Check out our interview with talented actress Rachel Stubington who can be seen in the popular Apple TV+ series “Shrinking” where she will star alongside Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. Rachel is also keeping busy with her second project of the year, the upcoming Lifetime original movie A ROSE FOR HER GRAVE, where she will star opposite of Chrishell Stause and Colin Egglesfield, which will be released in later Q1 of this year.
Apple TV+’s “Shrinking” follows a grieving therapist ‘James Laird (Segel) who copes by breaking his rules as a therapist by telling his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives…including his own. In the series, Rachel brings to life the character of ‘Summer,” a fun-loving high schooler who likes to party and have a good time with her best friend ‘Alice,” Segel’s daughter, portrayed by Lukita Maxwell. Throughout the series, Rachel’s character helps ‘Alice,’ as well as her father ‘James’ deal with the loss of her best friend’s mother, by any means necessary.
Follow Rachel @rachelstubington
Please tell us a little about you?
Of course! My name is Rachel Stubington and I’m an actress that can currently be seen on Apple TV’s “Shrinking” playing the role of Summer. I cry at least 3 times a week (four if I accidentally think about “Bridge to Terabithia,)” I have an awful Kermit the Frog impression that my boyfriend has asked me several times not to do again, and I had to delete TikTok because I can spend 5 hours straight on it at a time. I’m very passionate about comedy and comedy writing — my dream is to be on a sitcom, SNL, or to marry rich.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I had to do this prompt for a college I applied to. For some reason I landed on “thirty, flirty, thriving” … I ended up not getting into that school.
How did you get started into acting?
My Nana took me to see the musical “Annie” when I was five and I was so incredibly jealous that there was another redhead kid who was getting significantly more attention than I did. Soon after I started doing musical theatre and fell in love with the storytelling aspect.
How has this changed your life?
I truly feel like Hannah Montana. I have this side of me that got to go to a premiere in a fancy long dress and take pictures but during the day I work with babies and change diapers. I love both sides of my life. I just feel so grateful to the “Shrinking” family for letting me be a part of this process.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part is it truly is having the coolest job ever and the worst part is that it’s not at all constant and every time you stop working you immediately wonder if you’re ever going to work again. I wouldn’t trade it for anything though, being an actor is so exciting to me. As much as stability is comforting, the idea that you never know where your job can take you can be exhilarating.
How do you prepare for a role?
For me, everything starts with reading the script fully, understanding how I fit into the story, and then I can start digging deeper into my character. I love improvising as my character because then I know that the story is in my body and I understand my character’s thoughts.
Tell us about your work in the highly anticipated Apple TV+ series “Shrinking?”
I feel so grateful to be part of this show. The story is so heartfelt and funny and I’m so excited for audiences to get to see more. I have so much respect for the cast and the crew and working with them was truly a dream come true.
And can you describe your role as Summer?
Getting to play Summer is like getting to go to high school all over again but now my “classmates” are literally being paid to make me look popular. She really cares about her best friend Alice and wants Alice to get the most out of her high school experience. She has a lot of heart.
How was working alongside big names in the industry like Jason Segel and Harrison Ford?
Incredible. Just incredible.
And about the upcoming Lifetime original movie A ROSE FOR HER GRAVE?
“A Rose For Her Grave” is based on a novel written by Ann Rule that follows the real-life crime story of Randy Roth, a serial killer who would marry women and then murder them for their money. It’ll be premiering on February 18th on Lifetime.
What other projects you have been part of?
I recently got to work on an HBO Max pilot so I’m very excited to see where that goes. I also recently worked on a project with Alicia Silverstone which was insane, “Clueless” has to be one of my favorite movies of all time so that was huge.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I’m really drawn to comedy pieces. I love characters that have little to no filter because it’s fun to play in that world. I’d love to play a character on HBO MAX’s “Sex Lives of College Girls”- I’ve had so much fun getting to revisit high school in “Shrinking” and I’d love to get to go back to college too!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Getting to collaborate with other people that care just as much about acting and comedy as I do.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
I’d definitely recommend getting into an acting class. It’s really great having a place to go to each week where you can be surrounded by talented people that you can learn from. I’ve really grown as an actor from being in class — it’s made me way more confident but also given me a place to completely fall on my face and learn how to get back up.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
I’d definitely say trusting your gut is a huge one. As an actor you’re always told that anything can lead to exposure — personally, I think that’s stupid. This is just as much a job as any other line of work. Never do something that makes you uncomfortable, work on things that excite you, big or small. Doing projects, you’re passionate about is so much more important.
How would your best friend describe you?
Hopefully nicely– they’d probably bring up that my voice goes up 7 octaves whenever I order food at a restaurant.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I remember reading Miley Cyrus’ book “Miles to Go” and having my mind blown by the title. I wish there was a cooler pun for my name. I used to say “Hear me out” a lot when I first started comedy writing, this was usually before I would give an awful idea for a sketch… maybe there’s a title there.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To trust in me a little bit more. Insecurity has always been a big theme in my life and I don’t think any advice would make that magically go away but I wish I believed in myself a little bit more when I was younger. I would also tell myself not to cut my own bangs in fifth grade and I would also probably stop myself from buying sketcher shake-ups.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Maybe one of Mindy Kaling’s books. I don’t know anything about being an entrepreneur, but it sounds stressful and her books are an enjoyable read that would give them a fun break.
What’s next for Rachel Stubington in 2023?
Aside from the projects I have coming out, my year is pretty open. Just so Tina Fey knows, I have plenty of room in my schedule to be part of the new “Mean Girls.”
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m a sucker for the $20 smoothies at Erewhon, I’ll always complain about how expensive they are, but I’ll also always come back for more.
And your favorite cheat food?
I’m very passionate about Ralph’s sheet cakes.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Surrounding myself with good people and doing things I’m passionate about. I really love my family and my friends, and I know whatever I do in life I have them and I think that’s a pretty great feeling. I’m also very happy when Olive Garden does endless pasta bowls, it’s such a fun concept.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I really love Joan Rivers. I grew up a huge fan of her standup. She made huge strides for women in comedy and she’s really a role model in so many ways.
Best advice ever given?
Wear sunscreen.
Do you support any charity?
I’m super passionate about charity, especially cancer research. The Cancer Cartel is an organization that is very important to my family.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
“Saturday Night Live” would be very cool.
Favorite song? Why?
“Vienna” by Billy Joel. The line “you’ve got so much to do and only so many hours in a day” has always really stood out to me. I love the idea that everything will happen in its own time and that you need to stop and take deep breaths once in a while. It was also in “13 going on 30” and who doesn’t love “13 going on 30.”
What do you think of Social Media?
I hate everything it has done to my generation but I also spend at least five hours a day on Instagram so….
Where we can follow you?
My Instagram is @rachelstubington
Favorites:
Book: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Quote: “Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century.”
Movie: Step Brothers, Clueless, Bridesmaids, and Wet Hot American Summer
Tv Series: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Shrinking duh
Favorite Food: Sushi and Nature’s Bakery fig bars
Travel Destination: Saint Tropez
Sports Team: Lakers
Photo Credit: Tommy Flanagan
