BUST is thrilled to feature Krysten Ritter on our February/March 2018 cover, as she returns to Netflix as Jessica Jones this March. This cover holds extra significance: Ritter is among a select group of celebrities to have graced BUST's cover twice. Her first appearance was in 2012 during her run on Don’t Trust The B In Apartment 23. In this conversation, she opens up about her affinity for 'dark, dangerous' roles, discusses finances candidly, and much more.
Subscribers are already receiving this issue, and it will hit newsstands on Tuesday, January 30. Find BUST at a newsstand near you or subscribe online.
Dress by Hensley; necklace from stylist's personal collection.
Regarding the impact of her portrayal of Jessica Jones as an abuse survivor on female viewers:
Ritter recalled being frequently approached by women, sometimes tearfully, who expressed that her performance made them feel seen and helped them cope with their own personal struggles. She noted how meaningful it was that a superhero lead could be portrayed as strong yet unapologetically unconcerned with her appearance. 'It hit me in such a profound way,' she said, 'that Jessica Jones was so much more than a great acting part. This is the first character like this we’ve seen—especially in the form of a superhero, especially in the form of a leading lady, who looks like this, who acts like this, who doesn’t really give a shit about how she looks.'
On breaking into Hollywood without family connections or financial security:
When she was starting out, Ritter came from a background with no industry ties or connections. Her only assets were a relentless work ethic and determination. She recalled feeling that she had to begin from scratch while others already had advantages or were much further along. But as her career progressed, she realized that earning her success independently made it even more rewarding.
Why she still chooses not to hire a business manager:
Ritter believes no one will care more about her career than she does. Business managers typically juggle many clients, whereas she has just one—herself. She pays close attention to every detail and considers herself a creative person with a strong business sense. 'Thank God,' she added, 'there are people who are way more talented, but I have a business savvy and a level of obsession that allows me to find these things that I love so much and make them my job.'
What draws her to 'dark, dangerous' roles:
Acting, for Ritter, is about expressing things exactly as she sees them, which has led her to unconventional parts. All her characters tend to be dark and a bit dangerous—exactly the kind of stories she enjoys as a viewer. 'It’s no surprise that I ended up on a show like Jessica Jones,' she said. 'It’s all the stuff I love and that speaks to me.'
Interview by Sara Benincasa | Photos by Michael Lavine | Styling by Jardine Hammond | Makeup by Amy Nadine Clement | Hair by Pamela Neal
Top photo: Black velvet jacket by Heidi Merrick; black leather dress by Frilly
This piece was first published in the February/March 2018 print issue of BUST Magazine. Subscribe now!
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