Jodie Turner-Smith, the talented actress who has captivated audiences with her powerful performances in films and TV series alike, approaches her craft with a mindset that sets her apart from many of her peers. Known for her roles in shows like The Agency on Showtime, Turner-Smith has shared that she tackles every new project as if she “doesn’t know anything,” a perspective that keeps her grounded and open to learning. This unique approach has helped her build a remarkable career, where each role she takes on becomes an opportunity to grow as an artist.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Turner-Smith opened up about the personal and professional philosophy she brings to her acting. By constantly learning and embracing the complexity of the human experience, she brings a level of nuance and authenticity to every character she portrays. Let’s take a closer look at why Turner-Smith’s fresh perspective is so powerful and how it translates into her impressive work on The Agency.
The Power of a Blank Slate: Jodie Turner-Smith’s Approach to Acting
Jodie Turner-Smith’s acting philosophy revolves around one simple yet profound idea: starting each new project with the belief that she knows nothing. She explains, “I approach every project with the thought that I don’t know anything and I’m excited to learn.” This mindset, she believes, is crucial for truly connecting with the characters she portrays. Each role offers her the opportunity to explore new dimensions of human emotion and behavior, which keeps her performances fresh and engaging.
The Importance of Nuance in Every Character
For Turner-Smith, understanding that every human being is complex and nuanced is key to bringing authenticity to her roles. “Every human being has nuance, and that’s based on who we are, how we were raised, what we believe in,” she reflects. She goes on to emphasize that she strives to infuse these layers of complexity into every character she plays. By recognizing that no one is a one-dimensional figure, Turner-Smith ensures that her characters are not only believable but also relatable, even when they are fictional or larger-than-life.
Bringing Depth to Her New Role on The Agency
In her latest role on The Agency, a high-stakes espionage thriller airing on Showtime, Turner-Smith applies this approach to her character, Sami. Based on the French series Le Bureau des Légendes, The Agency follows a department that trains and manages deep-cover agents on long-term missions. The complexity of her character, Sami, is something that Turner-Smith is excited to explore. “There’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to Sami,” she hints. “People have to understand that the human experience is complicated no matter your religion, your race, or your culture.”
This deep understanding of Sami’s inner world reflects Turner-Smith’s broader approach to acting. She insists that the humanity of each character should shine through, no matter the circumstances. By focusing on the intricacies of what makes people tick—regardless of their background or identity—Turner-Smith ensures that viewers can connect with Sami’s journey on a deep emotional level.
The Influence of Co-Star Michael Fassbender on Turner-Smith’s Performance
Another key part of Turner-Smith’s experience on The Agency has been the opportunity to work with seasoned actor and producer Michael Fassbender. She reveals that many of her scenes were shot alongside Fassbender, and the experience was both enriching and educational. “I did most of my [scenes] with him, and just getting to watch him perform and executive produce was a master class for me,” Turner-Smith shares.
Fassbender’s influence is evident in Turner-Smith’s growth as an actor. Watching him not only perform but also manage behind the scenes helped her develop a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring a project to life. Her admiration for Fassbender’s professionalism and talent speaks volumes about her dedication to learning and evolving within her craft.
The Challenges and Excitement of Playing a Secret Agent
In The Agency, Turner-Smith’s character, Sami, is a deep-cover agent—a role that requires a special kind of skill set and mindset. While Turner-Smith admits that she is unlikely to thrive in real-life espionage, she embraces the challenge of portraying a secret agent with vigor. “I put my all into everything I do. So if I chose that for my job, I would do it to the best of my ability. I would strive for greatness,” she says. However, she humorously notes that she would probably be “so anxious” in the role if it were real life.
Nevertheless, Turner-Smith’s commitment to her craft means that she fully immerses herself in the world of espionage, even if she doesn’t see herself as a natural secret agent. She recognizes the necessity of creativity and resourcefulness in the spy world, noting that “anything, [like] a stiletto or a phone, can be [a weapon] if you need it to be.” This adaptability is something she brings to her portrayal of Sami, adding depth and versatility to the character.
The Star-Studded Cast and the Influence of George Clooney
The Agency boasts a stellar cast that includes Turner-Smith, Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere, and Katherine Waterston, among others. But the influence behind the scenes is just as impressive. George Clooney, a long-time collaborator of many of the cast members, serves as an executive producer for the series. Although Turner-Smith never interacted with Clooney directly on set, she describes feeling his presence throughout the production. “We felt the love, we felt the energy, and we felt the dedication to what it is that we were doing,” she shares.
The dedication of the cast and crew, coupled with the visionary leadership of Clooney, helped elevate The Agency into a production where every participant felt valued and supported. Turner-Smith appreciates how Clooney’s involvement gave the show an added layer of authenticity and professionalism, which she believes ultimately enhances the work of everyone involved.
Paramount’s Commitment to Quality Over Quantity
Turner-Smith also praises the efforts of Paramount, the studio behind The Agency, for focusing on high-quality productions rather than simply churning out content. Unlike many studios that prioritize quantity over quality, Paramount is deeply invested in producing a select number of shows with genuine care and attention to detail. “That’s so affirming as a performer,” Turner-Smith says, emphasizing how much she values working with a studio that puts its heart, soul, and resources into every project.
This commitment to quality is something that resonates deeply with Turner-Smith, who appreciates working on shows that are crafted with passion and integrity. It’s clear that for her, being a part of The Agency is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful and impactful.
The Future of Jodie Turner-Smith’s Career
Jodie Turner-Smith’s unique approach to acting, marked by her willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace the complexities of human nature, has helped her carve out a successful and dynamic career. Whether playing a secret agent on The Agency or any of her other diverse roles, Turner-Smith’s philosophy of “not knowing anything” allows her to fully immerse herself in her characters, bringing authenticity and depth to every performance. As she continues to challenge herself and evolve as an artist, it’s clear that Turner-Smith’s star will only continue to rise.
FAQs:
1. Why does Jodie Turner-Smith approach every project as if she knows nothing? Jodie Turner-Smith believes that starting each project with a fresh mindset allows her to learn and grow with each role, ensuring authenticity and depth in her performances.
2. What is Jodie Turner-Smith’s role in The Agency? Turner-Smith plays Sami, a deep-cover agent in the espionage thriller series The Agency, where she explores the complexities of human experience across different backgrounds.
3. How did working with Michael Fassbender influence Turner-Smith’s acting? Working with Fassbender provided Turner-Smith with a master class in both acting and producing, significantly enhancing her craft through exposure to his professional techniques.
4. What did Jodie Turner-Smith learn from George Clooney’s involvement in The Agency? Though she didn’t interact directly with Clooney on set, Turner-Smith appreciated his executive production and felt his dedication, which added significant value and energy to the project.
5. How does Jodie Turner-Smith view her acting career? Turner-Smith approaches her acting career with a focus on learning and growing, emphasizing the importance of nuanced, human-centered portrayals in each of her roles.
