IN CONVERSATION WITH ANNA VAN PATTEN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Anna Van Patten is quickly emerging as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents. After graduating from The New School, she landed a breakout role in the Gossip Girl reboot, introducing audiences to her dynamic on-screen presence. Most recently, she portrayed Deanna Knox in The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, delivering a performance that further showcased her range. Next, Anna joins the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria, premiering on 12th April on HBO. With each project, she continues to demonstrate her versatility and is quickly establishing herself as a rising force in the industry.

What initially drew you to joining the third season of Euphoria?
I was a fan of the show beforehand, so when I got the audition, I was very excited to know it was coming back for its third season. The show's emotional profundity really excites me as an actor, and I think it’s very special to be a part of something that poses questions to its audience, which results in conversations. Euphoria’s cultural impact is undeniable.

The series has such a distinctive visual and emotional tone. What was it like stepping into that world?
Stepping into the Euphoria world is a very visceral experience. The level of detail and design from the creative team is so thoroughly thought out and executed that it makes walking onto set and into character natural and liberating. Even though the material and the subject matter can be dark, there’s a passionate and professional support system in place.

full look CONTESSA MILLS
shoes BRUNOMAGLI
earrings LUV AJ

How would you describe your character and what they bring to the story this season?
Kitty is sweet, offbeat, complete, and a visual treat. For me, it’s hard to describe Kitty through a big lens. I lived in the present with her and focused on the character's nuances, playing her truth in each moment.

What was the experience like working alongside actors like Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney?
Everyone was very welcoming. I loved being in a room with the characters I watched on my own TV, and as Kitty, I had to remind myself that they were strangers to her.

full look and shoes BALENCIAGA
earrings CARTIER

Did joining such a beloved show feel intimidating at all?
At first, it felt intimidating because of the scope of the show, but while shooting, I didn’t really think of it; I just stayed focused on Kitty and her inner world. It still feels surreal. I had complete faith and trust in Sam and the entire cast and crew.

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earrings MISHO

You started gaining attention with the Gossip Girl reboot. How did that role shape your career?
I’m a New Yorker who grew up as a fan watching Gossip Girl. I remember auditioning for it and thinking I’d never get it, and when I did, it taught me that anything is possible. When a big audition comes along, I hold on to hope and delusion as a way of keeping myself sane. It’s hard to know the correlation of that job to my next job, but I am beyond grateful for every job I’ve gotten to do. Each comes with its own learning lessons.

full look BALENCIAGA
watch CARTIER

Your recent role as Deanna Knox showed a very different side of your acting. What did that project challenge you to explore as a performer?
Playing Deanna blurred the lines of reality in a really interesting way. Acting alongside my real sister while playing sisters and watching her go through what Amanda did was surreal. It challenged me to think more deeply about the craft of it all.

full look ACNE STUDIOS
earrings BELADORA

Is there a particular performance or moment in your career that you feel really pushed you creatively?
I booked Euphoria a week before filming, which pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I didn’t have all the answers, but I found the process very freeing. It creatively pushed me to think outside the box in embracing a character that avoids stereotypes. Kitty is not your average dancer.

full look and shoes BALLY
bracelets DINOSAUR DESIGNS

How do you balance staying authentic while navigating public attention as a young actor?
I haven’t had to navigate public attention, but if that starts to happen, I have my big sister as a great role model. Sometimes I feel pressure that you have to act like an actress, but that might be my own insecurity since I’ve always been on the quiet side. I think it’s important to stay true to ourselves, our passions, and our artistic spirit. My goal is to stay curious and soft.

full look and shoes VALENTINO
earrings BELADORA

What keeps you creatively inspired outside of acting?
I truly believe everything inspires me. I want to become the best and most authentic version of myself. Every day, I start with a long morning walk to get coffee and bring it to the park. I journal or read, sit and observe, or explore the city. I try to do something every day that feeds my inspiration—museums, films, painting, random classes, or simply getting lost in new places. I stay open and follow intuition wherever it leads.

What excites you most about this next chapter of your career?
The unknown. I’m excited for my next project, and I don’t know what it is yet. I’m excited to keep learning and growing, and meeting people who inspire me.

full look and shoes VALENTINO
earrings BELADORA

TEAM CREDITS

talent ANNA VAN PATTEN
photography PHIL CHESTER & SARA BYRNE
styling JANELLE MILLER AT A-FRAME AGENCY
makeup AIMÉE TWIST AT A-FRAME AGENCY
hair KILEY FITZGERALD AT A-FRAME AGENCY
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN