Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 7:44 pm GMT
Actress Alexandra Daddario is stepping into a spellbinding role as a neurosurgeon witch in AMC+’s “Mayfair Witches,” based on Anne Rice’s celebrated novels. In a recent conversation with ELLE, she shared insights into her transformative beauty routine, her experience with pregnancy, and the captivating themes in her upcoming series.
Beauty in Transformation: Daddario’s Experience with Makeup Artist Peter Philips
Daddario’s engagement with the renowned makeup artist Peter Philips for the ELLE photoshoot was a distinct experience. “He’s one of the greatest,” she remarked, expressing her appreciation for his precision and artistry. During the shoot, Philips, who is also the creative director for Christian Dior Makeup, utilized bold colors and graphic elements that transformed Daddario into a stunning visual canvas.
Reflecting on her daily makeup routine for the series, Daddario noted that she typically opts for a minimalist approach. “I don’t do a ton,” she stated, adding that her essentials include mascara, eyeshadow, and a touch of blush. She emphasized the importance of taking breaks from makeup, especially after spending months under heavy application for filming. “I try not to use too much foundation to take breaks while filming,” she explained.
Pregnancy and Self-Care
As a new mother-to-be, Daddario shared insights into her self-care rituals during pregnancy. Her focus has shifted to health and wellness, with increased attention to nutrition and fitness. “Health and happiness feels beautiful to me,” she remarked. However, she expressed challenges faced during this period: “Did I eat enough iron today? Did I stretch my hips enough for childbirth?”
Daddario mentioned her ongoing reflections about her pregnancy, from dietary considerations to her longing for the occasional glass of wine. “I keep buying wine and saying, ‘I’ll have this after I give birth,’” she said, highlighting the reality of balancing cravings with health needs.
Channeling Magic: Daddario and Her Character
In “Mayfair Witches,” Daddario plays a character on a compelling journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She describes the character as someone who is stepping into her power both literally and figuratively. “This is a character that’s constantly growing up, even in her 30s,” she noted, emphasizing how the narrative reflects real-life struggles and transformations.
Drawing parallels between her role and personal experiences, Daddario highlighted the excitement of channeling magic through performance. “I remember watching ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ as a young woman; there’s this sense of wanting to tap into magic and figure out what your power is,” she said.
The Artistic Influence of Anne Rice
Delving deeper into the series, Daddario expressed admiration for Anne Rice and her literary contributions. She emphasized the rich themes in Rice’s work, particularly those surrounding family dynamics and loss. “In some of the greatest stories, even in Greek mythology, it’s all just dysfunctional families and relationships,” she remarked, hinting at the relatable aspects of her character’s journey.
Daddario’s connection to Rice’s narratives is profound, stemming from her research into the author’s life and works. She discovered insights into Rice’s experiences, including her profound loss and the resulting themes of grief explored throughout Rice’s novels. “There are lots of themes in her novels, such as where do you go when you die? How do you survive on this earth when you’ve had something like [loss] happen?” she pondered.
Facing the Supernatural
In addition to her role’s personal significance, Daddario’s experiences in the haunted backdrop of New Orleans add another layer of intrigue. She recounted stories from her time there, including a friend’s encounter with potential ghostly presences. “New Orleans is filled with ghost lore,” she noted, sharing a moment of levity regarding her friend’s experience of a ghost petting her dog.
The city’s rich history of the supernatural serves as the perfect setting for her character’s exploration of witchcraft and the unknown, making the filming experience even more engaging for Daddario.
The Enduring Power of Storytelling
As Daddario takes on her role in “Mayfair Witches,” she embraces the deeper themes of family and empowerment intertwined within the narrative. The series stands as a reflection of resilience and growth in the face of life’s challenges, resonating with audiences on multiple levels.
Daddario shares her own thoughts and feelings through her art, which makes her story really special. Her portrayal in “Mayfair Witches” is all about magic, finding oneself, and the ups and downs of relationships. People are excited to see her journey come to life on screen!
