Work in Progress: Susan Kelechi Watson
Work in Progress with Sophia Bush
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: Susan Kelechi Watson
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction
In the April 24, 2025 episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia Bush engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with acclaimed actress and advocate, Susan Kelechi Watson. Known for her compelling portrayal of Beth Pearson on NBC's This Is Us, Susan brings a wealth of experience from Broadway, film, and television to the discussion. This episode delves into Susan's journey in the entertainment industry, her commitment to authentic representation, and her latest project with Shondaland's The Residence.
Susan's Early Life and Passion for Acting
Susan Kelechi Watson reveals her deep-rooted passion for acting, tracing it back to her childhood. Reflecting on her early experiences, she shares:
"I knew from the time I was three that I wanted to do it. Three? Yeah. From the time I was three... I had a little talk with God and was like, what do you want to be? And I was like, I want to be an entertainer."
(04:19)
Her vivid memories of creating imaginary reality TV shows with her brothers in Brooklyn underscore a lifelong dedication to performance and storytelling.
Transition to Professional Acting
Susan discusses her formal education and the challenges she faced transitioning from aspiring actress to professional. Obtaining an MFA from NYU, she initially envisioned a swift ascent into notable projects, such as a Spike Lee film. However, reality set in as she navigated the competitive audition landscape:
"What I thought would be glorious wasn't as it actually turned out. The reality hit of being called in or not being called into auditions was humbling."
(15:19)
This period of perseverance and learning the industry's protocols was crucial in shaping her approach to her career.
Navigating the Industry
Susan emphasizes the importance of studying successful careers to inform her own journey. She explains her analytical approach to understanding what drives sustained success:
"I study the patterns and how people's careers go, what led to their success, and why they chose certain projects. It's about investing in myself and believing in my vision."
(18:05)
Her strategic mindset reflects a blend of passion and professionalism, enabling her to create opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Authentic Representation in "This Is Us"
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Susan's role as Beth Pearson in This Is Us. She discusses the intentionality behind representing black women authentically on screen:
"Beth is a compilation of so many different women in my life. She represents every woman, and I wanted to ensure that her portrayal was genuine and multi-dimensional."
(31:49)
Susan highlights the importance of subtle character details, such as Beth's hair changes, which served as a form of authentic storytelling:
"I understood the effect that changing her hair would have on viewers. It was part of keeping her character true to life and resonating with the audience."
(37:22)
This commitment to authenticity not only enriched the character but also provided representation that many viewers could identify with.
Joining Shondaland’s "The Residence"
Transitioning to her latest project, Susan shares her excitement about joining Shondaland's The Residence. She describes the collaborative and supportive environment that facilitated her creative process:
"Meeting with Betsy Beers and Paul William Davies was incredible. Their team is inspiring, and they lift people up in their journeys as writers and actors."
(48:04)
Susan praises the meticulous set design, likening it to a precise replica of the White House, which added depth and realism to the show:
"The set was an exact copy of the White House, down to the square footage. It truly immersed me in the role."
(56:10)
Her seamless integration into the Shondaland team underscores her adaptability and dedication to her craft.
Lessons on Inspiration and Authenticity
Throughout the episode, Susan imparts valuable lessons on maintaining authenticity and drawing inspiration from others' successes. She advocates for replacing envy with motivation:
"Envy is a wasted emotion. Instead, get inspired by others and let their successes ignite your own creativity."
(24:03)
Susan encourages individuals to identify their unique strengths and embrace their authentic selves:
"Find your superpower and lean into it. You bring something valuable to the table just by being you."
(26:33)
These insights reflect her belief in the collective strength of the creative community and the importance of personal authenticity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Work in Progress
As the conversation wraps up, Susan shares her aspirations and ongoing work:
"Be brave, be bold. Face what comes with courage and step out confidently. That's my work in progress for the coming year."
(59:14)
Sophia Bush and Susan Kelechi Watson conclude the episode with mutual appreciation and a shared enthusiasm for future collaborations, embodying the episode's central theme—that of being both a masterpiece and a work in progress.
Key Takeaways
- Early Passion: Susan's lifelong dedication to acting began in childhood, fostering a deep commitment to her craft.
- Career Navigation: Persisting through initial setbacks, Susan strategically studied successful careers to inform her own path.
- Authentic Representation: Her role in This Is Us underscores the importance of authentic, multi-dimensional portrayals of black women.
- Collaborative Success: Joining Shondaland's The Residence highlights the value of supportive and creative production environments.
- Inspiration Over Envy: Susan advocates for drawing inspiration from others' successes while maintaining one's unique authenticity.
- Ongoing Growth: Embracing bravery and boldness as continuous aspects of personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes
"Beth is a compilation of so many different women in my life. She represents every woman, and I wanted to ensure that her portrayal was genuine and multi-dimensional."
[31:49]
"Envy is a wasted emotion. Instead, get inspired by others and let their successes ignite your own creativity."
[24:03]
"Be brave, be bold. Face what comes with courage and step out confidently. That's my work in progress for the coming year."
[59:14]
This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers an inspiring look into Susan Kelechi Watson's journey, emphasizing the balance between striving for excellence and embracing ongoing personal growth. Her candid reflections provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating their own path in the creative industries.