The television show "The Killing," based on the Danish series "Forbrydelsen," has captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and complex character development. While the plot twists and atmospheric setting of Seattle are often the main draws, the cast members have their own intriguing stories. Here are ten surprising facts about the cast of The Killing Season Three:
1. Mireille Enos: The Reluctant Actress π
Mireille Enos, who plays the stoic Detective Sarah Linden, actually considered a career in theater teaching before deciding to pursue acting. Her journey into acting was not straightforward; she was initially intimidated by the profession:
- Enos was born into a family with no direct ties to the entertainment industry.
- She attended college for an unrelated field before an epiphany led her to audition for the prestigious theater program at the University of North Carolina.
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Her unique path has shaped her approach to characters, making her performance as Linden all the more compelling.
2. Joel Kinnaman: From Swedish Soap to Hollywood π¬
Joel Kinnaman, known for playing Stephen Holder, had a humble beginning in the acting world:
- He got his start on a Swedish soap opera titled "Vita lΓΆgner" which translates to "White Lies."
- His transition to Hollywood was driven by his dream to work in both Swedish and American cinema, showcasing his versatility.
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<p class="pro-note">π Note: Kinnaman's international background has often led to him reprising his roles in both languages, enriching his career with a unique bilingual appeal.</p>
3. Peter Sarsgaard: An Unconventional Villain πΌ
Peter Sarsgaard, who portrayed Ray Seward, is known for his nuanced performances. However, his role in The Killing was particularly intense:
- Before taking on Seward, Sarsgaard was known for roles in movies that garnered critical acclaim rather than box office hits.
- His portrayal of the incarcerated death row inmate was a stark departure from his usual screen personas, showcasing his range as an actor.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Peter Sarsgaard in The Killing" alt="Peter Sarsgaard as Ray Seward"> </div>
4. Elias Koteas: The Versatile Villain π¦Έ
Elias Koteas, who plays James Skinner, has an extensive background in theater:
- Koteas attended the famed Actors Studio, where he honed his craft under legends like Al Pacino.
- His performance in "The Killing" required him to tap into darker facets of his acting range, something he credits his theater background for.
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5. Joan Allen: A Career Resurgence π
Joan Allen, who joined The Killing as Margie Olmstead, was once a highly sought-after actress:
- Allen took a break from acting to focus on her family but came back strong with this role, proving her enduring talent.
- Her ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters in The Killing was critically praised.
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6. Bex Taylor-Klaus: Breaking Stereotypes π³οΈβπ
Bex Taylor-Klaus, who plays Bullet, is known for challenging gender norms:
- They identify as non-binary and have become an advocate for queer representation in media.
- Their character, Bullet, was instrumental in portraying a diverse narrative in The Killing, resonating with many viewers.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Bex Taylor-Klaus in The Killing" alt="Bex Taylor-Klaus as Bullet"> </div>
7. Gregg Henry: From Film to TV and Back π½οΈ
Gregg Henry, who played Carl Reddick, has had a diverse career:
- Known for his villainous roles in films, his foray into television was an opportunity to showcase a different side of his acting prowess.
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8. Jamie Anne Allman: The Multi-Talented Artist π¨
Jamie Anne Allman, portraying Terry Marek, is not just an actress:
- Allman is also a painter and photographer, showcasing her talents in several exhibitions across the country.
- Her creative background influenced her portrayal of the troubled Terry, bringing depth to the character.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Jamie Anne Allman" alt="Jamie Anne Allman Headshot"> </div>
9. Amy Seimetz: The Filmmaker Turned Actor π₯
Amy Seimetz, who played Danette Leeds, began her career behind the camera:
- She has directed and written indie films that have garnered attention at film festivals, showing her multifaceted talent.
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10. The Voice Behind The Killing π
While not a cast member per se, the show's voiceover narration by Raymond Benson adds a unique layer to the storytelling:
- Benson, who has written extensively for the James Bond series, lent his voice to set the tone for each episode, adding a gritty, narrative edge.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Raymond Benson voiceover" alt="Raymond Benson Headshot"> </div>
The cast of The Killing Season Three is a blend of seasoned actors with diverse backgrounds, from film and theater to television, and even behind-the-scenes creators. Their personal journeys and career choices bring an unexpected richness to the show, making their performances all the more memorable.
As we look back at these fascinating facts, it becomes clear that the world of The Killing is enriched not just by its narrative but by the depth and diversity of its actors. From Mireille Enos' unexpected acting career to Bex Taylor-Klaus' commitment to representation, each cast member adds a unique flavor to the series. Their experiences and talents not only breathe life into their characters but also contribute to the nuanced storytelling that fans love about the show.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What other notable roles has Mireille Enos played?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Mireille Enos has also starred in HBO's "Big Love," the drama "World War Z" with Brad Pitt, and the film "If I Stay."</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did any cast members of "The Killing" have direct ties to the original Danish series?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Interestingly, Joel Kinnaman actually auditioned for a role in the original Danish version of the show before landing his role in the American adaptation.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Was there any overlap with the original Danish cast?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While none of the Danish actors directly reprised their roles in the American version, they have influenced the casting choices, with some characters drawing inspiration from their counterparts in "Forbrydelsen."</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>