Susie Abromeit
Susie Abromeit, an actress, has vast experience in both film and television. Some of her early projects include roles on “Burn Notice,” “Sex Drive,” “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell,” and “One Tree Hill.” Since then, she has continued to gain recognition for her work on series and films such as "The Haves and the Have Nots,” “Devious Maids,” “The Forever Purge,” her role as Zoe Roth on “Chicago Med,” and Pam on the Marvel series “Jessica Jones.” More recently she played Robin Finn in the Venus and Serena Williams biopic, “King Richard,” and will star as Amelia Hart in “Love in Bloom.”
What can you tell us about your new film “Love In Bloom.” How would you describe your character?
I had a blast filming with this team in Australia. My character Amelia is definitely part of me, although we are slightly different; she’s more put together and practical, while I’m bit quirkier and freer, which is ultimately who she grows into on her journey of discovery. She’s able to let more of her hair down and be who she’s meant to be. She’s definitely learning to reclaim herself and her own power, which she seems to find in Australia along with love. Love is what helps her blossom. I think that as we are collectively on the journey of discovery and self-love, we find ourselves becoming more of who we really are.
What genre do you enjoy most when it comes to your work— drama, romance, or comedy? I love them both and couldn’t possibly decide. I think ideally I would love to do dramady or a drama with lots of comedy in it. When I look at one my favorite films, like “Braveheart,” there’s so much humor, comedy, horror, profound beauty, tragedy, poetry, love, sadness, action, and adventure. it’s honestly a perfect film to me. Doing an epic film like that would be the dream.
How do you typically prepare for projects and roles?
I use my imagination and try to work with my co-stars and directors as much as possible. Through that collaborative process we find the characters together. I go home and do my homework as well where I imagine the character’s life and spend a lot of time on who they are as a person and why they think the way they think.
Is one genre more difficult for you than the other?
It’s all a different color of storytelling. I think I am just painting with different colors each time. It’s just life and we are recreating and stepping into someone’s shoes each time. And there’s always a new story to tell.
You were once a nationally ranked tennis player and played on the Division 1 team during your time at Duke University. Has this lived experience helped you in your work as an actress in any way?
Absolutely. It’s given me so many useful tools like discipline, being professional--working really hard even when it hurts or I don’t feel well. If I’m exhausted, or if I’m sick, or if I’m in extreme pain I’m able to work through that because I’ve done it time and time again before.
Did you grow up acting alongside playing tennis, or was acting a passion you discovered later? Did your train or study for it, at all?
I did study it briefly because I was drawn to the arts since I was 5. My mom and teachers encouraged me to pursue the arts, and so my mom put me in an arts camp where there were lots of acting, painting, building sets, etc. It was there where I discovered my calling. It wasn’t until college when I started to pursue it full-time.
Why are you passionate about acting and what keeps you engaged with it and wanting to work in the profession?
Art is way of life and it’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. It’s a constant way to reflect on ourselves and our relationship with each other, and it’s my calling in life. It’s a form of expression and I think done right in the most beautiful way to achieve the highest good; it’s the most noble thing for which we can aim. I want to continue to refine that aim and tell powerful, amazing, heroic stories that allow me to grow spiritually through love, wisdom, and gratitude. From there I can in turn shower love, gratitude, light, and wisdom to Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.
What else are you passionate about outside of acting?
My family and friends, who are so important to me. I’ve recently moved to Utah and I love it because I get to connect with pure nature. I’m learning to ride horses again and it’s beautiful to connect with animals that way. They really are magical, majestic creatures. In addition to that, writing and telling stories are also so important to me, which I love doing. Learning as much as I can, listening to books in the car or podcasts—all things I love so much. I’m so fascinated and curious about the world and there’s so much to discover. Also, now that I live in Utah, I’m very active. Working out and skiing is really great for me spiritually.
Do you work in any other art forms or mediums?
Conversation is an art form, and that’s a constant one for me. Also, various athletic sports are art forms. I’m definitely trying to cultivate to move my body better, be more efficient, and be stronger and fitter. Cultivating my relationship with God/the universe/and mediation is also an art form for me. I’m also writing and creating more shows/ projects with some really amazing, exciting people that I will be able to reveal very soon.
If you could talk to your younger self at the start of your career, what advice would you give her?
Be kinder to yourself. Listen to your intuition and God more in order to avoid lots of unnecessary problems. Be selective with your energy. Be around people who are great for you, great influences on you--people who can be there when things are terrible and cheer you on when things are going great. Don’t beat yourself up, just learn the lesson. Remember who you are.
What are your socials?
Instagram: @SusieAbromeit
Twitter: @SusieAbromeit
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Susie Abromeit
Fashion Stylist: Sophia Rahimi
Hair & Makeup: Cat Sherwin
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine