EMBRACING THE SUPERNATURAL AND BEYOND
BY EBBY MAGAZINE
In an exclusive interview, delve into the enchanting journey of Ruth Connell, from her iconic role as ‘Rowena’ in Supernatural to her latest endeavor in Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives, and explore the magic behind her alluring career.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEN COPE
“MY HOPE IS THAT BEING A MOTHER BRINGS ITS OWN LAYER OF EXPERIENCE AND HUMANITY TO MY WORK AND THAT MY WORK BRINGS A RICH LIFE OF EXPERIENCE TO HER.”
In the realm of entertainment, few stories captivate audiences like those woven with elements of the supernatural. From the mystical to the mysterious, these narratives offer a glimpse into worlds beyond our own, often leaving an indelible mark on both the screen and the soul. For Scottish actress Ruth Connell, this journey through the realms of the extraordinary has been exceptional. Known for her unforgettable portrayal of ‘Rowena,’ the Queen of Hell, in the long-running hit series Supernatural,’ Connell’s talent and charisma have solidified her as a fan favorite in the hearts of viewers worldwide. Now, as she embarks on her next venture in the eagerly awaited Netflix/DC collaboration, ‘Dead Boy Detectives,’ Connell’s star continues to rise, shining brightly in the ever-expanding universe of supernatural storytelling. Join us as we embark on a journey through her illustrious career, her milestones, and the magic that lies ahead.
Congratulations on your role in the upcoming Netflix/DC series Dead Boy Detectives! Can you share a bit about your character and what drew you to this project?
Steve Yockey told me about the character of the ‘Night Nurse’ a long time ago whilst we were working on Supernatural together, and I was thrilled when it came through to finally play her. I know Steve to be a remarkable writer, and it’s a tiny Hollywood miracle when these things come true. The ‘Night Nurse’ may be pedantic, but she’s a bit spicy, too, and definitely has a Scottish accent.
You’ve had a remarkable career spanning film, television, and theater. How do you approach each medium differently, and which one do you find most creatively fulfilling?
The fact I get to earn a living doing everything from voiceovers to podcasts to video games to TV to stage and film is everything I ever wanted career-wise. Each takes a specific discipline, and I’m still practicing at them all indefinitely. Doing a good job is fulfilling, no matter what the medium.
Transitioning from your iconic role as Rowena in “Supernatural” to playing the Night Nurse in “Dead Boy Detectives,” how do you approach bringing life to supernatural characters with depth and complexity?
I throw the kitchen sink at most of my characters most of the time. It would probably seem a bit hotchpotch to describe accurately, and it’s definitely intuitive in nature. If a technique or process comes to mind, I try to apply it and hope that just doing as much work as I can and being involved in the process with all I got is enough. I love discovering new ways of working, too.
As a self-proclaimed fan girl yourself, how does it feel to be part of iconic universes like DC Comics and Neil Gaiman’s world? What draws you to these projects, and what do you hope fans will take away from Dead Boy Detectives?
I hope fans will be satisfied and refreshingly surprised by our show. There is a character in there for everyone I feel, and it’s super stylish to boot, as well as heartfelt. It’s the second time my path has crossed with Neil Gaiman’s recently (last year in Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose), so I feel slightly magical and lucky to somehow be in his sphere.
Family is an essential aspect of your life, especially with the recent addition of your daughter. How do you balance the demands of your career with motherhood, and how has becoming a parent influenced your approach to your work?
I want to work harder to provide for her, be strong for her, and be extremely present for her because I have contrast. I’ve no idea how I’m going to manage other than with a lot of help! My hope is that being a mother brings its own layer of experience and humanity to my work and that my work brings a rich life of experience to her.
Your journey as an actress has been inspiring, especially after embracing motherhood. How has the experience of becoming a mother influenced your approach to acting and your outlook on achieving success within the industry?
Success for me is working with people I admire who are also kind; so far, so good—more of the same, please. And whatever success comes, it is only dearer because I have people to share it with.
Beyond the screen, what daily ritual or practice keeps you grounded and inspired amidst the whirlwind of Hollywood and motherhood?
I think just being Scottish helps, as it fundamentally goes against the grain to be flighty! That, and my family and friends back home are the first to tease me if my accent slips into an American accent at all! I’m also a fan of therapy and looking after ourselves daily with things like fresh air, walking, cups of tea, and talking to friends.
As the premiere of Dead Boy Detectives draws near, what elements of the series do you anticipate will resonate most with audiences? Can you give some insights into what viewers can expect from your character and the show’s overall atmosphere?
Grief and love of all kinds are universal topics, which I think Dead Boy Detectives has in spades. The atmosphere is dark with a bit of humor and a quirkiness—dare I say almost kink! My ‘Night Nurse’ is formidable and in her own way, but not without feeling. She has a journey to go on that’s, at times, perplexing to her but hopefully entertaining to the fans.
You’ve mentioned receiving advice to keep pushing forward, even in challenging times. How do you stay motivated and inspired in your career, especially when faced with obstacles?
Dogged tenacity as well as a healthy dose of denial can come in handy at times in our business! I always had an active imagination, and if it starts to go dark, I try to do simple things to turn it towards the light. Seeing Mark Rylance in a play one night when I was struggling in London changed everything for me. Because I so want to make the most of my life, I’m open to whatever might shift things positively. Even just in a tiny way.
What have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned professionally or personally in your journey as an actress?
You can only go from where you are, so just do one small, sweet step towards what you want and they can all add up.
Your dedication to seizing opportunities and embracing each moment of your journey is evident. How do you stay grounded and present amidst the whirlwind of success and excitement?
I think it’s ok to get a little excited—what’s the point if you can’t feel some of the thrill? Some of the fun of it all. Life has a way of re-balancing things quickly in the other direction, I find anyway!
As an actress who has worked in the UK and Hollywood, how do you see the entertainment industry’s landscape evolving, especially in terms of representation and opportunities for women?
It’s gotten better, but we still have so much further to go, and in the wider world too.
{ MANTRA }
“One more sweet step.”
If you don't know what that small sweet step is.. do nothing.
