An Interview with Betty Gilpin from ‘Mrs. Davis’

MRS. DAVIS -- "Mother of Mercy: The Call of the Horse" Episode 101 -- Pictured: Betty Gilpin as Simone -- (Photo by: Colleen Hayes/Peacock)

Betty Gilpin is an accomplished actor that has made her mark across multiple iconic franchises over the past few years. Currently, she is starring as Simone in the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, and we here at NTG were fortunate enough to sit down with Betty to discuss her new character and this exciting new series.
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John Betancourt: Simone is a deeply layered character, and there is so much to her. How did you as an actor create those layers?

Betty Gilpin: I mean, the layers were really there in the writing. It's such a rare gift to have… the richest backstory just served to you. So, yeah, I was kind of provided with every answer to any question I had about her. And then Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof? You know, any question that I lobbed at them? They had a 10-paragraph detailed answer for. So really, my homework was done for me. I just had to say the words out loud.

John Betancourt: In keeping with your character, she goes on quite the journey in this show. What are you hoping audiences ultimately take away from Simone’s journey?

Betty Gilpin: Well, I think that… Simone, when we meet her, if you asked her, she would say, “Oh, I'm at the end of my arc. This is… the credits will have rolled. I have achieved enlightenment, I'm there. I'm a woman of faith. This is the end of my story.” And I think we slowly learn over the course of the season that she still has some growing to do and some facing her past. And, you know, are you really a person of faith when you have proof in your hands? Is real faith not having all the answers? And there has to be some risk involved in faith. And, you know, I think that the most beautiful things in life and in humanity involve risk and faith, something that AI tries to buy us out of. But of course, does that mean, it's bypassing the purpose of being alive? So, yeah, we just tackle those calm, casual themes, the purpose of being alive.

John Betancourt: What would say you’re most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Betty Gilpin: I think that being surrounded by people who are so passionate and so kind, constantly makes you able to be as creative as possible. And I think that uh, I think that I let… for a long time… I let fear really drive the brain boat. And I would show up on set and just be super nervous or scared or not wanting to step on toes. And as a result, I think… I… I just kind of played it a little safe in terms of creative swings. And on this one, I was like, “The world almost ended… let's swing for the goddamn fences.” And everyone else around me was swinging for the fences. So, it made it pretty easy. So yeah, I was proud of that.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are most looking forward to audiences experiencing in general when it comes to this show.

Betty Gilpin: Um, you know, I think that we went through this era of “Too Cool for School,” mumblecore where it was kind of Emperor's New Clothes-y of, you know, it was all kind of everyone was cool and quiet. And, you know, if you don't get it, like you're not even really an artist, I guess. And we are loud and brazen and cartoon and also dealing with huge, huge, insane themes that are dark and wonderful, but also in a joyful and hopeful way. You know, I think that in a world where we're taking existing IP and doing it over and over and over and over again, this is something original and joyful and so insanely strange, that you'll want to rewatch it to see how you missed every twist. Yeah, I just think it's a joyful, insane ride.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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