ActorsTina TurnbowSeptember 14, 2021Lily Rabe, American Horror Story, Hulu, FX, horror, scary, Doris, LA, blonde, skincare, makeup, miu miu, Sarah Paulson, style

Lily Rabe

ActorsTina TurnbowSeptember 14, 2021Lily Rabe, American Horror Story, Hulu, FX, horror, scary, Doris, LA, blonde, skincare, makeup, miu miu, Sarah Paulson, style

We never cease to be enchanted by the incomparable Lily Rabe. After a two-year wait, she is once again bewitching us with her performance in “American Horror Story: Double Feature,” playing Doris Gardener. One of Lily’s favorite episodes of the season, called “Gaslight,” airs on September 15th so be sure to check it out. Lily, along with the stellar cast, which includes Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Finn Wittrock and Francis Conroy, will be whipping up some more wizardry. But you’ll find no spoilers here. Instead, enjoy our up-close-and-personal with Lily, and find out what makes her magical heart beat…

The Bare Magazine: You've starred in nine seasons of AHS. How did making this new season feel?

Lily Rabe: Something I really loved about this season is how in some ways it feels quite intimate. There are lots of scenes between two people, three people, real relationship scenes. We have worked together for so long—and being able to just breathe into those relationships and dynamics with trusted partners, it’s lovely. The season still has all the deliciousness and more that fans have come to expect from the show, and the show always delivers on, and it’s scary as hell, but I felt there was something very unique about this one. Finn and I were just together this past weekend with our families, talking about how much we loved getting to do those scenes in the house, just us. I also think the theme of the first half of the season is particularly compelling, disturbing, thought-provoking and timely. Ryan’s [Murphy] brilliance never ceases to amaze. His finger is on the pulse of the pulse.

Bare: What do you hope the viewer will take away from this particular AHS adventure?

LR: Well, having two seasons for the price of one is certainly going to be different from
any season that has come before! The greatest thing about doing the show is getting to play someone new each season, but this year, getting to do two new characters in one season, that was a real treat.

Bare: You have been SO busy with so many projects. Can you share your general process flowing from one character to the next—stepping in and then stepping out? Is it helpful your partner in love and life is also an actor?

LR: I have been busy, it’s certainly been a time of extremes, being home and still for such a stretch and then working non-stop, going from one place to the next. I feel very grateful to be able to continue to do what I love, to be able to do more and more satisfying work, frankly. I just try to stay as present as I can. When I get too far ahead, into the land of logistics, I start to panic, and feel paralyzed. I think one difference I’ve noticed is the threshold of time I’m able to process has definitely gotten shorter, so now, more than ever, it’s leaning hard into the one day at a time frame of mind. But really, that’s how it should be. Anything else is a joke anyway! Having built a life with someone who is also in the business - yes, it is helpful, in the sense that there is such deep mutual understanding in regards to the lack of control over schedule and compassion for how quickly things change, and so on…but I think that what’s truly helpful has more to do with who he is, and what our relationship is. We are definitely in it together.

Dress: Marmar Halim Belt: Carolina Herrera Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Ring: EFFY Jewelry

Bare: You have accomplished so much in your career. Is there anything you'd love to do that you haven't yet?

LR: Oh gosh, there are so many things I would love to do that I haven’t done. The list gets longer and longer the more I do, not shorter and shorter. In the last few years, I’ve worked with some directors who have been so profoundly inspiring to work with, to know, and the experiences were quite formative, and that’s something I will always continue to seek. I’ve come to realize over time that no matter how much I love a part, or a script, if the director isn’t someone I want to work with, whose hand doesn’t feel to me like it will be steady at the helm, I won’t do it. Life is too short. Conversely, there are directors I would say yes to working with without reading one word of a script.

Bare: We know you love NYC. Can you list the top 5 things you'll do once you get back there?

LR: 1) Do a play, do ten plays, 2) See every play there is to see, 3) Go to the Delacorte Theater, run around Central Park, 4) Have dinner outside at Morandi, 5) Walk and walk and walk...there’s such magic in walking in NYC with no particular destination.

Dress: Zimmermann Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Bare: Recently in an interview you said, "I like the truth. Anything else is such a waste of time." Was honesty and open communication something you grew up valuing? Is it also a quality that draws you to characters you choose to play?

LR: Yes. And maybe. I definitely grew up valuing honesty, and open communication. I’ve said it before in interviews, but I’m not wonderfully skilled at small talk. I like to get at the heart of things, it’s what excites me about people and relationships and the world. As far as characters I’m drawn to, I’m certainly drawn to telling the truth of whoever that person is, but if the truth of someone is that everything they do is lie, that’s just as compelling to me as playing someone who is a truth-teller.

Bare: When you're not working, what are your current favorite side passions? What do you love to read, cook/eat...any self-care rituals?

LR: I’ve always been quite a homebody, but especially so these days. So when I’m not at work, that’s where I am, with my family. And we bring our home with us when we work, so it quickly becomes wherever we are. Being with my children is my greatest joy. I miss travel, there are so many places I want to take my children, so that’s something I think about often, and look forward to. It’s so wonderful experiencing a place through the eyes of my children, whether it’s a place I’ve never been to or been to countless times.

Bare: What are your Bare essentials?

LR: Augustinus Bader moisturizer and face oil, Shani Darden cleanser, Ogee tinted lip
oils, 111 skin eye and face masks, Supergoop sunscreens. My favorite makeup brands are Cle de Peau, Chantecaille, Beauty Counter, Kosas, Gucci Westman. I always love discovering new brands. You have introduced me to so many over the years, Tina! I can’t wait for your next recommendation!