Katy O’Brian’s life is as fascinating as the stories she brings to life on screen.
Her experiences range from the extraordinary to the bizarre, such as finding a used condom in a grimy back alley in New Mexico while filming her intense romantic thriller, “Love Lies Bleeding.” More significantly, O’Brian, a queer woman from the Midwest, finds herself on the brink of a life-changing moment, much like the strong character she portrays.
“Everything’s weird,” O’Brian remarks, having recently received thrilling, top-secret news about her rapidly advancing career. From supporting roles in TV shows like “Z Nation” and “The Mandalorian,” she has catapulted to starring opposite Kristen Stewart in a gripping neo-noir film. “It feels a bit like I’m living in a simulation,” she adds.
At 35, the Indianapolis native is making waves with her standout performance in Rose Glass’ “Love Lies Bleeding,” now showing in theaters. She plays Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder from Oklahoma who navigates through 1980s New Mexico en route to a competition in Las Vegas. Her journey takes a dark and violent turn when she becomes entangled with Lou, a shy gym manager played by Stewart.
Critics are raving, calling “Love Lies Bleeding” a seductive mix of muscle and mayhem, destined to become your new noir obsession.
O’Brian felt an immediate connection to Jackie upon reading the script, a bond so strong that she endured a grueling six-part audition process to secure the role. “That gave me the confidence to walk into the audition room with a level of arrogance I never had before,” O’Brian, who is married to screenwriter Kylie Chi, shares. “I wasn’t nervous. I just thought, ‘I belong here.'”
2024’s breakout star, O’Brian, is next set to appear in the action-packed sequel “Twisters,” releasing on July 19.
Her role in “Love Lies Bleeding” was heavily influenced by the 1980s setting, from the workout attire to the gym equipment. O’Brian embraced the challenge, noting the era’s bold and wild nature. “The equipment wasn’t designed for a woman’s body. It was too big, so adjustments were necessary. And the revealing costumes meant you had to carry yourself with confidence,” she explains.
O’Brian’s own background in bodybuilding in her 20s made her portrayal of Jackie’s competition scenes authentic and effortless. She appreciated the film’s behind-the-scenes look at the bodybuilding world, capturing the intense preparation and the paradox of appearing graceful while under extreme tension.
Besides acting and bodybuilding, O’Brian has a diverse background that includes martial arts, being a band kid, and even serving as a police officer. Her varied experiences have enriched her acting, especially in roles that demand a blend of physicality and emotional depth.
O’Brian’s journey into acting began in childhood, alongside her brother, under their mother’s encouragement. Despite early challenges due to their mixed-race background, O’Brian remained committed to her artistic pursuits. After college, she sought stability by joining the police force, a decision that ultimately led her back to her true passion for acting. Her law enforcement experience has lent authenticity to her performances in roles that require a deep understanding of duty and empathy.
O’Brian’s career has also ventured into the realms of Marvel and “Star Wars,” fulfilling her childhood dreams of being part of the universes she adored. Her roles as the warrior Jentorra in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and the Imperial officer Elia Kane in “The Mandalorian” have been especially meaningful, not just for her but for her “Star Wars”-loving brother, making their shared experiences even more special.
Katy O’Brian’s journey from a high school band kid and police officer to a rising star in Hollywood is a testament to her resilience and versatility. As she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, her unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and charisma makes her one to watch.