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I recently had an amazing chance to interview actress Taylor Schilling who plays Nurse Veronica Callahan in an upcoming NBC TV series “Mercy“. There are two other nurses in “Mercy”: Chloe Payne played by Michelle Trachtenberg, and  Sonia Jimenez played by Jaime Lee Kirchner.

Schilling made her debut on the big screen in the role of Jackie in the First Independent Pictures film “Dark Matter,” which co-starred Meryl Streep. The film, inspired by actual events, follows the journey of an ambitious Chinese scientist working towards his Ph.D. in America, only to be marginalized to the extent that he ultimately loses his way.

“Mercy” premieres Wednesday September 23RD 8/7c. 

Taylor Schilling

In this interview Taylor Schilling talks to Marta Walsh about her beginnings in the acting world. What attracted her to Veronica’s character on the new NBC show “Mercy”. Taylor even shares with us some of her beauty secrets and her future plans.

“Mercy” stars from left: Michelle Trachtenberg, Taylor Schilling, and Jaime Lee Kirchner

Marta Walsh: How did you decide on a career in acting, and what were some of your first breaks as an actress?
Taylor Schilling: I have wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember…I studied acting in undergraduate and graduate school in NYC. Was only a year ago but seems like forever!

MW: What attracted you to Veronica’s character on the new NBC show “Mercy”?
TS: I suspect on some level, everyone has experienced a life changing event that has left them feeling like a fish out of water back home. Veronica is trying to navigate through that feeling in her relationships, at work, with her family and friends…everywhere. She makes mistakes. She’s flawed and she’s raw. I appreciate her vulnerability and ferocity, her compassion and desire to do the right thing.

Watch “Mercy” trailer here:

MW: How was it working on “Mercy” set with your director and your co-stars?
TS: We have a great time! Lots of laughing and stupid jokes.

MW: Which other film genres do you enjoy most playing, and what would be your dream acting role?
TS: I like have no idea what my dream role would be…but this one is pretty fantastic!

MW: What is next for Taylor Schilling?
TS: Hopefully ‘Mercy’ for a while….

Taylor Schilling’s  Beauty Secrets:

I keep my hair beautiful thanks to…
I use a lot of framesi products on my hair. My colorist introduced me. I don’t know how they do it, but they keep my fine hair pretty healthy

My favorite skincare products are…
I love Neutrogena and Yonka stuff for my skin. But I use a lot of different stuff…

I get my eyelashes looking long, full, and sexy using…
An eyelash curler!

Taylor Schilling third from right with “Mercy” co-stars: Michelle Trachtenberg, James Tupper, Guillermo Diaz, James LeGros,Jaime Lee Kirchner.

The best lip-gloss I ever owned…
Whatever lipgloss happens to be in my purse is my favorite! Right now it’s Stila.

What’s in your makeup bag…
Concealer, mascara, eyeliner, lipgloss and some blush…

My number one beauty secret is…
Sleep! I feel most beautiful when I’m rested. And after a yoga class.

The celebrity I find most beautiful is…
Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet– women who seem comfortable and confident in their own skin.

The city I love the most…
I’d have to say New york! I’ve been here for a while, but this city never ceases to surprise me. I still feel like I just got here…

One or two things some people may not know about Taylor Schilling…
I’m always getting into something new… then most likely dropping it, but the intention is there. I just went through a period of really wanting to learn sign language. I still do. Hopefully some are in the near future…

It was a pleasure interviewing Taylor Schilling. Make sure to watch “Mercy” Wednesday September 23RD 8/7c. For more information visit: “Mercy” NBC Site www.nbc.com/mercy