IN CONVERSATION WITH JOCELYN HUDON
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress Jocelyn Hudon can currently be seen as the series regular 'Lyla Novak' on the NBC drama ‘Chicago Fire’, which is currently airing Season 13, with the finale set to air at the end of May. She has previously starred in ‘The Strain’, ‘Dave’, ‘The Irrational’, ‘Acapulco’, and ‘Pixels’. Jocelyn will next be seen in the upcoming action thriller ‘Degenerate’ alongside Emile Hirsch and David Keith, which will be released theatrically later this year.
You’re currently playing Lyla Novak on ‘Chicago Fire’. What drew you to this role, and what has your experience been like joining the One Chicago universe?
I love playing Novak, I love how bold, fun and deep she is. She is such a well written character and it’s just a joy to play her. Joining the One Chicago universe has been a dream come true, everyone is very welcoming, and the fans are fantastic.
With Season 13 wrapping up and some big episodes airing recently, can you tease anything exciting about your character’s arc or what fans can expect from the finale?
We have some great incidents. We just had a conflicting rescue coming up in episode 21, and the end of the season is very suspenseful.
How does working on a fast-paced network drama like ‘Chicago Fire’ compare to your previous projects?
I don’t think anything I’ve done can compare to this. In terms of accuracy, that’s where I can compare this to previous projects. I like to be as real as possible when I prepare for roles with specific skills, so the training we do before work and while shooting ‘Chicago Fire’ feels very ‘at home’ to me. I love being able to really perform a skill, wether it’s medical or action. I love that ‘Chicago Fire’ takes the time to do practical fires, explosions and stunts. It’s not CGI and I think that’s what sets this series apart.
Many fans know you from your role as Abby on FX’s ‘The Strain’. What was it like working with Guillermo del Toro, and how did that role shape your career?
'The Strain’ was such a game changer for me. I got the role of Abby when I was new to acting and working on something so well received and well done was really transformative to me. I learned a lot by being on that set by watching the crew and the other actors.
You were recently nominated for Best Actress at the 2024 Mammoth Film Festival for your role in ‘The Fall’. What did that recognition mean to you, personally and professionally?
This was huge for me. I was so honored and it really inspired me to keep pushing my goals further and further.
Next up, you’re set to appear in the action thriller ‘Degenerate’ alongside Emile Hirsch and David Keith. What can you share with us about this film and your role in it?
I loved doing this movie. It’s full of fun, thrills and action, and it was a great hands on experience. I play a poker dealer in the movie and weeks before shooting, I went to poker school to learn how to deal. Emile is so talented and the director Luc Walpoth has such a great eye, vision and work ethic.
Outside of acting, you’re a classically trained ballerina and a martial artist. How have those physical disciplines influenced your acting and the roles you take on?
These disciplines really work hand and hand with acting. Firstly, ballet is a great base to have, I believe. Not just for physicality but for spacial awareness, mental toughness and learning how to fully be in your body. You can take notes, criticism, and rejection and move forward seamlessly with grace. I started training Tae Kwon Do a few years ago and it’s a perfect compliment to film and TV as well. Learning how to fall, spar and take a hit is a lot of fun.
You’ve done many of your own stunts. Is there a stunt you’re particularly proud of or one that really pushed your limits?
I did a movie where I jumped off the roof of a huge truck in high heels onto a man with no stunt mats. That was a good one.
Looking back at your debut in ‘Pixels’ with Adam Sandler to now, how do you feel you’ve evolved as an actress?
‘Pixels’ was my first time ever being on set. I was so new, I had no idea where to go, who to ask for or how to read a call sheet. I have learned so much since then. Working with Adam Sandler was such a great start though, he is very grounded, kind and makes time for everyone on set.
When you’re not filming or rehearsing, what’s your favorite way to unwind or recharge creatively?
When I’m not filming, I like to go to SoulCycle, hanging out with my friends and my dog Rupert.
If you could create your dream role—any genre, any director, any co-star—what would that look like?
My dream role would be an action movie like ‘Tomb Raider’ or ‘Underworld’, directed by James Mangold, and my co-star would be Angelina Jolie.
CREDITS:
photography BROGAN MCNAB
