During my recent interview, actress Maria Sten provided valuable insights into her role in the TV series “Reacher” and her approach to acting and writing. Maria, who portrays the character Frances, shared her initial fascination with the series, her approach to fully embodying her character, and her deep understanding of their psychology and motivations in order to bring them to life on screen.

The actress conveyed her excitement for action-packed films and TV shows, which attracted her to the “Reacher” series. She emphasized the charm of depicting a confident and competent Frances, while also infusing lovable and unique characteristics. Her dedication to the role shone through as she explored the complexities of her character’s personality. “There was an intriguing dichotomy to play around with,” Sten explained thoughtfully.

“When I read material, I always consider my own interpretation and what I can contribute to it,” Sten expressed.

Maria highlighted her intuitive approach to interpreting the character of Frances when discussing how she landed the role. She provided a detailed account of her first impression of the character and how her interpretation developed through her collaboration with the showrunner, Nick. Maria mentioned that we discussed that topic at the beginning. The collaborative process enabled her to incorporate her own distinct viewpoint into the character, resulting in a more profound and intricate portrayal of Frances’s persona.

“I had a wealth of information to draw from the source material as I thoroughly familiarized myself with all the books my character appeared in.” Sten explained how she developed her perception of Frances by considering her desires and her own intuition.

Her passion for her craft was apparent as she generously shared her training and unique approach to character development. She highlighted the significance of exploring the inner thoughts and emotions of her characters, utilizing her extensive background in acting. Her deep understanding of her characters’ motivations and emotions truly shines through, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the craft of storytelling.

Maria mentioned that during this process, she continually ponders about what drives this individual. What does their inner world entail? And what is their ultimate concern?

The actress also shared her reflections on her journey in the entertainment industry, discussing her experience in leading roles in shows like “Channel Zero” and her current role in “Reacher.” She eloquently conveyed her admiration for the wide range of roles and genres, underscoring her fervor for delving into the vast spectrum of human behavior through her performances. She finds great pleasure in exploring the diverse range of personas and situations of characters as an artist and creative. This constant challenge allows her to constantly adopt fresh perspectives and approaches to truly comprehend them. Maria believes that comprehending these concepts ultimately comes down to understanding human nature.

Human nature remains consistent. “And that’s what really excites me about the job,” Sten stated.

Maria decided to explore writing as a creative outlet after realizing the limited opportunities available for black women in the industry. Maria explained, “Honestly, it stemmed from a period of unemployment and a lack of opportunities in the specific roles I desired.” Her unwavering commitment to pursuing the characters she longed to portray drove her to delve into the realm of writing, ultimately resulting in well-deserved acclaim for her exceptional skills as an author. She experiences a strong sense of creative control and freedom that is not present in her acting career. “I have the opportunity to express my creativity through various means to convey a compelling narrative,” Sten elaborated.

Maria Sten’s career in entertainment highlights the significance of continuous learning, honing one’s skills, and fostering collaboration. Instead of dwelling on unfulfilled aspirations or lamenting the lack of desired opportunities, take action. She emphasizes the idea that we have control over our own lives and can shape our own stories.

Photography Credit: Alejandro Douek