Our Hollywood spotlight shines its light on the delicately beautiful, Joanna Going who has recently hypnotized audiences as the resolute “First Lady Tricia Walker” in the Emmy® nominated Netflix series, “House Of Cards” and returns to television this fall to reprise her starring role in DirecTV’s gritty, provocative and highly anticipated second season of “Kingdom.” Going plays hard-edged, drug addled, prostitute, “Christina Kulina,” the estranged wife of “Alvey Henderson” (Frank Grillo) and mother to “Jay and Nate” played by Nick Jonas (“The Jonas Brothers”) and Jonathan Tucker (“Parenthood”), set against the backdrop of a Mixed Martial Arts gym.
Growing up in Newport, Rhode Island, Joanna moved to New York where she graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and soon made her feature debut opposite Kevin Costner in 1994’s WYATT EARP. Other feature credits include RUNAWAY JURY based on the John Grisham novel, coming of age drama, INVENTING THE ABBOTTS opposite Billy Crudup, and STILL BREATHING opposite Brendan Fraser. A true beauty, this silver screen star is shining brightly and we spent some time with her to learn more about her success as a Hollywood celebrity. ( Images by Benjo Arwas)
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: How did you prepare for your role on KINGDOM?
JOANNA GOING: I really dug into the drug addiction and prostitution world of LA. I researched and watched a lot of YouTube videos. It is a very dark and difficult world to look into but once I step into the role, it becomes all her world, and I can walk away from it.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: What is the message behind the show?
JOANNA GOING: The show is about addictions, healthy or unhealthy, psychological, physical, or emotional addictions. The creator of the show wanted to delve into this world and discover what makes a person want to get into a cage and fight. My character is stunted in her youth. She took the wrong paths in life and we witness the negative consequences of her poor choices. It’s an exploration of all the raw and dark drives that people have.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: What is your opinion of “Hollywood”?
JOANNA GOING: It’s a necessary evil. There are 2 places you can be to have a career in this industry, New York or LA. “Hollywood” is conceptual ….It’s that Hollywood machine concept is that has always been overwhelming to me. There is definitely a difficult hustle for young people trying to make it in Hollywood.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: What’s the best part of the business for you?
JOANNA GOING: When I’m on the set and the camera is rolling.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: What’s the worst part of the business for you?
JOANNA GOING: Red carpet events. The getting dressed up is fun, but the need to schmooze is intimidating. I’m kind of shy and an introvert so I feel very awkward at the events.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: What are some of the trends taking place in the “Hollywood”?
JOANNA GOING: There are some very wonderful trends. There are a lot more celebrities standing up for social injustice and speaking out, especially with social media. It’s a great tool and it’s crazy that actors can have such power. I’m seeing so many actors using their voice in so many wonderful ways.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: What advice would you give to actors looking for success in the entertainment business?
JOANNA GOING: Have an education in the craft. A good basis of education in your craft is important to your success. I started in theater, and my drive was more because of the love of the craft and my own experience in the work itself. I highly recommend that pathway to getting involved in the business.
BEVERLY HILLS MAGAZINE: Have you discovered a personal purpose in what you do?
JOANNA GOING: That’s being a mother to my daughter, Stella.
Joanna currently resides in Los Angeles with her daughter, Stella, and devotes her rare free time doing yoga, advocating for Breast Cancer Awareness and walking her two rescue dogs, Australian Shepherd mix, Maisie, and a Maltipoo named Honey Bee. Become a fan of hers on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
