Answers with Joanna Going

Answer 1

On DirecTV's new series "Kingdom" you play Christina Kulina, a mother who abandons her family for the life of drugs and prostitution. The role is a major departure from your role as First Lady Tricia Walker on "House of Cards." What drew you to audition for the part?

I was drawn to audition for KINGDOM by the complexity of the characters and the original setting of the world of MMA - Mixed Martial Arts, which has a unique culture and code. I do not feel Christina CHOSE to abandon her family for a life of drugs and prostitution, but as she descended deeper into her addiction, it was the only route to survival she could see. I believe she felt she must protect her sons from herself. I was excited for the opportunity to explore a woman who is battling demons, inside and out, who is street-wise and unexpected, raw and inappropriate.

Answer 2

Saying Christina is complicated would be an understatement -- she's such a complex character. How did you even begin to prepare for the role of a mentally unstable prostitute addicted to drugs?

I researched prostitution, in Los Angeles, and other places - particularly the women who work the streets. Episodes of "John TV" that I found on YouTube were extremely helpful, as well as the intimate and harrowing photographs and memoirs of Scot Sothern. YouTube was also invaluable in my research of heroin addiction. There are in-depth documentaries available about heroin addiction, as well as many videos made by users and people going through detox. It is difficult stuff to watch, but I admire those who, even in the throes of addiction, are doing what they can to warn others against drugs. I also spoke to some addicts in recovery, and was able to run specific scenes by them, and ask questions about Christina's behavior in the scripts.

Answer 3

How would you describe Christina's relationship with her sons, Nate and Jay?

Christina and Jay have a very connected relationship, despite the fact that Christina has drifted in and out of the family over the years. They share a deep understanding and acceptance of each other. Jay remembers a healthy mom; I think that, for Christina, he is the only person on earth who sees that healthy person still in her, and connects her back to the person she once was. Nate is her lost child - the one that slipped out of her hands when he was a baby, when she could no longer cope with her life with Alvey, and succumbed to her mental illness and drug addiction. And yet, she sees right into him with her heart, and aches for the pain he is in. Nate is a challenge for Christina, and she longs to be recognized by him as a mother.

Answer 4

Is your character Christina "one of the weak or one of the strong"?

One of the themes of Kingdom is the challenge to the notion that you are either "one of the weak or one of the strong" - we are all both weak and strong, each in our own ways. Christina is damaged, and yet she is a Survivor; she may be world-weary, but she has earned a certain focused wisdom on her journey.

Answer 5

"Kingdom" clearly resonated with viewers as it was picked up for 20 more episodes just two episodes into the first season. Why do you think viewers took to the show so well?

I think KINGDOM engages the viewer with complex characters who surprise you from episode to episode. Nobody on the show is all "good" or all "bad"; they are each living on their own personal edge, seeking extremes in action and emotion. And who cannot relate to a messy family drama? And, of course, brutally buff guys with very little clothing on doesn't hurt.

Answer 6

How's "Kingdom" different from other dramas out there?

KINGDOM is set deep in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, which gives it a unique culture to draw from. Our entire production strives for authenticity in every way possible, from the sets, which you can practically smell, to the well-worn wardrobe, to the makeup (or lack of it) and plentiful tattoos. Our Director of Photography, Sid Sidell, has created such a rich look to the show, gorgeous and gritty; the camera-work is present and intimate, giving the viewer a voyeuristic experience.

Answer 7

Is it difficult to walk away at the end of the day after playing such an emotionally demanding character?

If I have done my job in a scene, did everything I wanted, nothing I didn't want, kept breathing, and left it all on the floor, it is not difficult to walk away. But that doesn't always happen, and I am hard on myself. Sometimes I feel like I just didn't get it... and then I will get in the car, turn up the music, and cry it out on the drive home. Luckily, my drive from set was a good 45 minutes to an hour on the highway - so that usually got it done. Very often it is not the big emotional scenes that wear you out, those are usually exhilarating; it'll be that little piece that you thought was no big deal, but demands great precision with props or hitting marks that'll make you want to close up shop and turn in your SAG card.

Answer 8

From playing a prostitute in "Kingdom" to the First Lady in "House of Cards," you have proven your versatility as an actress. Out of all the characters you've played so far throughout your career, who has been the most difficult?

I did three episodes of "Spin City" some years ago, and I found that to be very difficult - not so much the role itself, but the three-camera, live audience format. I've done theater, I've done film - but the MASH-up that is sitcom was mind-boggling to me. I was a bit star-struck by all of the hilarious and brilliantly quick-witted people in the cast, who were very kindly helping me along, but I was totally awkward and out of my element.

Answer 9

Were you a "House of Cards" fan before you were cast in season 2?

I was a huge "House of Card" fan from the moment it was released. Totally binged it, and told everyone I knew to watch it.

Answer 10

What was the audition process like for "House of Cards"?

My "House of Cards" audition was a self tape - I was emailed a scene, and my friend, Brooke Smith, played opposite me while her husband video recorded me on my iPhone in their living room. I sent the video off to casting, and shortly after that was told I had the part. I didn't really know the extent of the part at that time, but I was certainly pleased with what it turned out to be.