I just felt, 'I need to play her.
I didn't grow up there, but my great-grandparents lived there.
It was really great, the transition was made so easily because I had cousins helping me out and showing me around and telling me where to go get this and that and looking at houses.
However, no one ā friends, family, coworkers, etc.
Never before have I felt that strongly about a role.
The infiltration by Russo also opened the door for a new story arc on the show.