Even the most diabolical characters have a moment in their journey that leads them to become who we love to hate.
On September 18, show producer Ryan Murphy and actress Sarah Paulson deliver to us that exact moment for one of cinema’s most iconic villains, Nurse Mildred Ratched. Originally portrayed by Louise Fletcher in 1962’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, this specific character has become infamous with the horrors of a mental hospital. Now, Sarah Paulson takes on the role supported by a cast with their own iconic legacy. One cast member being Annie Starke, daughter of legendary actress Glenn Close.
Starke has been making a name for herself turning out incredible performances in projects such as Albert Nobbs and The Wife, also starring her mother, Glenn Close. In Ratched, Starke takes on a new character whose story is very important.
Photography by Aña Monique
“It’s essential! We’re not gonna go back to the times when characters like this didn’t exist on TV,” Starke shared. Starke goes into detail about the importance of showcasing how marginalized communities were treated in the show’s time period. “First of all it hits you right in the chest when you get to play a character that experiences what my character does.” For Starke, this character gives a glimpse into the horrors of what was considered mental illness.
As she continues her journey into filmmaking, Annie Starke has more than just the acting bug. She also has dreams of producing and experiencing her own creativity in storytelling. “I would love to produce. I have so many ideas and there are so many projects that I’m like ‘Oh my god I need to do this.’”
There’s a bright future for actress and creative Annie Starke. Check out our exclusive chat above!
