FASHION WEEK DAILY: The Rise of Raye Spielberg: An Interview with the Actress

Raye Spielberg’s name has been echoing through the corridors of theater and film, drawing attention to her versatility and dedication. Her breakout role in “Merry Good Enough,” a dark comedy delving into the intricacies of a dysfunctional family, showcased her ability to balance dark humor with profound emotional depth, earning her critical acclaim. Now available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, don’t miss this hilarious portrayal. It’s a masterclass in navigating complex dynamics while capturing the subtle tensions and old habits that surface during family reunions.

Anticipation is also mounting for the psychological thriller “Pink Flags,” in which Raye takes on the role of Liberty, a figure skater entangled in a gripping and eerie cat-and-mouse game. Inspired by the urban legends that haunted her youth, Raye infuses Liberty with a chilling intensity that reflects those unsettling experiences. This role demands an extraordinary performance from her, promising to create a character that will haunt viewers long after the credits roll.
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Brooklyn is more than just Raye’s hometown—it’s the foundation of her artistic identity. The city’s culture has shaped her vision and stoked her passion for storytelling, facilitating a smooth transition from stage to screen. Her training at the William Esper Studio under Barbara Marchant sharpened her skills, allowing her to tackle diverse roles with an authentic focus.
Collaborations with her husband, actor Sawyer Spielberg (Masters of the Air) adds an extra dimension. The duo skillfully juggle their individual projects, coming together to create incredible chemistry, while bringing unique perspectives to their joint ventures. Stories they yearn to tell that are both personal and profound.

Brooklyn is more than just Raye’s hometown—it’s the foundation of her artistic identity. The city’s culture has shaped her vision and stoked her passion for storytelling, facilitating a smooth transition from stage to screen. Her training at the William Esper Studio under Barbara Marchant sharpened her skills, allowing her to tackle diverse roles with an authentic focus.
Collaborations with her husband, actor Sawyer Spielberg (Masters of the Air) adds an extra dimension. The duo skillfully juggle their individual projects, coming together to create incredible chemistry, while bringing unique perspectives to their joint ventures. Stories they yearn to tell that are both personal and profound.

Beyond her acting career, Raye is a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice. She champions gender equality, women’s reproductive rights, and other critical issues, leveraging her platform to foster meaningful change. Her environmental PSA, A NY Body of Water, exemplifies her commitment to water conservation—a cause deeply personal to her, given her family’s ties to the Delaware River Watershed.
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In this interview, Raye discusses her journey, the intricacies of her roles, and the causes she passionately supports.

Your career has flourished in both theater and film. How do you transition between the two mediums, and what unique challenges do each present?
RS: Transitioning between theater and film involves understanding where your audience is. In TV and film, your audience is the camera, allowing for an intimate connection because of its proximity. On stage, however, you need to project your voice and presence to reach every audience member, which requires a lot of breathwork. I relish the challenge of making that connection feel intimate in a theater setting. Acting on stage is like running a marathon, while TV and film feels like a series of intense sprints.

“Merry Good Enough” has been celebrated for its depth and dark humor. What initially attracted you to the character of Lucy, and how did you navigate her complex family dynamics?
RS: Lucy and her family felt both familiar and universally relatable. The dynamics between adult children and their parents can be complicated, filled with old habits and dysfunctions. As we grow older, these relationships aren’t something we work on daily, so reunions often lead to falling back into old patterns. Lucy’s desire for her family to be together and happy, even just enough, resonated deeply with me when I first read the script.
“Pink Flags” sounds highly anticipated. What was the most intriguing aspect of playing Liberty, and how did you prepare for the psychological intensity of the role?
RS: Growing up in NYC, I have plenty of eerie stories and encounters to draw from. Liberty is fed up and becomes a force of nature when faced with danger. I was intrigued by her raw, animalistic power and enjoyed channeling that intensity.
With a background in dance and acting, how do you integrate your physical training into your character development process?
RS: Movement is essential for my well-being and helps me process information. It’s so ingrained in me that I can’t imagine separating the dancer from the actor. Each character has their own physicality. When I play an athlete, my own athletic background naturally comes through in the role.
The environmental PSA “A NY Body of Water” showcases your commitment to social issues. What motivated you to create this project, and what impact do you hope it will have?
RS: Water is fundamental to life. Our bodies need it, and so much effort goes into protecting our freshwater resources. Contaminating it through industrial processes like fracking harms our environment and health, and it doesn’t make financial sense either. My family’s home in the Delaware River Watershed, with its untapped natural gas, spurred our involvement in investigating the true costs of fracking. This project aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our water.

Starring in “Leviticus” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival must have been a landmark moment. How did this experience shape your perspective as an actor?
RS: It taught me the importance of marketing and putting yourself out there. The festival atmosphere is electric and demands a lot of self-promotion and resilience.
“The End,” directed by Ari Selinger, features you alongside Tim Blake Nelson. Can you delve into your role and the themes the film explores?
RS: Working with Anna Chlumsky in this film was a highlight. The story explores gentrification, the clash between old and new, and the fight against greed and power in a small, rapidly developing town. My character is one of the newcomers, keen on buying property, which adds to the tension.
Your script, “The Fortune Teller’s Daughter,” is generating buzz. What inspired this story, and how do you see it evolving in the current landscape?
RS: “The Fortune Teller’s Daughter” originated from a personal story shared by my writing partner, Krista Donargo. We’ve developed this rich, dark, and humorous world over several years. We’re pitching it with Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s company, A Touch More, and Heroes & Villains Entertainment. The series explores themes of loss, mental health, mother-daughter relationships, identity, and belonging through the lens of magical realism. It’s both timely and timeless.
Growing up in Brooklyn, how did the vibrant cultural scene influence your artistic journey and career choices?
RS: Brooklyn’s energy – with its street music, backyard trees, and bustling subways – shaped how I observe and interact with the world. People-watching became a favorite pastime. Brooklyn was always my refuge after a hectic day in the city, providing a necessary retreat for recharging.

Acting with your husband, Sawyer Spielberg, brings a unique dynamic to your work. How do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional lives?
RS: We’re both engrossed in our individual projects, but we cherish collaborating when it fits. Filming at different times for the same project allows us to maintain our distinct approaches while contributing to the same story.
Your rigorous training at William Esper Studio is notable. How have these experiences honed your craft and prepared you for diverse roles?
RS: Training at William Esper Studio with Barbara Marchant was transformative. It deepened my love for acting and honed my skills, making me versatile and prepared for a wide range of roles.
In “Merry Good Enough,” you portray a character dealing with intense family issues. How did you tap into the emotional depth required for this role?
RS: Lucy felt close to my heart. It was about channeling the love I have and living truthfully in the film’s circumstances.
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Can you share an unforgettable moment or a particularly challenging scene from your performances at venues like NYC’s Cherry Lane Theatre?
RS: Performing in “Parkslope” at the Cherry Lane Theatre was hilarious. I remember struggling not to burst into laughter during some scenes.
Your dedication to environmental causes is evident. Are there other social or humanitarian issues you are passionate about and plan to address through your work?
RS: Yes, I’m passionate about human rights, women’s reproductive health and rights, and school safety and gun regulations. I’m generally rooting for the underdog.
As your star rises, how do you manage the increasing pressure and expectations within the industry while staying true to your artistic vision?
RS: I don’t have all the answers yet, but being grounded helps. I focus on doing my best and staying true to myself.
What has been the most demanding role you’ve undertaken, and what strategies did you employ to overcome its challenges?
RS: Stage roles are the most challenging. Performing at LTV was demanding but rewarding, as it pushed me to stretch my voice and project to the back of the room. On stage, there are no retakes, which require immense focus and preparation.
Who are the key figures or mentors in your career, and how have their guidance and advice influenced your path as an actress?
I started in a world far removed from this industry, so my peers and fellow actors in classes became my biggest influences and mentors.

Reflecting on your journey, was there a pivotal moment or performance that confirmed your passion for acting? How did this experience shape your career trajectory?
RS: Seeing “Tribes” by Nina Raine at the Barrow Street Theatre in 2012 was a pivotal moment. I saw it about five times and was deeply moved. That experience cemented my desire to pursue acting for life.
Looking to the future, what are your aspirations and goals? Are there any specific roles or projects that you dream of pursuing?
RS: I’m excited to see where the next few years take me. I want to find a character I can grow with – something fun, funny, or spicy with great writing and character depth. I’d love to play a spy, an alien, or a vampire – always grounded, like in “Killing Eve,” “Orphan Black,” or “True Blood.”
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Catch Raye’s rising star www.rayespielberg.com, IG @rayespielberg
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