QQ) What are the recent projects you have been working on?
A) We are currently shooting episode six (out of sixteen episodes) for Season 2 of "Suits." So, at the moment, it is rather all-encompassing. On my last hiatus, I relished being able to be home and nest a bit. I traveled a lot and peppered in interesting projects (like guest starring on ABC's "Castle" in a role that was a huge departure for me), but primarily enjoyed my time off. When Season 2 of "Suits: wraps this October, I look forward to taking on an interesting film role. But we will have to wait and see what projects will be shooting then.
Q) What can you tease will be new this season on "Suits" and with your character Rachel?
A) This is an interesting time for Rachel because, as we left her on the cliffhanger of Season 1, we were able to see much more vulnerability than she had when we first met her in the pilot episode. We left her being rather fixated on two things: Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) & her desire to pass the bar. I can't tell you much, but I can say I'm amazed by how the writers found twists and turns that even I didn't see coming for Rachel. Also, Season 2 explores more of Rachel's relationship with Donna, my dear sweet friend, Sarah Rafferty, and that is beyond fun to bring to life. I think viewers will be excited to learn so much more about Rachel than we ever got a glimpse of last season. It's awesome -- especially seeing how she really is outside of the office.
Q) What continues to challenge you about the role?
A) We are so fortunate to have a team of writers, and a creator (Aaron Korsh), who write such layered interesting characters. The challenge, as an actor, is bringing life to the arc of Rachel's story....especially when I don't know what will happen. The new scripts are as surprising to me, as the new episodes are to viewers. In that I mean, that even as cast members, we don't know where the story is ultimately going. We play it out day by day, just as the characters would in their lives. What I love is finding the balance for Rachel. She is incredibly smart and ambitious; she is a force at Pearson Hardman, and yet, she is still this young woman who has fears, who is vulnerable, who is still figuring it all out...so finding those nuances is what excites me about playing the role.
Q) What do you bring of yourself, if anything, to your character?
A) Well, the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that we are both foodies. Food/cooking/restaurants are a huge part of my life and passion. I love that that has translated itself into part of Rachel's character. On a larger scale, we are both strong willed and incredibly driven. This season we also see how thoughtful Rachel is -- which is a character trait that is important to me, personally. We also both happen to love fashion. So, I certainly benefit from being able to raid Rachel's closet, which is filled with the most incredible designers.
Q) Who are some of the guest stars we will see this season on "Suits?"
A) We really hit the jackpot this season. Eric Close is back, which is fantastic. He and I worked together many moons ago on an episode of "Without a Trace," which he directed me in. So, it is such a treat to have him back on "Suits." Rachael Harris is guest starring and so is David Costabile, who will be playing Daniel Hardman (the other half of Pearson/Hardman). It's just amazing to be surrounded by such talented and gracious actors who bring so much energy and life to the dynamic we have on set.
Q) What have been some of your favorite scenes to shoot for season two of the show?
A) I wish I could tell you, but I will say that there are two -- one is with Patrick J. Adams and the other is with Sarah Rafferty. I'm about to go and shoot some more scenes with Rick Hoffman. So, my answer could easily be swayed in about an hour. I love working with Rick. I love working with all of them. The best part of my job is how much we make each other laugh between takes.
Q) There is such great chemistry with the cast. Do you spend much time together off set?
A) Because we shoot in Toronto, most of us are away from our families and friends. So as a cast, we have become our own little family. We have dinners and brunches together. We have little potlucks and play charades. We do all of that silly stuff that any group of friends does, and then as true friends do, we call each other when we need advice or help. These people, specifically Sarah, Rick, and Patrick, have become my core. I'm so lucky to work with this cast and to be able to call them my friends. No matter what happens with this show, I have friends for life.
Q) What is it about "Suits" that really connects with the fans?
A) I think people respond to the characters, whether because you personally relate to them or you've met someone like them. They are written in such an interesting, real, edgy way that you feel like you know them. Let's be honest, there are a lot of legal shows (that's for sure), but I think we hit a chord with fans because the show is really about these people and they would be just as interesting in the context of a hospital, a restaurant or whatever setting they were in.
Q) What obstacles have you had to overcome that have helped you become a better actress?
A) Life experience is undoubtedly what has helped me to become a better actress. When I was 21 years old, I worked for the US Embassy in Buenos Aires. I learned so much about myself and about the world. Travel has always been important to me and when you see other walks of life, it allows you to gain perspective and to have empathy, which are also so important - not just as a human being, but as an actor as well. On a more private note, I cared for my grandmother for the past few years and she passed away last fall. That was certainly an obstacle for me because she was so much a part of my day-to-day, specifically ensuring that her quality of life was as good as it could be. Perhaps that's why the Mike & Grammy scenes on our show always resonate with me.
Q) You are a part of the social networking site Twitter. Why is it such an important way for you to connect with fans and promote your food interests?
A) Twitter is a newer thing for me and something I started doing when season one of "Suits" was set to premiere. It's a fun way for me to share what's happening on set and definitely to share my foodie finds. And I can't think of any other way that I would be able to interact with a fan who is in Brunei, Brazil or the countless other places around the world. I am blown away by how much love people have for the show and for me, as well.
Q) Where can people go online to learn more about you?
A) For authentic news and updates follow me on Twitter at @meghanmarkle.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) THANK YOU! My goodness -- the support is overwhelming and incredibly kind. As an actor, you spend so many years just trying to get work, that when you do, it's already a triumph. So, to also have it be so well received, makes me the luckiest girl in the world. I am immensely grateful.
PHOTO ONE AND TWO BY: ROBERT ASCROFT/USA Network
PHOTO THREE BY: NIGEL PARRY/USA Network
