The White Lotus season 2 brought in a mostly new cast for its Italian getaway, and while there were familiar faces in actors like Tom Hollander, Aubrey Plaza and Theo James, it also introduced the wider world to the likes of Sabrina Impacciatore.
The actress had mostly done Italian cinema and a cameo in The Passion of the Christ before landing the role of hotel manager Valentina. Her scenes, especially the one in which she compared Jennifer Coolidge's Tanya McQuoid to Peppa Pig, were some of the show's most memorable.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress talked about how the show has changed her life, as well as her dramatic audition.
Related: White Lotus star Theo James explains why full-frontal nude scene was cut
"It was all beyond my expectations, but it definitely lived up to my dreams," she said.
"Being part of this project was a big, enormous chance for me. Because I was finally able to truly see things that, here in Italy, [otherwise] just wouldn’t be possible... I’ve often been in California, [but] after the first episode aired, everyone recognised me. I’ve become part of a real cultural phenomenon that is followed very passionately."
She added: "What I’ve experienced in the past few months has been truly powerful, powerful as well as spiritual. The support I’ve received has been incredible.
"I’m keeping my feet on the ground, |but] I’ve overcome countless challenges and faced many closed doors, I’ve suffered through many disappointments. Now that I have this chance, I want to make the best of it. And I intend to enjoy it."
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When her agent first told her about the audition, she said no as she hadn't seen the show and was working on a film.
Once she learned that creator Mike White was interested in casting her, she had to beg the people on her film to let her have the time off to meet him, and that's when the nerves set in.
"When I first read the script, I got scared again: It felt like I was supposed to replace Armond, played by Murray Bartlett [in season 1]," she explained.
"He’s one of the series’ most beloved characters. I felt like the super unpopular substitute teacher that has to sub for the super popular teacher. I didn’t sleep at all for five weeks."
A third season has been confirmed, and we've rounded up everything Mike White has said about it here.
The White Lotus is available to stream via Sky Go and NOW in the UK, and HBO Max in the US.
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