Lara Wolf, a dynamic Persian-Swiss actress and singer born in Tehran, Iran, has captivated audiences with her compelling portrayal of Princess Nour on ABC’s Quantico. Known for her classical training and her impressive versatility across styles and genres, Wolf has crafted a rich and varied career that showcases her continual growth as an artist. Her talents extend beyond acting—she is also an accomplished singer, songwriter, and author. In 2018, she made waves with her original film These 3 Waters, which she wrote and starred in alongside Azza Gallab and Nora Mercedes Li. Wolf’s diverse skills and unwavering dedication to her craft make her a standout force in the entertainment industry.

In July, she captivated audiences with her role as Queen Berenice in Peacock’s highly anticipated series Those About to Die. Queen Berenice, the Judean Queen, makes appearances in 7 out of the 10 episodes and is romantically linked to Titus Flavianus (played by Tom Hughes). Directed by Roland Emmerich, this historical epic features Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hughes, and delves into the dark side of the Roman Empire’s bloodthirsty entertainment industry through its depiction of ancient gladiator games. 

Those About to Die is streaming now on Peacock. 

I was excited to dive deeper into Wolf’s experiences and insights as we discussed the role of Queen Berenice, her creative process bringing her to life. We also explored what made this role stand out for her. 

Before we delved into our conversation, Wolf shared, “I got cast in the series after Italian casting directors came across my IMDb profile. They were intrigued enough to reach out to me personally and invite me to audition.”

“Historians know surprisingly little about Queen Berenice,” Wolf reveals, her eyes lighting up with intrigue. “What we do know is that she boldly defied the Great Rebellion against Rome and risked everything to shield her fellow Jews from Roman soldiers. Her passionate romance with Titus was met with scorn from the Roman public and, more critically, from his father, Emperor Vespasian, who saw Berenice as a threat and pressured Titus to abandon her. After Vespasian’s death, Berenice tried to return to Rome, only to be thwarted by Emperor Titus, who ordered her ship to turn back. ‘You can’t fully rely on historical accounts because they reflect others’ perceptions,’ Wolf explains, addressing the tangled narratives surrounding Berenice. ‘But one thing is clear: she was deeply in love with Titus while her own kingdom was falling apart.’ She adds that filming in Rome, the very backdrop of these dramatic events, has made this project profoundly special for her.”

“Queen Berenice is probably the most fascinating role I’ve ever played,” Wolf said. “Her story is compelling and complex, and while she was often judged harshly by others, that’s beyond my control as an actor. What I can portray is that despite being disliked, Berenice acted from noble intentions, driven by her own sense of honor and duty.”

“Queen Berenice was such a controversial figure in history,” Wolf remarks about preparing for the role. “It’s challenging to truly embody a character like her.” To connect with her role, Wolf immersed herself in extensive historical research, delving into various accounts and interpretations of Berenice’s life and times. She explored ancient texts, historical analyses, and even artistic depictions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Queen’s complex persona. Wolf then combined this thorough research with her own creative insights, developing a portrayal that balances historical accuracy with dramatic interpretation. Her approach aimed not only to capture Berenice’s historical significance but also to convey the emotional and psychological depth of a woman caught in the turbulent politics and personal conflicts of her era.

“I am someone who likes to open myself up to possibility,” Wolf shared with a reflective smile, her gaze lingering on the ancient streets of Rome. “I love the idea that the cobblestone streets are still whispering something to me.” For Wolf, being immersed in Rome’s rich tapestry of history deeply impacted her performance, fueling the emotional intensity she brought to her role. The city’s storied past seemed to breathe life into her portrayal, making the experience all the more poignant.

“Shooting in Rome felt like creative and historical nourishment,” Wolf shared. “I don’t think the emotion of the cast that came through in each of their characters would have been the same if we had filmed in a studio.”

When asked about the challenges she faced during filming, Wolf took a thoughtful pause before responding, “The one thing that was particularly painful was missing the chance to meet Sir Anthony Hopkins.” She explained that Hopkins was in Rome for just one week to film his scenes, but on the very first day of his arrival, Wolf tested positive for COVID. “They sent me back to my hotel room to quarantine for a week, so I unfortunately missed out on meeting him,” she said with a hint of regret.

Lara Wolf’s portrayal of Queen Berenice in Those About to Die stands out as a remarkable testament to her artistic prowess and dedication. As a writer, I am inspired by her unwavering commitment and the way she transforms each role into a profound and captivating experience. Those About to Die is a testament to her skill and artistry, making it clear that Lara Wolf is a transformative force in the entertainment industry.

Photography Credit: Sharon Daniels