Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Family Law’s Eden Summer Gilmore

Eden Summer Gilmore is an up-and-coming talent whose star is on the rise. The award-winning actress has captivated audiences with her performance in projects including Riverdale, Supernatural, and Nancy Drew.

Currently, she can be seen in her breakout role as Sofia Bianchi in Family Law.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Eden about her thriving career, Family Law, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Eden: I always had a passion for the arts. It’s definitely been a huge part of my life. I would put on plays for my parents and write storybooks when I was young. At five, I started doing commercials, which began my love for on-camera work.

But where I really found my passion was on the set of Riverdale. It was my first speaking role and it’s where I realized that this was what I wanted to do. I also train year round to grow my craft, which also continues my love for the arts.

In addition to acting, I definitely have a passion for singing and playing the guitar, as well as writing poetry—which really helps me to express how I am feeling as another creative outlet.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Eden: My parents and family have definitely been a big influence on my career. I am so grateful to have their support and couldn’t do it without them.

So many actors have been such a large influence on my career. Emma Watson, Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, and Reese Witherspoon are definitely huge inspirations with their talent and bodies of work. Actors I have worked with such as Jewel Staite, Victor Garber, Kennedy McMann, and LeAnn Rimes have taught me and inspired me so much. Working alongside them and watching them is like taking a master class. They are all so immensely talented and I am grateful everyday that I have had the opportunity to work with them!

Mindfulness has also played a large part in my career; putting mental health first has allowed me so much joy and fun in my career.

PC: Tell us about Family Law, your character, and what attracted you to this role.
Eden: Family Law follows the story of Abigail Bianchi, a lawyer and recovering alcoholic who is forced to work with her estranged father and two half-siblings she has never met. Basically, it is a dysfunctional family law firm that helps other dysfunctional families with their problems.

I play Sofia Bianchi, Abigail’s daughter, who is a smart, witty, boy-crazy teenage girl. She is going through the pains of being a teenager but also feels deeply betrayed and hurt by her mother.

What really attracted me to this role was that not only could I relate to so much of what she was going through but there was such a vulnerability and love to her hidden by built-up walls, and I really wanted to explore that. What also attracted me was that the writers wrote such an honest story that I felt a bunch of other teenagers would be able to relate too. I wanted to be a part of telling that story.

PC: There are so many layers to your character. Which was your favorite to explore? Which was the most challenging?
Eden: Yes, there are lots of layers to Sofia. I think exploring the layers of betrayal were exciting. Her stubborn and witty side was so much fun to explore. I wouldn’t say there was necessarily one challenging thing. But exploring emotions of betrayal and sadness and really just being very vulnerable is always a hard thing to do. But it’s always fun.

PC: Sofia has an interesting dynamic with her mother. How did you and Jewel approach that relationship?
Eden: We talked a lot about their relationship before filming or whenever receiving a script. We discussed what their journey was in each episode. But a lot of it came on the day—exploring and playing while filming or seeing what layers or moments we could add or explore. It has been so awesome to be able to collaborate with her.

PC: The series has already picked up for a second season. Congratulations! If you could pitch a storyline for Sofia, what would it be and why?
Eden: Thank you so much! I would love to see her graduate or learn to drive eventually. I think it would be funny to see her have to learn to drive with her mom. I think it would be awesome to see her graduate or go to prom since we have seen her since she was thirteen. It would be great to see how she navigates growing from a preteen to a high school graduate.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Eden: I mean I don’t feel guilty about it, but RuPaul’s Drag Race.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Eden: Pretty in Pink.

PC: Favorite book?
Eden: I don’t think I could choose one favorite, but I just finished I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, which I loved!

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Eden: I love musicals. One of my favorites would have to be Hairspray or Hamilton.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Eden: I have a lot of ’80s artists on my playlist. But my favorite band is Queen, so I have a lot of them on my playlist.

PC: Dream role?
Eden: I would love to do a period piece. I would also love to do a book adaption of some sort. Or a comedy! There are too many to choose from. [laughs] Oh and anything with Adam Sandler would be a dream!

To keep up with Eden, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Karolina Turek