Actress Kate Siegel catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about her experiences working on the Netflix series The Fall of the House of Usher. The show, a love letter to Edgar Allan Poe’s work, delves into themes of privilege, wealth, and the necessity of pain. Kate revealed that the series explores the idea that without suffering, there can be no compassion or joy, emphasizing the importance of these emotions in a meaningful life.
During the actors' strike, which lasted over 180 days, Kate found herself turning to social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, to stay creatively engaged. She compares making self-tapes and videos during the strike to "masturbation as opposed to sex," emphasizing the need for creative expression even when traditional work is on hold. Despite the temporary shift in her creative outlets, Kate admitted that she enjoyed the process so much that she might continue making videos even after returning to acting.
Reflecting on her role in The Fall of the House of Usher, Kate mentioned how the show offered her a unique opportunity to play a “bad person”—something she found both challenging and liberating. Her character, Camille, is deeply flawed, embodying traits like narcissism, sociopathy, and hedonism, making her one of the most complex roles Kate has tackled. Despite Camille’s early exit from the series, Kate’s performance continues through haunting scenes as a ghost, allowing her to explore the character's darker dimensions.
Kate also discussed the dynamics of working with her husband, Mike Flanagan, the show’s creator. She emphasized that while on set, Mike is her boss, and she trusts him completely in guiding her roles. Their professional relationship is distinct from their personal life, where they enjoy playful, creative banter. This separation allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance, even when collaborating on intense projects.
The interview also touched on the show's production challenges, particularly the casting changes and reshoots involving Bruce Greenwood, who replaced Frank Langella midway through filming. Despite the upheaval, Kate praised Bruce’s professionalism and the positive atmosphere he brought to the set, reinforcing the importance of respect and camaraderie in creating a successful show.
In addition to her work on The Fall of the House of Usher, Kate briefly mentioned her involvement in The Life of Chuck, a new project based on a Stephen King short story. This marks a departure from the horror genre, offering a more life-affirming narrative in the style of classic Spielberg films. The project has recently wrapped and is now in post-production, with fans eagerly awaiting its release.
Watch the interview above and then check out the trailer below.
