Sofia Black D'Elia Talks the New Season of 'Single Drunk Female', Her Role as Sam, and Her Career So Far
Sofia was photographed by Julia Sariy in Brooklyn; she was styled by Angelina Scantlebury; makeup by Yumi Mori; hair by Tommy Buckett. Interview by Alison Engstrom.
Congratulations on the sucess of ‘single drunk female’! What was the first thing that stood out to you when you auditioned for the role of Sam and made you think, I need to play her?
Two things stood out to me immediately: the tricky tone and the brutally honest, deeply funny take on a mother-daughter relationship. I wanted in on both.
Above Dress by Christian Siriano; earrings by Ben-Amun
I think it tells the point of view that needs to be told about a younger person navigating being sober. I love how it’s both funny and truthful. What has it been like playing her and getting into her headspace?
It’s been so fun and challenging and rewarding playing both the pain and hilarity of Sam’s recovery. She’s like a newborn learning to walk.
Season one we see her celebrating one year sober and she tries to get back out in the world again like dating and repairing relationships. What’s her journey for the new season for those who haven’t tuned in yet?
Sam’s life looks a little different this season. She gets a new job, loses a sponsor, gains a boyfriend, reaches a breaking point with Carol, and wants to believe she’s ready for all of it - but eventually discovers okay, maybe not yet. And maybe she needs a little help.
Above Dress by Adeam; rings by Amulet by D Jewelry
I love how the show delves into many topics like the oftentimes complex dynamics of mother and daughter. I was reading there will be another flashback episode. Can you talk more about that healing journey?
John Riggi, one of our wonderful producers, wrote and directed the flashback episode this year, “Shiva”. It is my favorite thing we’ve done so far. It explores loss, addiction, and recovery, but still manages to be this funny little bite-sized episode.
The cast is great—Ally Sheedy, Ian Gomez—and Busy Phillips joins as your sponsor this season. I also read Molly Ringwald appears in the new season? Tell me more!
Molly played my aunt in “Shiva” and was, unsurprisingly, amazing. And then, just as we were losing steam, Busy came in to save us as my new sponsor. They were both perfect additions to our weird little gang.
Above Dress by Rachel Gilbert
When you think about your role, is there anything you have learned about yourself through playing her?
When I think back to shooting the series, I am reminded that I’m stronger than I think I am and that I drink way too much Diet Coke.
How did you find your way into performing? Did your close proximity to NYC have any influence on that?
I used to think I fell into this career by some bizarre accident but in actuality I had really great parents who laughed at bad jokes, encouraged curiosity, and celebrated small successes. And yes, there’s something to be said for feeling so close to the action and yet just outside of it. It puts a chip on your shoulder and a fire under your tush.
Since then what have been some milestones that shaped or influenced where you are today?
The gig that most directly influenced my ability to do this one was The Mick. Kaitlin Olson taught me so much, not just about comedic acting but also how to lead a thing. The Chernins encouraged me from day one and they continue to do so now.
When it comes to your career, do you have a mantra or way of looking at things that influences you and your work?
If you have to force it, its probably shit.
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catch new episodes of ‘single drunk female’ on freeform; and streaming on hulu
A special thank you to this team