Pop Culturalist Chats with Stephanie Gould

Stephanie Gould knew she wanted to be an actor since she was a child. Lucky for her—and the audiences who catch her performances—she’s been a part of many productions, from screen work (like Orange is the New Black and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) to extensive theater work.

Currently, Stephanie is on stage in the off-Broadway production of Bernie and Mikey’s Trip to the Moon as Bernie. We were able to chat with her about the role and her career.

PC: What drew you to Bernie and Mikey’s Trip to the Moon?
Stephanie: I initially found out about the play through my agent who had gotten me an audition appointment. I was struck by the unique premise, and then when I read the script, I fell in love with the story and with Bernie. The family dynamic, as well as Bernie, is something you don’t see nowadays in theater. I knew her in my guts. I related to her struggles on a visceral level, and really wanted to bring her to life.

PC: How did you prepare to take on the role of Bernie?
Stephanie: Scott Aiello, the playwright, wrote Bernie and based her on his sister, Dessi. I watched footage of Scott and his sister, as well as videos of her by herself, which really helped merge my ideas of who Bernie was with his sister. I also, for the first time, was able to bring who I am as a person to this role. I have a mild form of cerebral palsy that mostly effects my motor function in a small way. I had a lot of corrective surgeries and health challenges growing up to help me walk and such. So I was able to relate to Bernie in a very unique and useful way.

L-R: Margo Singaliese, Jordan Lage, Stephanie Gould in BERNIE AND MIKEY’S TRIP TO THE MOON. Photo by Michael Kushner

PC: What was the most challenging aspect of the role?
Stephanie: For me, emotionally it’s been a challenge. The aspects of Bernie I’m relating to most as a person, have been through many situations I dealt with in my adolescence. I often felt ostracized by peers, and wanting to be noticed as a person. I think I still feel that way sometimes. As humans, we all want to be seen and valued. Bernie is a very dynamic character, and it’s been a much welcomed challenge.

PC: This play explores familial relationships, particularly when it comes to caring and taking care of a family member. What do you hope audiences take away from this production?
Stephanie: Empathy. I hope people won’t be so quick to judge those in the disability community or their caretakers. I also want people to see the humanity and relatability of Bernie. She’s a human being with thoughts and feelings just like anyone else, and she deserves to be heard and acknowledged. People with cognitive disabilities are just as worthy of love and happiness as anyone else.

PC: Looking ahead in your career, what do you hope to accomplish?
Stephanie: Like any actor, I want to work on a more consistent basis. I would love to be a guest star on Law & Order: SVU. It’s one of my favorite shows ever. I think as a New York actor, it’s a right of passage, so fingers crossed. I’d also love to be on Broadway.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

Last TV Show You Binge-Watched
Breaking Bad

Favorite Movie
The Godfather (both parts 1 & 2)

Favorite Book
Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh

Favorite Play or Musical
Oh jeez, there are so many, but I love Noises Off by Michael Frayn. It’s one of the funniest plays I’ve ever seen.

Artist/Musician You Could Listen to on Repeat
Sia. I’ve also been listening to Elvis Presley on repeat for the show.

Place You’d Like to Go to
Sweden

Person You’d Most Like to Meet
Bryan Cranston

For more information on Bernie and Mikey’s Trip to the Moon, click here. To keep up-to-date with Stephanie Gould, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.