How playing character “Shiv” has changed Aussie actor Sarah Snook’s life
Aussie actor Sarah Snook reveals what it’s like playing “Shiv” in TV drama series Succession. She likes “to watch the show just like my friends” – and here’s why you should give it a shot too.
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Australian actor Sarah Snook realised her role in TV drama Succession had entered pop culture last Halloween.
Snook saw photos of people dressed as her character Siobhan “Shiv” Roy.
“People had Shiv’s pants and haircut which was kind of weird. Now I can never wear paper-bag waisted pants again myself,” she said.
“I used to wear high-waisted pants. Now I’ve given them to Shiv and people are wearing them as Halloween costumes.”
Succession, based around media mogul Logan Roy and his ambitious family all gunning to take over the empire, has become an instant critical and commercial hit after launching in 2018.
“When I first read the script I thought ‘does the world really need to see more rich white men in business right now?” Snook said.
“I was worried it wouldn’t hit the right note or people would miss the point but it was great to see the response.”
Snook, who isolating in Melbourne and spent last weekend directing a project with friends, said people were discovering and bingeing Succession in lockdown.
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“My friend who just watched it for the first time was calling me after each episode for a debrief and I’m giving him a full behind the scenes rundown of what happened,” Snook said. “I love the show. I’m so proud of it. I want to watch the show just like my friends do because I don’t get to be there for some of the scenes, like when Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) and Greg (Nicholas Braun) have their little double act by themselves.”
While shooting on series three of Succession is on hold due to COVID-19, Snook is eager to return to filming in New York when possible.
“Shiv is so fun to play. She ducks and weaves from her own shadow. She’s not honest with herself. There’s so many defences going up all the time which makes her so complex,” she said.
“You can delve into the psychology of why she’s making that decision.
“The writers know Shiv so well – I don’t know what’s going to happen next but I can’t wait to find out.
“If this goes on for many more seasons, and I hope it does, what a fortunate position to be in.
“It’s as stimulating to be in as it is for an audience to watch. You’re challenged and you enjoy going to work, and being a part of that group, and feel like you’re growing as much as you’re contributing.”
Succession series one and two are now available on Binge.
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