Insatiably Exclusive Interview with Kimmy Shields
Kimmy Shields stars as “Nonnie Thompson” in the Netflix series Insatiable alongside Debby Ryan and Alyssa Milano, giving her a whole new platform on which to define herself. Naturally, we snuck in some questions about Kimmy’s biggest role yet and what the future could bring for her career.
Suit: Vintage | Earrings: Sugarfix by Baublebar | Bracelet: Free Press | Shoes: Sam Edelman
You star in the Netflix series Insatiable. Can you tell us a little about the show and your character Nonnie?
The show is, what some would call, buck-wild. It’s a cautionary tale of what happens when you think you will only find happiness by fixing how you look on the outside and not paying any attention at all to the inside. Nonnie is our leading lady Patty’s best friend. She often throws caution and boundaries to the wind in order to help Patty while discovering her own sexual identity in the process.
Do you relate to your character at all?
I relate to Nonnie’s wanting to be useful and finding identity in that. If I don’t feel I’m serving a purpose I start to lose it a little bit. It can be difficult to find firm roots in a career path as arbitrary as performing, so it’s been encouraging to get back to what makes me “me” between seasons.
The cast features heavy hitters like Debby Ryan, Dallas Roberts, and Alyssa Milano. Were you intimidated to be joining such a star-studded cast?
What was it like working alongside them? I am very easy to intimidate, but somehow I never really felt that way of joining this cast. The first time I met Debby we fell in love. The first time I met Alyssa Milano I told her I’d be happy to coach her on her acting. Working alongside this group has been nothing but fun.
Having first read what Insatiable was going to be about, and reading the scripts, what did you initially take away from the show? What is your hope that viewers take away from it?
I thought the script rocked from the first to the last page. It was unlike anything I’d ever read before. I hope people understand that part of what we’re doing with the show is introducing the idea that laughter helps us heal from our traumas. If you can make a joke about things that haunt you, you can get the power back.
How did you prepare for the role? How was the audition process?
I prepared the normal way which was to learn all my audition material and throw in sprinkles of my personality that I thought lined up with what the character was described to be. The audition process was supernaturally calm. I had never tested or been seen so many times for one part before this and I was shocked at the ways it got more and more fun each time because of how kind everyone was.
What was your favorite moment on set? Do you have a favorite episode that you filmed in the show?
Woof. This is a tough one. I have loved every moment, but I think my favorites were probably offscreen with Debby. She came up with the idea to highlight two crew members each week with a paper crown and a personalized award and asked me to help distribute them in front of everyone. It was so inspiring to see how she cares for her crew. I think my favorite episode may have been ‘Finding Magnolia’ in Season 2. I loved the arc of that story and spending a day of work dressed as a lumberjack busting moves on a gym floor wasn’t the worst thing either.
When was the moment that you knew that you wanted to be an actress? And how did you get into it?
Acting is all I have ever wanted to be good at. There was no ‘Aha’ moment, I have just always been lucky enough to have a family that has supported me from my first community play at six years old to a college degree in Musical Theater to now. I got into it because I saw my parents do plays as a child and it felt natural to give it a shot.
Is there a type of role you haven’t gotten to play yet that you would love to in the future?
Hmm. I have always wanted to be the Final Girl in a Horror film. A movie musical is way up on my list. I have no clue! I just want to play!
Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
I’m inspired by my peers that are crazy enough to pursue this. Their tenacity, grace, senses of humor, and kindness make me want to keep being crazy too.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring actors what would it be?
Have faith in something, especially yourself.
When you’re not filming, what can we find you doing?
Now that it’s the cozy season I can be found bawling my eyes out to movies on the couch and enjoying dressing up for all the Holiday parties this month.
Favorite on-set snack?
Teriyaki beef jerky. Thanks, Debby.
A person you’d like to meet dead or alive?
I’d love to meet Guillermo del Toro so I can curl up in his arms and listen to him tell me a Mexican folklore.
Guilty pleasure TV show? Movie?
I am in the process of eradicating shame from my life, so I will say that I proudly watch 13 Going on 30, Legally Blonde, and School of Rock. Ask me to quote them and you won’t be disappointed. Well, you might once you realize how much time I’ve spent learning this dialogue.
Hidden Talent?
Roller skating or needlepoint.
If you weren’t an actress, what would your dream job be?
Maybe be back in the stockroom of my retail job. Organizing makes me feel calm.
Besides Insatiable, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Right now I have absolutely nothing lined up which is both terrifying and exciting at the same time. I am ready and grateful for whatever the great next gig is.
Dress: Vintage, Lilli Diamond California | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Earrings: Anna Monet
This spread appears in the pages of TB128 Insatiably, Kimmy Shields — Exclusive Interview taken from This Bitch Winter 2020: Brenda Song out now and available to buy here.
Talent: Kimmy Shields | @kimmyshields
Photographer / Director: Joelle Grace | @joellegrace
Agency: Agency Arts LA | @agencyarts
Makeup + Hair: Susanna Laney | @suzyblaney
Stylist: Jesi Johnson | @_kittyvalentina_