Abigail Shapiro has dazzled audiences on the stage in productions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical and Liberty. Those experiences have prepared her for her breakout television role in Doom Patrol, which returns for its second season on June 25.
Based on the DC Comics, Doom Patrol follows a group of superhero misfits who band together. Abigail plays Dorothy Spinner, the most powerful little girl in the world.
We caught up with Abigail to learn more about the series and what fans can expect from Season 2!
PC: How did you discover your passion for arts?
Abigail: I first discovered my passion for the arts through dance. My mom enrolled me in dance classes because I could not stop moving, singing, and dancing around the house. Since then, I realized that I love storytelling. I’ve done whatever I can to study the art of storytelling and create a career in it.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Abigail: An actor that I’ve looked up to and wanted to be like is Natalie Portman. She’s so versatile in the roles she takes on. I’ve always wanted to be an actor like that.
Personally, I would say my younger sister. I feel like you don’t hear that often, but my younger sister really inspires me. She’s also an actor and has done a lot of work. I admire her courage to be herself. She’s not afraid to say what she wants, too.
PC: You also have a theater background. How has your experience on the stage prepared you for your onscreen work?
Abigail: My experience on the stage is what started my love for acting and storytelling. Learning how to portray and pretend to be other people on stage really helped me transition into film and television. I love learning, so I do whatever I can to continue honing my craft. I like to observe people and do whatever I can to keep studying because pretending to be someone is a lot harder than it looks.
PC: Season 2 of Doom Patrol is premiering soon. Tell us about the series, your character, and what drew you to the project.
Abigail: Doom Patrol is about a group of misfit superheroes. What makes this show different from your normal superhero show is that it focuses on the humanity of these imperfect people who aren’t role models like your average superheroes would be.
I play Dorothy Spinner, who was introduced at the very end of Season 1 as a cliffhanger. She’s the daughter of Miles and the primitive woman he met back in the Yukon in 1917. She’s considered to be the most powerful little girl in the world.
I was drawn to this project because I liked how unique the character was. When I saw the emails for the self-tape, I immediately knew I had to go out for this role because of how unique she is; I’ve never seen anyone like her. I’ve always wanted to wear prosthetics in some way, and Dorothy has the face of an ape. I got to experience what it’s like to wear prosthetics that really change what I look like for a role.
PC: Did you feel any pressure heading into this project, given that you’re joining the DC family?
Abigail: A little bit because I haven’t really done any television or film before—I felt a little pressure in that aspect. I wasn’t really experienced in this area, but everyone was so welcoming and supportive. I learned so much from everyone and am so grateful to be a part of it. Joining the DC Universe and the comic world is a dream come true because I watched The Flash growing up. I am also somewhat of a comic book fan. I definitely appreciate this world.
PC: What can you tease about Dorothy’s arc in Season 2? What should fans know about her?
Abigail: Throughout Season 2, Dorothy is dealing with themes of growing up. You never stop growing up, even when you’re an adult.
PC: This is a breakout TV role for you. Has anything surprised you about the experience? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Abigail: Honestly, it hasn’t hit me that this is a really big deal yet. I’m surprised at the fact that there’s already fan art of my character—it’s so flipping cool! It’s honestly such a dream come true that people are so excited about this role. I hope I can meet their expectations and not let all the fans down.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Abigail: Portlandia. It’s one of my favorite shows ever and I desperately want to go to Portland.
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Abigail: One of my favorite movies is Uptown Girls with young Dakota Fanning. I think it’s hilarious and heartfelt. I cry so much every time I watch it.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Abigail: Dead Man’s Cell Phone
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Abigail: Sia. I’m obsessed with her Christmas album. I’ve been listening to her Christmas album in June! I’m also a big fan of Billie Eilish.
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Abigail: I’d like Florence Pugh to play me because she’s one of my favorite actors. She doesn’t necessarily look like me, but if I could choose, I would probably want someone like her.
To keep up with Abigail, follow her on Instagram. Catch Season 2 of Doom Patrol on HBO Max.
Photo Credit: Emily Assiran // Hair and Make-up: Chelsea Gehr
Fabio Massa is a multifaceted storyteller who writes, acts, directs, and produces. His latest feature,…
Ryan Vasquez's artistry extends far beyond the realms of the stage and screen; it's about…
Marco Fabián, Ryan Babel, and Jamie O'Hara, renowned international athletes, are also among the eligible…
Sebastián Fassi and Lloyd Jones, renowned international athletes, are also among the eligible bachelors on…
Isabela Merced is one of the breakout stars of Turtles All the Way Down. Based…
Cree and Felix Mallard are two of the stars of the must-see new film, Turtles…