HANNAH ZEILE, FROM CHIPOTLE TO EMMYS: ABOUT 'THIS IS US,' DEALING WITH INSECURITIES, ACTING AND MUSIC

Actress Hannah Zeile who currently plays the teenage Kate Pearson in the critically-acclaimed television drama This Is Us spoke with us about her role in the show. We also chatted about her journey as an actor so far, and how important her character is especially in terms of shedding light into the universal themes of insecurity and abuse.

“Don’t give up opportunities or talk yourself out of things because you feel insecure. I’ve learned to acknowledge my insecurities and be aware that I have them, but pushed through and chased my goals anyway.” Zeile said.

In this exclusive interview, the actress also shared her journey from working to Chipotle to being part of This Is Us, the challenges of playing teenage Kate, navigating relatable yet universal human themes of abuse and insecurity, and creating original music.

PHOTOGRAPHY: VICTORIA INNOCENZI

How has being a part of This Is Us changed your life?

Being a part of this show has been the biggest blessing in my life and has changed my life in many ways. It gave me a community, a family, and something to be proud of. It has given me opportunities I never imagined to be possible. I am forever grateful for This Is Us.

STYLING: MEGHAN KUCICH, MAKEUP: COURTNEY HART, HAIR: SARA SEWARD, PHOTO ASST: JUSTIN ABSHER, PRODUCER: BRI MARANGA

How was it to film a show that jumps through different timelines as the story develops?

I think jumping through many timelines is really interesting and it’s what makes this show so unique. With other characters, you have to imagine their past or future to help create their full identity, but with this show my future is already written and played out so I get to fill in the blanks and be the missing puzzle pieces.

How would you describe Kate’s development throughout the seasons of the show?

I think Kate has always been empathetic and put others above herself while she silently struggles with her own insecurities. Before Jack dies, we see how strong their relationship is and how Jack is constantly combating Kate’s self-doubt and reminding her how special she is. After Jack’s death, we see Kate carry a lot of angst and anger towards her mother. In a more recent episode, Kate finally verbalizes her frustrations with Rebecca and although it was painful, I think that is the first step of healing and a foundation for them to build a stronger relationship.

LEFT: Top: ELIE TAHARI, Earrings: ROBERTO COIN, Ring: CIRARI, RIGHT: Top: BARUNI, Earrings: VTSE, Ring: VIANNA

What are the challenges of playing teenage Kate?

I think this role is challenging in general, but that’s what I love about it so much. It is so rewarding to have such demanding material that really pushes you as an actor. Kate has been through a lot of trauma with her house burning down, the death of her father, and a toxic relationship with her first real boyfriend, so embodying all that pain is challenging but it is what makes this role so important. 

Your character on the show just had a capsule episode. How was it to work with Justin Hartley as a director?

Working with Justin Hartley was one of my favorite experiences I’ve had while working on this show. He is a part of the show and knows the inner workings of the Pearson family, so he would give me a lot of things to think about during the scene that added so much depth. Also, because he is an actor himself, every directional note he gave was so insightful and so helpful.

What do you think is the most essential lesson that you’ve learned from being in the show for years? 

I think the most essential lesson I’ve learned through playing Kate is to realize that everyone has things they are insecure about and that’s okay, but it becomes a problem when you start letting those insecurities limit you. Don’t give up opportunities or talk yourself out of things because you feel insecure. I’ve learned to acknowledge my insecurities and be aware that I have them, but push through and chase my goals anyway.

Shirt: MALAN BRETON, Top: MANGANO, Pants: REBECCA VALLANCE, Shoes: NATURALIZER, Earrings: ROBERTO COIN, Bracelets & Ring: UNODE50, Ring: CIRARI

How was it to approach a character dealing with insecurities and dealt with an abusive relationship in the past?

Kate’s struggle with insecurity is extremely relatable and is definitely something I can identify with in this character. Due to the fact that she doesn’t value herself the way she should, she ends up letting a guy mistreat her. Although it was heartbreaking, I think it was a really important and impactful story. I received many messages from women saying they had been in a toxic relationship and Kate had helped them process through their own trauma. Knowing that the work we do is so meaningful to other people makes this show so very special.

Let’s talk about your acting journey so far. What inspired you to pursue the craft?

Every time I came home from a movie, I would then pretend to be a character from that movie for a day or two, so I feel like I was always drawn to the thought of “pretending” to be someone else. I received a “Hannah Montana” DVD set that included bonus features containing Miley Cyrus’ audition tape. Once I saw what an audition was, it felt more tangible, and I knew that I wanted do it. 

LEFT: MALAN BRETON, Top: MANGANO, Pants: NATURALIZER, Earrings: ROBERTO COIN, Bracelets & Ring: UNODE50, Ring: CIRARI, RIGHT: Top: BARUNI, Earrings: VTSE, Ring: VIANNA

Were you expecting to get the role prior to booking the role of young Kate?

I was a cashier at Chipotle when I booked This Is Us. I had taken a four-year break from acting because I wanted to focus on high school.  I was 18 and working as a cashier when I decided I wanted to start auditioning again because I wanted to make acting my full time career. This Is Us was my first audition, so to answer the question…no, I did not at all expect to book this role, but I thank God every day that I did.

Where do you see your current journey leading you to in the future?

I’ve really learned that the future is unpredictable and uncontrollable so it’s important for me to focus on the present and trust in God’s plan. I’ve been in the studio, working on a lot of original music lately which has been really fun. I would also love to do a film because it would be a whole new experience for me. I just want to continue to work hard and set goals for myself.

LEFT: Top: GAUGE81, Skirt: ELIE TAHARI, Coat: ELLIATT, Shoes: SEYCHELLES, Bracelets: PHILLIP GAVRIEL, Bracelet & Necklace: ROBERTO COIN, Earrings: UNODE50, Necklace: GABRIEL&CO, RIGHT: Suit: ELLIATT, Corset: PATTY ANG, Shoes: CHINESE LAUNDRY, Earrings & Ring: COS, Rings: TAMARA COMOLLI, Bracelets: UNOde50

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

If I were a book, I’d want it to be some sort of crime, murder mystery novel because I’m so fascinated with true crime. I’m always watching documentaries and listening to podcasts about it, so it seems fitting. I’ve also joked about writing an autobiography titled something like, “From Chipotle to the Emmys” which is a ridiculous and funny title but maybe one day it will happen, who knows?