Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, actor and producer, joins Fresh Air to discuss her roles that explore themes of identity, control, and public versus private struggles. Thompson details her preparation for her role as a news anchor in "His & Hers," including shadowing Atlanta-based anchors to understand the competitive dynamics of the industry. She also discusses her role in "Hedda," noting how casting a Black woman adds layers to the character's rage and societal constraints, drawing inspiration from her grandmothers' experiences with societal expectations and limitations. Thompson reflects on the influence of her parents, particularly her father's love for filmmaking and her mother’s support in embracing her identity.