Olga Petsa in ‘The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy.’ Photo Courtesy of Lifetime.
Rising actress Olga Petsa chatted about starring in “The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy,” a two-part movie event that will premiere on May 31st and June 1st on Lifetime.
Michael Nankin directed the film from a screenplay by Anne-Marie Hess.
The synopsis is: Rena (played by Felicity Huffman as present day and Olga Petsa as young Rena) is thrust back into her dark past when a violent massacre, tied to the cult she was formerly part of, makes headlines.
On being a part of “The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy,” Petsa said, “It was amazing. It was a great experience. It is based on a crazy story. It was really good to do this for Lifetime. It was a lovely team, cast and crew. I feel really grateful that we did it like this.”
Working with Eric Johnson
Petsa discussed working with Eric Johnson as her leading man. “I love Eric Johnson; he was the easiest man to work with… ever,” she said with a sweet laugh. “Eric is a great guy.”
Speaking of Eric, he proclaimed Olga Petsa as the “next big thing.” “That is really sweet for Eric to say,” she admitted.
Petsa on playing young Rena
On playing young Rena, she remarked, “I really appreciated how my character was in constant survival mode, where it is difficult to look for anything but making it to the next day.”
“There was always this enduring hope that she carried, and that was beautiful to see, especially when I got to be her for a little bit,” she added.
Petsa on Felicity Huffman
While she didn’t get to work with Felicity Huffman (because they play the same character), Petsa enjoyed going on set and watching Felicity create.
“It felt I was watching a play production; Felicity is so sweet and just really present. I feel really lucky to have been there,” she said.
Lessons learned from this screenplay
On the lessons learned from this screenplay, Petsa reflected, “I think it taught me to not be judgmental when you see a story like this. It is important to have no judgement, and just be curious, and try look into it with open eyes.”
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Petsa said, “It feels great to be a part of the digital age since it allows stories like these to be told. They can be access all across the world, and people can become familiar with these stories.”
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, she said, “Just go into it not being afraid of making the wrong choices. Just be present!”
Future plans
Regarding her future plans, she revealed, “Just continuing working this way and telling important stories.”
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, she said with a sweet laugh, “Becoming.”
Superpower of choice
If she were to have any superpower, it would be “Reading minds.”
Career-defining moments
When asked about her career-defining moments, she responded, “Any time I get to step on set and try something different. I think that’s defining for me.”
Dream acting partners
Petsa listed Meryl Streep, Florence Pugh, and Joaquin Phoenix as her dream acting partners to someday work with.
Favorite mottos to live by
On her favorite motto to live by, she shared, “Do what you love; go for it!”
Best advice she has ever been given
On the best advice she has ever been given, she revealed, “Procrastination is the life you could have lived.”
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Petsa stated, “Getting to a place where you feel comfortable enough to be totally yourself and telling your stories that you want to tell, and a lot of love.”
Closing thoughts on this two-part Lifetime movie event
For fans and viewers, she concluded, “I hope that people watch this two-part Lifetime movie event and grow more aware of people’s stories, and remember that these are things that are sadly happening, and we do what we can, and we help the best we can, and we hold a lot of love.”
To learn more about Olga Petsa, follow her on Instagram.
Content shared from www.digitaljournal.com.