Exclusive Interview: Kelli Williams on Returning to Acting, Directing, and Navigating Margaret’s Emotional Journey in Season 2 of Found

In Found, a gripping procedural drama that tackles the real-world crisis of missing persons—where over 600,000 people are reported missing annually in the U.S., with more than half being people of color who are often overlooked—Kelli Williams delivers a raw and powerful performance as Margaret Reed, a mother consumed by grief after her son was abducted thirteen years ago during a fleeting moment. Her portrayal of Margaret’s deep pain and trauma brings a visceral emotional depth that has left a lasting impact on audiences.

The series follows Gabi Mosely (Shanola Hampton), a public relations specialist and former missing person, who, with her crisis management team, fights to make sure no one is forgotten. However, Gabi hides a dark secret: she has imprisoned her childhood kidnapper, Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), and now that he’s escaped, her past threatens to destroy everything.

In this exclusive interview, Kelli shares insights about her return to acting after six years spent directing, how she brings Margaret’s layered emotions to life, and how Season 2 further explores her character’s journey of healing within the show’s exploration of timely, real-world issues.

PC: When this project initially came across your desk, you had stepped away from acting and were focusing on directing. What was it about this script and character that caught your eye and led to that pivot?
Kelli: Initially, I was reading the script to throw my hat in the ring as a director. As you mentioned, I had stepped away from acting for almost six years and was focusing on building my directing résumé. I really love directing—it’s one of my passions. But as I read the script, I suddenly thought, “This Margaret character is someone I’d love to play if I were still acting.” I had already directed for Nkechi [Okoro Carroll] on both of her other shows: All American and All American: Homecoming, so we had an established relationship. She asked, “Wait a minute—would you come back to acting for this role?” It’s funny how, when you say something out loud and put it out there, you start to wonder if it could become a reality—and it did. That was really exciting.

I love how this show combines being procedural with being very character-driven. It’s not just a case-of-the-week format; there’s an ongoing thread of relationships with the characters at M&A (Mosely & Associates), and I really appreciated that balance. I’ve always been selective about the roles I took as an actor, but at that point, I had completely stepped away. This opportunity just organically became a “yes” for both Nkechi and me. Coming back to acting has been such a pleasure, especially with a new appreciation after working behind the camera for so long.

I just directed Episode 13, so it was fun to direct my fellow cast members. We have a great rapport and a shorthand when it comes to the work, and I know the crew really well. The only challenging part was that Margaret was in the episode so much, I had to switch between directing—discussing lenses and keeping track of time—and remembering my lines. It was definitely a challenge. But we also have a lot of humor as a cast and crew, which helps. I felt a ton of support from the producers and my first A.D., Mona [Sumibcay], who is one of the best I’ve ever worked with. That made all the difference.

PC: Speaking of that through line, this team has turned their trauma into their purpose. There’s an interesting parallel between “Margaret Vision” and your directing background—you have to see the bigger picture while paying attention to all the little details. Have you found that your work as a director has impacted how you approach your work on screen, particularly in finding where this character lives inside of you and exploring her different layers?
Kelli: Absolutely, and on so many levels. On a technical level, I’m very aware of what’s happening because I’ve spent so much time in prep, thinking about where we might be in the edit. It definitely gives me a different perspective when I’m in a scene with the other actors. It’s not that I’m not fully engaged and committed to the scene, but I know the process. I’m able to relax because I understand the protocols of how we build a scene. Margaret pays close attention to detail, which mirrors how I prep—I need to know everything intimately. It’s similar to how Margaret reads people and understands her role within the team dynamic.

Margaret is the only character on the show who is a parent. She’s a mother who has experienced that type of loss. While everyone on the team has gone through their own trauma, we all support each other, even though our experiences aren’t the same. We identify with and support one another. That role of support is something I play when I’m directing, too. I often joke that you have to be part parent and part therapist. I’m kind of the mom on set, and I understand the different ways actors work. I like to ask, “How do you prefer to work? Do you like a lot of direction, or fewer words? What helps you get into character?”

As an actor playing Margaret, I have to do the same thing—especially moving from Season 1 to Season 2, where there’s a lot of betrayal and broken trust that needs to be rebuilt. There’s also a lot of scrutiny around how everyone is behaving. We all have to figure out how to rebuild our relationships while still trying to find our missing clients.

PC: Your performance in this series is absolutely incredible. One of the reasons the show is so special is because it’s so grounded and mirrors life, showing that we don’t always get that happy ending. But more than any other character, I really want Margaret to have her win. As you headed into Season 2, what were the discussions like with Nkechi and the writers’ room about the path forward for Margaret and her journey to healing? How much did that align with what you hoped for your character?
Kelli: Thank you so much. The way Nkechi and the writers have structured the seasons is that we get to dive into each character’s backstory. The first part of Season 2 focuses on Lacey’s past, and the second half will explore Margaret’s. It’s been a really interesting and, at times, emotionally exhausting journey for her. But I do hope that she finds some relief—where she can finally begin to forgive herself, move forward from all the trauma she’s experienced, and let go of the guilt and deep pain of not being able to find her child for thirteen years. It’s a story that feels ripped from the headlines.

I really wanted to be authentic to that deep level of sadness, disbelief, and pain that comes with such a loss. Yes, we’re a TV show and these are fictional characters, but the emotions are real for so many people who have experienced this kind of grief. I wanted to honor that and make people feel less alone. It’s such a difficult thing. While we’re here for “entertainment,” we’re also tackling issues that are very relevant in our society.

PC: You’ve all managed to toe that line so brilliantly, and it’s sparking a lot of necessary conversations. A hallmark of a great show is its ability to start those discussions. One of the big debates this season will be whether all the work M&A has done is now tainted by Gabi’s reveal. Margaret has such a strong point of view on that. What’s your perspective? Is it different or similar to Margaret’s?
Kelli: I share Margaret’s feelings of betrayal. If I were in the same situation—thinking I had this incredible bond and deep level of trust with one of my best friends, only to find out she’s been betraying me—I’d be right there with Margaret’s anger and frustration, though frustration isn’t even a strong enough word. It’s impacted her entire world. Her “Margaret Vision” doesn’t work as well when Gabi’s around, and that’s true for all of us when we’re triggered or dealing with unresolved issues. We still have to get through our day-to-day lives and try to function, which has been an interesting journey to explore through Margaret.

It’s not as simple as just putting one foot in front of the other, because it runs so much deeper than that. Don’t stop seeing your therapist. Don’t stop getting the support you need. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Those are things Margaret is going through, and I’ve experienced similar things in my own life in different ways. It’s a reminder of the importance of mental health and having support structures in place. If you weren’t raised to think you had access to that kind of help, know that you do.

As a team at M&A, we try to support each other, but at the same time, you still have to come to work, see each other, and figure out how to set it aside—without dysfunctionally sweeping it under the rug or swallowing the pain—but by actively working through it. That process can be messy, but that’s life. It’s a life lesson that healing is often messy. Yes, it makes for compelling drama and television, but it also speaks to the broader human experience.

To keep up with Kelli, follow her on Instagram. Season 2 of Found premieres on October 3rd. Stream it the next day on Peacock.

Photo Credit: Kwaku Alston/NBC