AnnaSophia Robb
Despite having spent most of her life in front of the camera, AnnaSophia Robb is one of the most real and unguarded stars we’ve had the privilege to meet. As candid as she is clever, the Brooklyn-based beauty shared with us the actors who have inspired her, her feelings on aging in the public eye and her favorite hidden spots in New York. Currently, she’s playing Anne Lansky opposite Harvey Keitel in the crime biopic “Lansky” on Amazon Prime. Beginning on July 15th, you can see her alongside Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater in “Dr. Death” on Peacock. But for now, you can catch a glimpse of AnnaSophia in our photos, which were shot in and around her beloved neighborhood.
The Bare Magazine: Your hair looks great. You’ve worn it long for quite a while, haven’t you?
AnnaSophia Robb: Yeah, it was long for a while. And then, when I was in college, I cut it short. And then it was several different lengths, and then I shaved my head completely for a movie I did for Quibi. But then Quibi, well…you know.
Bare: Oh no! You shaved your head for a platform that didn’t last?
ASR: It’s ok. It grows. It’s not like cutting off a limb or something! Though my hair is very thick, so when it was growing in, I looked like a Chia Pet.
Bare: In addition to growing out your hair, it seems like you were busy working over the pandemic?
ASR: More like busy going into a mental downward spiral! Well, that was the first half. But then the second half I was busy with work.
Bare: Filming “Dr. Death”?
ASR: Yes, we paused at the beginning of the pandemic and then started back up in October of 2020. We finished in February. And now the show is coming out in July! I feel fortunate to have had that work to look forward to.
Bare: What’s your character all about in “Dr. Death”?
ASR: I play Michelle Shughart, who is an assistant district attorney in Dallas. She’s a total badass. The series is based on a true crime podcast, and it will make you question the healthcare system…for good reason. Basically, just make sure you always get recommendations and references for your doctors.
Bare: It must have been incredible acting with Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater (in “Dr. Death”) — what’s the best piece of advice you ever received from another actor on set?
ASR: I think it's less about what people tell me and more observing how people behave. I worked with Charlize Theron when I was 12, and she was such a team player. We were filming in Saskatchewan. And she was out there the whole time with the crew, not sitting behind some heater. I’ve learned that being on time is super important. It just affects everyone. And being respectful of the crew. And…know your lines!
Bare: You have been acting for a long time. Does the prospect of growing older in your career make you nervous at all?
ASR: Not that much. I mean, I've enjoyed it so far. And I think the narrative has changed since 20 years ago. People have become, I wouldn’t say understanding, but comfortable, with aging and what it looks like to age. I just read an interview with Kate Winslet, and she told them to put the wrinkles back in her ads for “Mare of Easttown.” That makes so much sense to me.
Bare: Who else do you think has aged well in front of the camera?
ASR: Glenn Close! I love how she’s embraced her natural beauty. You know, it used to be that you went from playing the ingenue to the mom…for a really long time. And then to the grandma. There weren’t great roles for mature women, but these phenomenal actors are opening things up. Look at Reese Witherspoon. She looked around and she’s, like, “there are no good roles for mature women.” So, she made them.
Bare: Who are some women you’d like to collaborate with?
ASR: Reese, Glenn, Viola Davis. And I'd love to work with Oprah! I mean, who wouldn’t? I just want to see how she is on a set.
Bare: Do you think you’d ever want to try your hand at directing or producing?
ASR: I do like the idea of producing because I like supporting peoples’ visions. I think with directing you have to be really obsessed with how you want something to look. Maybe one day if I find something that I'm just obsessed with, like, this is my story to tell. But, at the moment, I can stick to acting and growing my producer chops.
Bare: Maybe you’ll produce something set in Brooklyn! You’ve got deep roots there, right?
ASR: I do! I’ve lived in Brooklyn since 2013. I just love it. It was special being there during the pandemic. I live in a neighborhood that’s predominantly Polish, so it has a real neighborhood vibe.
Bare: What are some of your favorite spots in and around Brooklyn?
ASR: I love going to vintage stores always. Mirth Vintage is fantastic. So is Beacon’s Closet. Beam is a great furniture store in Williamsburg. But one of my favorite things to do in New York is ride the ferry. It’s thrilling. You can get on for $2.75 and ride it from Dumbo or Wall Street all the way up to Long Island City. It’s a blast. Sometimes I’ll bring kombucha and a book and just sit up top.
Dress: Autumn Adeigbo Scarf: AnnaSophia’s own Masacara: Dr. Hauschka Lip: Ogee in Dhalia
Bare: Well, that sounds amazing! What are some of your other favorite things? We call them Bare essentials…
ASR: My boyfriend, my family, a good mug, cozy slippers, tea and oat milk. And ear pods. I love flowers—in the ground or on a table. And Weleda Skin Food. Oh, and sunscreen, either Supergoop or Elta. And R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste. And little gold jewelry. My friend has a jewelry company called Bare and Golden, which is great. And I love floss! I’m a big flosser.
Photos: Tina Turnbow
Styling: Thomas Christos Kikis
Hair: Cristin Armastrong
Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Ogee
Interview by Didi Gluck
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
