Interview: Kimmy Gatewood talks Netflix’s GLOW
Kimmy Gatewood stars in Netflix’s GLOW. We recently chatted with the actress on here character, the series, and more!
Kimmy Gatewood is an American actress, singer, writer, and a native of Silver Spring, Maryland. She is now in the Netflix television show GLOW. Her role is Stacey “Ethel Rosenblatt” Beswick. You will notice her as one of the “Old Biddies.”
Gatewood has 42 credits as an actress, and six as a writer. She has been on Conan several times and the Epic Rap Battles of History as Hillary Clinton versus Donald Trump. She is also credited in writing the script.
Ms. Gatewood was kind enough to answer a few questions from Hidden Remote. We discussed the great following of GLOW and specifically her character. Gatewood mentions how the new season of GLOW will be surprising and why you should keep watching.
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She discusses her Saturday Night Live moment when she auditioned and what her superpower will be if granted.
Hidden Remote: Why do people have such a great following for GLOW?
Kimmy Gatewood: First of all, I’m thrilled with the response to the show. I think the appeal of GLOW is the ensemble! We have an incredible bond as a cast and I’m so happy that it translated onto the screen. Nothing bonds a cast more than having to wear spandex and live in each other’s armpits for a few months.
Hidden Remote: What’s challenging about bringing this script/character to life?
KG: Beyond the physically challenging wrestling aspect of the show, it’s an exciting challenge to be a part of a big ensemble. Often when you’re not featured in a scene, it’s up to us as the actors to keep track of how our characters are feeling at any given time. Because of that, I have a sense of ownership over my character’s journey whether it’s in the main story or not.
Hidden Remote: What is your favorite thing about your character? Will we see more of you? (I love the Biddies!)
KG: Thank you! I love Stacey because she is always having a good time no matter where she is. She is 100% in the present and lives life to the absolutely fullest (even if that means just getting into a rock club). And her friendship with Dawn is the best. I love seeing positive female friendships celebrated onscreen. And what you see on screen is very sincere. It’s pretty much me and Rebekka having the best time. We LOVE playing the Biddies. We could improvise as Ethel and Edna for hours.
As for seeing more of my character, yes! In the first couple of episodes, you get to see Stacey and Dawn getting competitive with another character (which is totally against their nature). But they do it in a VERY Stacey and Dawn way which is hilarious. Their quest for fame and fortune outweighs loyalty. They also decide their wrestling characters need to be sexier. You’ll have to tune in to find out what happens!
Hidden Remote: How is this production bringing something new to this story for season 2?
KG: In Season 2, GLOW is finally on television and our characters are dealing with our new-found fame. It pushes us to get more competitive for airtime, bigger moves for ratings, and Ruth and Debbie taking some ownership of the show. And there’s a new cast member, Shakira Barrera (the audience will LOVE her).
Hidden Remote: What’s going to surprise people about season 2?
KG: Season 2 brings some really fun and surprising love stories, some awesome wrestling and an episode that is so crazy, it will blow your mind.
Hidden Remote: For anyone who hasn’t watched GLOW, why should they?
KG: I’ve heard that some people think you have to be a wrestling fan to watch, but wrestling is the entryway to a story about a bunch of underdogs. It’s like “The Bad New Bears” with more spandex and kickass women. It’s also got something for everyone: a fantastic ensemble, awesome wrestling, 80s spandex, comedy, gritty storytelling and Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, who are national treasures of acting.
Hidden Remote: What is the favorite thing you look forward to when on the set of GLOW?
KG: My GLOW gals. I love the cast so so so so so so so so much.
Hidden Remote: Any other projects you would like to discuss, and social media you would care to share?
KG: I have a short film I directed called CONTROL written/starring Alison Becker that is currently on the festival circuit. You can watch it on Seed & Spark now! I also have a series of shorts with Refinery 29, Planned Parenthood and Rachel Bloom coming out this fall. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter @kimmygatewood
Hidden Remote: In the spirit of James Lipton, here are five fun questions: What is your favorite animal and why?
KG: Currently, a hummingbird. I have a little feeder outside of my kitchen window that I watch every morning. I sound like a Beatdown Biddie but they are so amazing to watch!
Hidden Remote: If you were a t-shirt, what color would you be? Why?
KG: Yellow. Bright, loud, and unexpected.
Hidden Remote: You can have any superpower, which one is it, and why?
KG: The ability to turn all water potable. Because it’ll be useful in a zombie apocalypse and also save a lot of people in the world.
Hidden Remote: What is the craziest moment or situation that happened during an audition?
KG: Auditioning for SNL, I waited in Andy Samberg’s dressing room for 3 hours before performing for Lorne Michaels and the other writers/producers in the dark. It was the most exciting 8 minutes of my life. I also left a note for Andy in his room. Don’t know if he ever got it. If you’re reading this Andy, it was me! I hope you don’t think I’m a creepy weirdo!
Hidden Remote: If you could have one thing only to eat and drink for the rest of your life what would it be?
KG: Pink wine and avocados. I’m basically 75% there anyway haha.
The second season of GLOW is now playing on Netflix.