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Dionne Gipson has built an impressive career as a multifaceted performer, captivating audiences across theater, television, and film. In NBC’s Found, she takes on her most emotionally layered role yet as Gina, the mother of Lacey Quinn. The series, praised for its unique blend of week-to-week procedural cases and gripping overarching drama, dives deep into the complexities of trauma, healing, and resilience.

In this exclusive interview, Dionne opens up about joining the Found cast, navigating Gina’s evolution across past and present timelines, and the joy of collaborating with a talented ensemble. From her heartfelt preparation for Gina’s most vulnerable moments to her seamless transition from stage to screen, Dionne offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry that brings her character to life.

PC: What I love so much about Found is how it continually adds layers of complexity, which is a huge credit to Nkechi [Okoro Carroll] and the writers’ room. This season, we see you joining the cast as Lacey’s mom, Gina, who plays such a pivotal role in highlighting not only the impact that Lacey’s traumatic past has had on her, but also on her mother. What was it about this role that resonated with you?
Dionne: When I got the sides, I had two scenes—one in a flashback and one in the present. I was already a fan of the show and of Shanola’s. I saw her on Shameless and thought she was phenomenal. When I started seeing billboards for Found, I remember thinking, “I’m so glad she got a show because she’s incredible.” Then I watched the pilot, and I was blown away. It was so brilliantly written—the way it introduced the characters, how the story unfolded so naturally, and then that twist at the end with Sir in the basement and the reveal that Lacey was the little girl with Gabi. It was perfect.

It’s such a unique procedural. You’ve got these week-to-week cases, but there’s also this big, dramatic storyline running in the background with the main characters. I just knew it would be amazing to be a part of something like this. The writing is so strong. As an actor, you can tell right away from audition sides whether something is well-written or not. Nkechi is truly one of the best writers out there. I was so excited to explore this character because, like everyone else, I wanted to know what Lacey’s family life looked like.

PC: There are so many nuances in your portrayal where you can feel the weight of everything Gina and her family have been through. It’s so deeply felt, both emotionally and physically, in the present day. As an actress, how did you approach finding those distinctions between Gina in the past and where she is today, and convey those on screen?
Dionne: On my first day on set, I had a conversation with Nkechi. She shared more about Gina’s backstory, which really cleared up a lot of things I had suspected but hadn’t been sure about. It validated so much for me, and it’s been really exciting to explore the past and present versions of Gina.

In the flashbacks, we’re instantly taken into the life of a mother who’s just gotten her daughter back after being kidnapped—a situation I can’t even imagine. Gina is this middle-of-America type of woman, married to a trucker who’s often on the road. She’s been navigating all of this alone, with no real guide or resources. She’s unsure how to handle it until she gets the idea to bring Gabi back into their lives to help her understand what Lacey is going through. Even then, there’s so much fear, uncertainty, and fragility. Gina is overwhelmed but trying her best to hold it together.

In the present day, though, we see a completely different Gina. She’s done a 180 and learned how to support her daughter through the day-to-day healing process. We haven’t seen all the steps in between, but it’s clear that she’s grown stronger. When her daughter is taken again, there’s this surprising sense of calm—she has faith, both in the process and in the Mosely & Associates team. She knows they’ll bring Lacey back. It’s been a joy to explore those layers, and every time we jump between timelines, we get to see more of Gina’s evolution.

PC: There’s also such a powerful and quiet scene where your character tells Gabi that she knows her daughter is alive and that she’s a fighter, and you feel that mother-daughter connection. You have a theater background where you’re performing to the last row and everything has to be bigger. But in television, it’s about finding those nuances. Has transitioning between mediums been as difficult as it sounds?
Dionne: It actually hasn’t been as difficult as people might think. Like you said, in theater, you’re projecting to the back row, but at its core, the concept is the same—you have to be real and connect with your scene partner. That authenticity translates across both mediums.

The transition from theater to television has felt seamless for me because it’s really about finding those intimate moments, which is something I love to do. Funny enough, the roles I’ve taken leading up to this project have been very maternal and intimate, so stepping into Gina’s shoes felt natural. It’s been a smooth process, and I enjoy exploring those subtleties in front of the camera.

PC: There are so many different facets to your craft. With this character, there’s so much vulnerability that you have to tap into in both timelines. How much does music play a role in the way you prepare for those more emotional scenes?
Dionne: Music is such a huge part of my process. It’s been the soundtrack to my life for as long as I can remember. My father was a musician and producer, so we always had music playing throughout the house. I’m very nostalgic, and I can connect a song to almost every moment in my life.

For this role, there’s a specific song I would play to get into the right mindset. Dianne Reeves’ version of “Company” really resonated with me. It’s a song that fills me with gratitude for the life I have, and it helped me tap into those deep emotions. I’d play it before a scene to remind myself how lucky I am and how grateful I am to be part of this project. Honestly, I was so thankful to be playing Gina that I felt like I was crying every other minute! [laughs] The song grounded me in those emotions and allowed them to flow naturally during the scenes.

PC: You and Mark-Paul [Gosselaar] are the only two actors who get to collaborate with both sets of Gabis and Laceys. What has it been like getting to work with everyone, especially the young actresses?
Dionne: First of all, I absolutely adore those little girls. They’re so talented. Jasmine [Washington], who plays Bella/Lacey, is incredible. Watching her tap into those emotions and bring such focus to her scenes is amazing. And then, as soon as they yell “cut,” she’s all smiles and so full of joy. It’s remarkable to see her balance it all—she’s able to step out of those heavy moments and still be a kid. I don’t know if her mother taught her that, but it’s such a gift, and it’s been so fun to watch.

I also have such a great connection with A’Zaria [Carter], who plays young Gabi. We share a lot of emotional scenes this season, and we trusted each other from the start. She’s so easy to work with, and every day on set, we’re just hanging out and building that real connection. It’s made our scenes feel so authentic. I mostly work with the young actresses, and it’s been such a joy collaborating with them.

To keep up with Dionne, follow her on Instagram. Season 2 of Found airs every Thursday at 10/9c on NBC. Stream it the next day on Peacock.

Photo Credit: Matt Miller/NBC