Emmy Winner's Accent Deep Dive: From Bathtub to Broadway Dreams

Emmy winner Katherine LaNasa immersed herself in mastering the distinctive Pittsburgh accent for her role as charge nurse Dana Evans in HBO Max's "The Pitt." Her preparation famously included practicing in the bathtub and drawing inspiration from other TV performances.

LaNasa's acting career began unconventionally, rooted in her extensive dance background. After marrying actor Dennis Hopper, she discovered her passion for acting through Sanford Meisner’s teachings, studying with him for nearly three years. This dedication to craft has defined her approach to subsequent roles.

Her commitment to accent work is evident across her projects, including upcoming roles requiring North Florida and German accents. Despite the challenges, LaNasa finds moments of breakthrough after periods of intense effort and self-doubt.

Now a respected character actor, LaNasa remains inspired by peers like Jacki Weaver and is surprised by the recognition she's receiving. She views her Emmy win as a validation but maintains a critical eye toward her own performances.

LaNasa believes Dana's authentic, flawed humanity resonates deeply with audiences, offering a healing portrayal of multidimensional characters. She is actively pursuing a long-held ambition for a Broadway career, expressing enthusiasm for potential roles and productions.

Looking ahead, LaNasa will return to "The Pitt," entrusting her character's narrative to creator Scott Gemmill. She actively explores new opportunities, including meetings for Broadway productions, and reflects on significant contributions to theatre, like Debbie Allen's overlooked work.

Emmy nomination voting was scheduled to run through June 22.