IN CONVERSATION WITH TALLULAH EVANS
interview by JANA LETONJA
British actress Tallulah Evans has been captivating audiences since childhood, starring in the whimsical fantasy ‘Penelope’. Since then, she’s steadily carved out a powerful and versatile career, moving seamlessly between film and television. Following acclaimed turns in ‘White Lines’, ‘The Full Monty’, and the breakout Prime Video hit ‘My Fault: London’, Tallulah now steps into her most demanding role yet, starring in ‘Baby Doll’, a gripping new Paramount+ thriller based on Hollie Overton’s bestselling novel. With her magnetic screen presence and grounded authenticity, she’s fast becoming one of the most compelling young talents of her generation.
‘Baby Doll’ is such a haunting and emotional story. What first drew you to the project?
I don’t think that roles like this come along very often. It’s such an incredible story, and Lily is such an emotionally complex character who had to experience her formative years in such horrific circumstances. It was an extremely challenging but exciting project to take on.
You play twins, Lily and Abby, opposite your real-life sister Delphi. How did that dynamic shape your performance?
Oh, it was insane. It made everything feel much more real. I can definitely think of a few moments when just having her hold my hand in a scene would set me off. There is a scene in Episode 3 in the hospital that comes to mind. It felt like when you’re holding back tears and someone asks you “Are you okay?”, and the floodgates open. On the other hand, we may have got the giggles a few times, but to be honest, thank God, because it could get heavy sometimes. Also, it was just great to have a whole summer working together. It felt like a once in a lifetime experience.
The series explores themes of trauma and survival. How did you approach such intense emotional material?
I tried to read up on similar cases as much as I could. ‘3.096 days’ by Natascha Kampusch was extremely helpful. She speaks about her time in captivity in such a poignant way. It really helped me develop Lily’s internal journey over the course of five years and helped to give me some insight into what an extended period being held captive could look like and how it can affect a person.
‘Baby Doll’ is adapted from a bestselling novel. Did you read the book beforehand, or did you prefer to find your own interpretation of the characters?
I did read ‘Baby Doll’ before we started filming. It was definitely a useful reference to have and a great source of material to read, but I still felt as though I could make Lily my own because a lot has been changed for the series.
You’ve been acting since childhood, debuting alongside Christina Ricci and Reese Witherspoon in ‘Penelope’. What do you remember most vividly from those early days?
I think I was around five years old when I did the film ‘Penelope’. One vivid memory that comes to mind was my costume was very itchy and I was being a total diva about it.
You’ve worked with incredible actors across your career. Is there anyone that’s left an especially lasting impression or inspired you creatively?
When I was younger, I did a movie alongside Anjelica Houston which was incredible. When I reflect on it, it’s fair to say that it absolutely left a lasting impression. Anjelica is iconic and very cool.
As an actor who’s grown up in the industry, how do you maintain balance and perspective amid such a demanding career?
To be honest, when I was acting as a child, it was on intermittent basis. I attended a normal, non-arts school and then I went onto complete my BA at Royal Welsh. The job never felt all-consuming in any way.
Outside of acting, what inspires you?
I love to read. There’s simply nothing better than a good book. I recently read ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah and was totally blown away. ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’ by Coco Mellors, that is fantastic. Add both of those to your list.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography PIP BOURDILLON
styling FARRAH O’CONNOR
hair NARAD KUTOWAROO and EMMA REGAN
