Actress Skyler Joy and the cast of P-Valley are bringing us to the Dirty South, telling the empowering and evocative story of the women behind the Pynk in Starz’s new strip club-set drama. Created by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall, P-Valley is already being called one of the year’s best and is a breakout role for Skyler, who plays Gidget, a second-generation pole dancer who views her craft as an Olympic sport. We recently spoke with Skyler about the series, her career, and the empowerment she felt playing Gidget on P-Valley.
PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Skyler: I discovered my passion for acting when I was really young. I think I was five. I was at a play that my brother was in. It was Annie. My brother had a small role, but I went to see it with my mom. I remember I stood up and I was like, “I want to be on the stage. I want to be doing that!” My mom was like, “Be quiet, be quiet. There’s a play going on.” [laughs] But I couldn’t be in plays until I turned six. It was never a question for me. I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Skyler: My uncle, Peter Jacobson. He’s also an actor. He’s been on House. I always looked up to him and watched what he was doing. I remember calling him and being like, “What do I need to do?” He told me, “Save all your allowance and get headshots,” which I did eventually.
Growing up in a small town in Alaska had a big influence too. I knew I wanted to do TV shows and movies, but there were none in Ketchikan, Alaska. It was just plays. When I turned eighteen, I was able to go for it.
PC: If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Skyler: Trust the journey. Trust the way things are happening. Trust your gut.
PC: You’re going to be starring in the upcoming P-Valley. Tell us about the show and what fans should know about your character.
Skyler: It’s centered around a group of strong women in Mississippi. They’re dancers at the Pynk, which is a strip club in town. The show tells the stories of these women in such an authentic way. I can’t stress that enough. Even from the trailer, I felt like they did such a nice job portraying that.
I play Gidget, who is one of the dancers. She’s a second-generation pole dancer. She’s very quirky and athletic. She sees pole dancing as an Olympic sport. She’s part of the trinity, which is the OGs at the club.
PC: The show touches upon a lot of important themes like female empowerment and representation. When you got the script, what initially attracted you to this project?
Skyler: I remember getting the script. I was at Starbucks. I had an hour. I was like, “I’m going to read half of this.” I remember sitting there and pushing back whatever I had to do. I couldn’t put it down. It was so good. I have never read anything that’s so far from my own life, yet I could relate to so much of it.
PC: The show is being adapted from a play. Did you tap into your theater background to get ready for this role?
Skyler: That’s a good question. A lot of the cast has a theater background. All of my theater training led me to my television training. I used some of my theater and improv techniques.
PC: What can you tease about your character’s arc in Season 1? What are you most excited for your fans to see?
Skyler: I’m excited for fans to see all her layers. She’s a really funny character. But, she gets really heated and angry. She takes things to a ten, but then the next moment she’ll be crying.
PC: Gidget is the philosopher in the group. What has she taught you?
Skyler: I always struggled with the shame around feeling sexy and being sexy. But when I booked Gidget, that went away. I let go. I felt very empowered. She’s helped me work through that. It was a very therapeutic process playing Gidget.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Skyler: I love The Bachelor. It’s kind of embarrassing. Also reality shows like Shark Tank.
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Skyler: Maybe Dodgeball. I watched it last night.
PC: Favorite book?
Skyler: I just finished reading a really good book called Hidden Valley Road.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Skyler: The Lion King. I cried the whole time.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Skyler: I don’t know if people would be surprised, but I guess some of my friends are a little surprised when they find out I love old-school rap.
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Skyler: This is so funny. I always have a joke that I look like Danny DeVito. We have the same body type. Or the Thumb from Spy Kids. So maybe Danny DeVito with a blonde wig on because we have kind of similar-built bodies, and I would just love to see that.
To keep up with Skyler, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch P-Valley every Sunday at 9/8c on Starz.
Photo Credit: Jonny Marlow // Make-up: Anthony Merante // Hair: Preston Wada // Stylist: Sonia Young
Ruben Russo, Lachlan Thompson, and Alexander McRae are quickly establishing themselves as standout voices in…
Filmmaker Ash Avildsen and star Emily Bett Rickards pin their talents against the backdrop of…
In the gripping thriller Aftermath, Dylan Sprouse and Mason Gooding face off as formidable opponents…
Jordana Brewster has long captivated audiences with her ability to disappear into each character she…
Marcel Cunningham, Andy King, and Christopher Shulstad were three of the final four contenders on…
Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Apple TV+ to give away tickets to…