HH Spotlight: Justine Cotsonas, Actress for ABC Pilot "Gotham"
With a "vixen" role in the ABC pilot, Gotham, Justine Cotsonas, is crossing her fingers for the chance of a lifetime– a potential TV series which she describes as “[...] awesome, and all about the magical side of New York City.” Working alongside some of the top names in the industry, you may have spotted Cotsonas as Sofie Duran in As The World Turns, in an episode of the long running CBS sitcom The Good Wife, or in Showtime's Nurse Jackie.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Cotsonas pursued acting at New York University, and admits, "New York is my heart; I'll always be an East Coast girl." But, NYU was later on, as it was Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady that surfaced Cotsonas's passion for acting at a very young age. "[...] I'd have to say, it was Christmas when I was eleven years old, and my mother gave me a VHS of My Fair Lady. There was Audrey, and that was that," she reminisces.
Cotsonas has had the honor of working alongside actors, such as Sharon Stone, Danny Glover, and Peter Facinelli, to name a few. “I also did this project opposite George Clooney that will never ever see the light of day and I’m not supposed to talk about it anyway, so take from that what you will.”
In 2010, Cotsonas landed the distinguished role of Maggie on Last Night, a 2010 movie starring Keira Knightley, Eva Mendes, and Sam Worthington. “Keira is a dream; she’s beautiful inside and out, so sweet and down-to-earth, and easy to work with. I enjoyed my time with her,” Cotsonas boasts.
Now, with two films in postproduction, Rhymes with Banana and Children of the Unconscious, Cotsonas plans to continue acting in various short films, such as one called By the Sea with Eric Reis and Elizabeth Masucci, as well as produce some of her own script-writing, all-the-while “[...] waiting to find out the fate of Gotham. Crossing [her] fingers!”
Tell us more about your part in the upcoming TV series, Gotham.
I’m a raven-haired, red-lipped vixen who gets to run around in stilettos and wield a switchblade! I don’t want to give too much away, but I might be a bit magical, too.
What advice can you give based on your experience in auditioning?
[...] People in charge have a certain idea in their heads, and you, as an actor, are subject to that idea. You have no control over your audition except for the quality of your work and how you present yourself. Do your best, forget the rest.
I’ve had many over the years– Ophelia, Eponine, Elizabeth Bathory. Right now, it’s probably Julia from George Orwell’s 1984. I had the brilliant idea in high school that I should play Julia opposite Gary Oldman as Winston Smith. It’s such a shame Gary Oldman never played that part. That’s my dream role for him.
Tell us about your fashion sense; what is your personal style like?
My style can be sort of eclectic, because I love vintage looks from several decades– anything that feels classic, classy and comfy. I love high waistlines and Peter Pan collars, but I also love boyfriend jeans and big sweaters. I used to say I was born in the wrong decade, but I’ve learned to embrace the 'here and now.' We have the freedom to wear anything that inspires us– that’s especially true for New York City.
Do you think the characters you play influence your sense of style?
My characters don’t really influence my personal style because they’re characters and I’m me (though I did take home a fair amount of my wardrobe when I left As the World Turns). I like playing roles different from myself. I always, always, always take away new makeup tips from every set, though.
What do you think is the most important quality to have when working as an actress in NYC?
I believe, above all, in passion and sincerity in all things. But, perseverance and a positive outlook are important too. And thick skin!
-Interviewed by Samantha Burkett
