth. But trust me when I say everything is a learning experience in this industry.
How would your best friend describe you?
I literally just texted her and asked and she said that I am sunny, warm, contagious, and very funny. Shoutout to Maryn, I love you.
What’s next for Sophie Guest in 2021?
Last year I got the opportunity to work on a film called “Dear Zoe” with Sadie Sink, and it is coming out sometime this summer so keep an eye out!
What is your favorite food?
Spicy shrimp tacos. 100000%.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Honestly, it depends completely on my mood. However, my go to is flared bottoms, and a tighter top with converse. But you can never go wrong with a cool pair of heeled boots in my opinion.
What is your own definition of happiness?
That feeling you get when the sun is on your face and you’re driving down the road with your favorite song in the background. The feeling of being warm and free.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I am going to answer this as an actress. Jennifer Lawrence because her work resonates with me and she seems like such a down to earth person.
Best advice ever given?
It’s not what happens, it’s how you take it that counts.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I support several local charities in Pittsburgh including Meals on Wheels, the Diabetes Association, and I’ve also supported Operation Smile.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In 5 years, I hope to be living in California and fulfilling my dream of being an actress, and hopefully attending one of the great colleges California has to offer for screenwriting.
Favorite song? Why?
The Spins by Mac Miller. For whatever reason I feel like this song fits my definition of happiness and it never fails to put me in a good mood.
What do you think of Social Media?
Not only is it a great way to express yourself, it’s also a great way to spread awareness on different movements and things happening around the world.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me @sophieguestofficial
Speed Round (Favorites):
Book: The Girl In The Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
Quote: “We accept the love we think we deserve”- Paul Rudd in Perks of Being a Wallflower
Movie: Perks of Being a Wallflower or La La Land
Tv Series: The Office
Favorite Food: Shrimp tacos
Travel Destination: The beach
Sports Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Photo Credit: Beck Thurner Braddock
