Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our “Inspiring Women” series, with this exclusive interview with Connie Giordano, star of “Mare of Easttown”.
Connie Giordano, a Pennsylvania native who was born in Springfield and currently lives near Philadelphia, is starring in HBO’s hit series “Mare of Easttown.”
Giordano can currently be seen in the role of Patty DelRasso in this drama series, which was filmed in the Philadelphia suburbs.The show chronicles the dark side of a close-knit community and how past tragedies can continue to define the present.
Patty is a nurse and restaurant owner who was one of Mare’s high-school basketball teammates. The all-star cast includes Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, Sosie Bacon, Jean Smart, Guy Pearce and Evan Peters just to name a few. The series is airing now on HBO and HBO Max. You can watch the trailer which features Giordano here.
In addition to this role, Giordano has starred in the indie films “Mr. Hush,” “The Lobster Wars” and “A Distant Society,” as well as appearing in a number of Off Broadway productions, such as “How to Go Out On A Date in Queens,” “The House of Blue Leaves”, “And Baby Makes Seven”, “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”, “Night of Christopher Durang”, “The Legend of Robin Hood, A Musical“ and a number of regional productions in the Philadelphia area.
Take a read of this interview with Connie Giordano and find out what inspires her and more about her role in Mare of Easttown.
Exclusive interview with Connie Giordano, star of “Mare of Easttown”
What first inspired you to consider an acting career and how did you first get your start ?
I’ve been performing since I was a child, school plays, community theatre, talent shows. I remember seeing a production of The King and I, with Yul Brenner, in Philadelphia, when I was about 8 or 9, and I was mesmerized. I think that was it. So at the end of my undergrad, I knew I wanted to move to NY and become an actress.
Who or what was your greatest inspiration in pursuing a career in acting?
My father. He always said to me, “do what you love.” I think he gave me the confidence to pursue it with his encouragement.
Can you tell us a little more about your role in Mare of Easttown and your character in this drama?
I play Patty DelRasso, mother of Breanna and wife to Tony. We own a restaurant, DelRasso’s. I play the high-school friend and basketball team-mate to Mare Sheehan, the lead character. My daughter in the story is caught up in the mystery in the story.
What was it that attracted you to this role?
HBO, I’ve always been a fan of HBO’s breadth of entertainment. Some of my favorite shows are from HBO. Also, Kate Winslet, of course, I’ve always admired her work. And I just loved the story. Who doesn’t like a good mystery!
How is the role of Patty DelRasso similar, or different, from roles you’ve played in the past?
Well, I’ve never played a role so close to home, literally! It’s a first to play a character who is from the same town I am from! I played the ingenue for many years. I’ve been blessed with some wonderful roles that Marilyn Monroe, Kim Hunter, and Judy Holiday have played, among others. I have a lot of blonde wigs! But as I get a little older, I’m starting to be cast in more mature roles, mother roles. That’s ok too. There’s a lot of excellent material out there!
The series was filmed in the Philadelphia suburbs. How did you enjoy filming so close to home?
Loved it! Talk about a great commute! That is very rare, almost unheard of, and I appreciated every minute of it!
How do you rise above the pressures of the industry when it comes to the acceptance of certain jobs and staying true to your image?
It can be challenging, but I have faith that if I pass on a role, it’s because it wasn’t for me, it was meant for someone else, and I believe I’ll be blessed with another opportunity.
This series is all about representing and empowering dynamic women everywhere; can you recall a particular moment in the last year that influenced your growth and evolution as a woman?
Surely. Covid was difficult, with the lockdowns and the lack of work, it’s humbling, and you have to find ways to grow still, which I think I did. I did everything from learning new cooking skills to virtually meeting new casting directors to learn Italian, which is more complex than you think by yourself!
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives today. Can you tell us what the most significant challenges you are facing in your career during this pandemic are? And how are you overcoming them?
Auditions pretty much shut down. They are just starting to open back up. I was very grateful the show finished because a lot of shows never came back. We did have to go on hiatus for about six months, but HBO managed it very well. I’m focusing on my family and friends, staying active, and working as much as possible. I think it will get back to normal soon, God willing!
On a more personal level, can you share your strategies about staying calm and sane during these difficult times?
I pray a lot. I exercise. I keep the faith.
What has been the biggest challenge/ hurdle you have faced so far?
The waiting! I’ve been acting for a very long time, and it’s challenging waiting for projects to happen, waiting for the next opportunity, etc. It’s a lifelong journey, and I accepted that a long time ago. But it’s still challenging!
What has been your biggest milestone/achievement so far?
Mare of Easttown for television. Working at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia for stage, I understudied for Good People. It was a thrill to be at such a prestigious theater.
What do you want to be known for in your life and career?
I’d like to be known for my faith, my generosity, and my talent.
What are your aspirations for the future? Where would you like to see yourself five years from now, and are there any imminent plans that you’d like to share?
I’d like to be working in all three mediums of entertainment, full time. I am a storyteller. To work at it full-time has always been my dream. I’ll be sure to share when I’m able!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us today, Connie?
I’d just tell young actors today, never, ever give up.
You can find Connie here and follow her on Instagram
I hope you enjoyed this inspiring interview with Connie Giordano, and if so, you can have a look here for more of our inspiring women features.
Image Credits : Photographer: Ken Volpe: www.transposure.com
Mare of Easttown has been in my queue for ages and I need to start watching this series! Loved reading this interview! Connie is so inspiring!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks Jill! Connie was really great to interview! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Never, ever give up!
Good advice! Always persevere! xo
You find such wonderful women to interview Julia. How do you find them all??
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie! Often I find these amazing ladies through Instagram! xoxo
Amazing interview ❤ I agree- people shouldn’t give up ❤
Thanks Kinga! So glad you enjoyed the interview x
Loved reading this! Great interview!
Thanks Laura x
I always find it inspiring to read interviews with strong women! Thank you for sharing.
lots of love, Miri
So glad you found it inspiring Miri x
Connie is so awesome! Great feature!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
So glad you enjoyed the feature, Ashley xo
What a fun interview to read!
So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Beautiful interview! I’m loving this series!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks Lovely! I’m so glad to hear that xoxo
Such an insightful interview. Love the way you are explaining everything in detail.
Thank you so much for this amazing interview.
So glad you found it insightful, Mariann xo
Such a great interview! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Thank you Shauna! I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview x
What an interesting interview, Connie has had quite the varied life and career and that must be something to play a role and to film in the town you grew up in wow. My friend my Philly was visiting and spoke a lot her and her mothers upbrings in the Philly area I bet she would love this series. And I love how she kept herself busy durinG COVID. Great review!
So glad you enjoyed the review, Allie! I agree that it must be quite an experience to film in the town you grew up in xo
Thank you for sharing this amazing woman! She is so inspiring. I’ve heard so much about this show. Need to check it out!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Kathrine! Let me know what you think of the show! 🙂
Julia,
Thank you for bringing such an inspired post and an even inspiring interview with an incredible woman who didn’t deter from pursuing what she believed in.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Hasin. I really love sharing motivational and inspiring stories x