Kathleen Robertson has never been one to sit still for long. From starting out as an actor in Canada at age 10, to building a career that now includes acting, writing, producing and showrunning, she has always followed her curiosity wherever it has led. With Reacher keeping her in front of the camera, and new projects taking shape behind it, Robertson is still doing what she does best: trusting her instincts, taking creative risks, and looking to see what’s around the next corner. Plus, finding a hotel room with a bathtub.
The Overhead Compartment with Kathleen Robertson starts now….
OC: You’ve had such a fascinating journey—from acting as a child to Beverly Hills, 90210, Murder in the First, Northern Rescue and The Expanse. When you look back, what plan did you have for your career and how did these opportunities guide your journey?
KR: My plan has always been to follow my instincts and my taste. I do things that intrigue me. I’m constantly moving the goal post in terms of what’s next.
OC: You’ve successfully made the transition from actor to writer, producer and showrunner. When did you realize you wanted to have a bigger hand in creating the stories you were telling?
KR: I think it was during the filming of “Boss” where I really made the decision that I wasn’t going to just continue to write things as a hobby, but that I was actually going to really put things in motion and bet on myself. My dream as a young girl was always to be an actor and then once I accomplished that and felt that I had really explored so many interesting roles and opportunities. The natural progression felt like writing and then showrunning.
OC: Swimming with Sharks gave you the opportunity to write, produce, showrun and star in your own series. What did you learn from wearing all those hats that you’re bringing to your next project, Blessed Sacrament?
KR: “Swimming With Sharks” was my first show as a creator/showrunner and I wrote every episode. I learned so much I realized the elements that were effortless for me and the areas that were more challenging. It’s all a growth experience and a learning experience. Every job you work on you’re realizing different things about yourself.
OC: Do you find being behind the camera more challenging—or more rewarding—to creating the role you want to play?
KR: It’s hard to answer because it’s quite complex. There are aspects to writing especially in the early days where you haven’t gotten to the stage where you’re rewriting, which is really the biggest part of the job of being a writer – rewriting and addressing people’s notes that are incredibly creatively fulfilling. Where you have an idea and you just create it before everybody gets to touch it and tell you what they don’t like about it or what they find confusing or what you need to clarify. LOL.
Conversely, being an actor can also be incredibly fulfilling. The simplicity of only having to focus on this one piece of the puzzle, this one character’s perspective, their journey, and how they see the world. I love acting and I will probably always do it. I really love both.
OC: What message would you give aspiring young actors looking to break into the business?
KR: Advice for new actors? Make sure you really really really really really really wanna do it and that you’re doing it for the right reasons. And then work your ass off. The rejection is next level so you have to build an incredible work ethic and a very, very thick skin.
OC: You’re now joining Reacher, one of television’s most popular shows. What attracted you to Elsbeth Sampson and what was it like stepping into such an established and passionate fan base?
KR: “Reacher” has been so much fun. People absolutely love this show. I think I knew that going into it, but maybe didn’t realize to the extent of how obsessed people really are with the show. It’s always fun to be a part of something that people love.
OC: What was it actually like working opposite someone who makes almost everyone else look small!?
KR: I assume you were referring to Mr. Alan? LOL. He has a very strong undeniable presence. But I was happy to go toe to toe to with him. He’s the sweetest, funniest, most self-deprecating guy. An absolute joy to work with.
OC: After so many years in this business, what still excites you about walking onto a set for the first day of a new project?
KR: Oh wow, I still get so excited about all of it. Which I guess is a good sign. I’m always excited to find the character, pick the wardrobe, collaborate and meet incredible artists. It’s also mind-blowing to watch other actors say dialogue that you wrote. Not sure that will ever get old.
OC: You’ve been traveling for work for much of your life. Do you have a favorite city that you never get tired of returning to?
KR: Hmmmmmm…Los Angeles will always be in my heart. Carmel, California is where my husband was born and you won’t find anywhere else on the planet more jaw-droppingly beautiful. That, and Big Sur.
OC: First thing you do when you arrive at your hotel room?
KR: Run a bath. It’s getting harder to find rooms with bathtubs because I suppose they are not for everyone?? I am a huge bath taker. I take probably three a day mainly just to decompress.
OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without:
KR: My glasses. 👓
Kathleen Robertson, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!
