Gabrielle Ryan On the Pay Off Of Taking Risks, Having the Mindset to Succeed, and the hit new series 'Power Book IV: Force'
Gabrielle was virtually photographed in Los Angeles by Alison Engstrom
Hi Gabrielle, thank you again for taking the time to do the virtual shoot! Congratulations on your role in Power Book IV: Force, but before we chat about that, I’d love to learn more about your background and how you got to where you are today. What was it about performing that captivated you to pursue it as a career?
I actually had quite an academic upbringing, my dad had me in his own bootcamp basically for a year prior to the entrance exams to a very prestigious private school in my hometown. I earned an academic scholarship to attend but I was always still drawn to the drama classes over the other subjects. I loved performing, being on stage, and was quite natural in front of the camera, too. I thought I would be a broadcast journalist or presenter.
Was there a time when you took a chance on something, even though you were scared, and the payoff was well-worth the risk?
That’s easy, coming to America. I had about four jobs and saved up to go to acting school in New York. I didn’t know a single soul. Looking back I always think “my goodness I was so fearless”. I literally walked in to my first acting agency with no appointment holding my headshot asking to meet with one of the theatrical agents. I was so determined, I just had the mindset that I didn’t come all the way out here to not make it count. I didn’t have any doors opened for me, I didn’t know anybody in the industry. Years later, I can confirm, it was worth it.
What lessons have you learned about yourself or your career that helped you the most to keep on going?
To be honest, I was about to give up until someone close to me convinced me not to. I always explain the audition process like going for a job interview multiple times a week, except you are literally pouring your heart and soul into each one and often not getting any feedback about why you didn’t get the role. I did this for several years and it certainly takes its toll. Along the way I learned that I can survive a lot of different circumstances. I can eat the same cheap thing every day if I have to, I can live in the tiniest of spaces, I can sacrifice seeing my family, being social, etc.—I am a real survivor and very resilient. There are always people who are worse off than you, and in the grand scheme of things, even when it was tough and I was struggling in super expensive New York, I still had my health and my family were always a phone call away.
Was there an opportunity that changed your course?
Power Book IV: Force is my biggest role thus far. This is for sure the opportunity that has changed my course.
Now to get back to Power Book IV: Force, the premiere set a ratings record for the network, Starz, amazing! What was it about your character Gloria that excited you the most when you initially got the script?
Thank you. Force did indeed break Starz viewing records and many cable records for premiere night viewing figures. We are all very proud of that. 50 (Curtis “50 cent” Jackson) told us it was going to be number one and break records and he was absolutely right!
As for Gloria, I understood the character immediately when I read the script, I couldn’t wait to work on her. She is so fearless and determined. I have a great coach Toby, we thought of everything right from the early audition stages. I loved crafting her, I really couldn’t wait to get on set.
The Power franchise has spawned off many hit series over the years. Can you share a bit more about the plot of this edition and how your character comes into play with the storyline?
We are the first Power spin off that is set outside of New York. It centers around fan favorite Tommy Egan, played by Joseph Sikora, going off on his own and ending up in Chicago. It explores all the new characters he meets in Chicago. Gloria is one of the first people he encounters and there is an instant attraction between them. That situation becomes ‘interesting’ as Gloria is also the on-off girlfriend of Victor Flynn, the Flynn’s being the most powerful crime family in Chicago.
What can viewers expect from her arc this season?
I’m under lock and key about my arc, but essentially Gloria’s through line is that she is constantly trying to get out from under the Flynn family, which is even more complicated by Walter Flynn, played by Tommy Flanagan, Victor Flynn being her on-off boyfriend.
When it comes to your work what gets you the most excited and do you have any dream collaborators?
I’d love to be a Bond girl. I’ll just put that right out there. I have very eclectic taste when it comes to scripts, I love many genres, from a big budget action movie to a gritty independent or a really great TV show, great material is great material.
Do you have a life motto that you try to apply to all areas of your life? If so, please share!
Everyone has a story, nobody cares, work harder.
Since you recently moved from LA from New York by way of the UK, how are you liking it and from first glance do you think you are more LA or NYC?
The majority of my American life has been spent in New York and all my experiences happened there (good and bad) so I’m definitely a “British New Yorker”. However, I am built for the sunshine, so being in Los Angeles at the moment is just a treat for me weather-wise. I’m a nomad, but always a “Brighton Girl”, my hometown, wherever I go.
Since March is Women’s History Month, is there a woman or women in your life who have shaped or inspired you?
My mother. She was kind of strict but taught me so many great life lessons. She sacrificed a lot for my brother and I that I will always be forever grateful for. She didn’t want me to pursue a career in acting (understandably) She found it hard to see her daughter getting constant “no’s” so that definitely gave me extra fuel because I was so determined to show her it would be worth it. Also, my cousin (who is basically my sister) is a Cambridge University educated human rights lawyer, what she does is incredible, I’m constantly inspired by her work and the lives she enhances.
Is there anything coming down the pipeline that people should know about?
I’m in talks for a few projects, I’m definitely excited for what is next.