Erin Doherty: Authenticity, Ambition, and Navigating Public Life

Key Quotes

"Every experience is tinged with your approach because that's the very first note and like color of the canvas almost so actually if you sort out your head before approaching anything that's the general theme that will then seep into the rainbow that ensues."

Erin Doherty explains that one's internal mindset is the foundational element that influences all subsequent experiences. Doherty suggests that by addressing one's thoughts and mental state first, one can positively shape the overall outcome and perception of events.

"You've always got that ability to just put the brakes on and go are these feelings old stuff that I'm bringing to the forefront because we're creatures of habit and our brains are always lovely and trying to protect us but is it just old stuff that I'm bringing to the plate that is not actually of use to me anymore."

Doherty highlights the importance of self-awareness in distinguishing between present feelings and ingrained, potentially unhelpful, past patterns. Doherty points out that our brains, while attempting to protect us, can sometimes perpetuate old habits that no longer serve us.

"I really thought like I've cracked the code I've done it and now you'll just see forevermore just different colors of shields correct on every carpet it's your thing maybe I'm the shield lady I think you are the shield lady."

Doherty humorously describes a fashion choice as a "shield" that provides a sense of security and personal space, particularly in high-pressure public situations like a red carpet. Doherty suggests this approach, like wearing a hat or headphones, acts as a deterrent and a way to maintain a sense of self.

"I really distinctly remember having a chat with you in like so we were just kind of out we'd done all the like recording and we were just having a chat about like essentially the industry and being a bit like I don't really I don't really feel like I don't like yeah it's very overwhelming very overstimulating and it's kind of it took me a while to be like I don't know where I fit into this thing."

Doherty reflects on a past conversation where they expressed feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their place within the entertainment industry. Doherty indicates that the industry can be overstimulating, and it took time to find a sense of belonging.

"For me Mary has given me just a an unapologetic attitude to ambition and I bloody love it because I think like as a woman I'd kind of grown up feeling like you you go after what you want but you do it discreetly."

Doherty explains that the character Mary Carr has influenced their perspective on ambition, particularly as a woman. Doherty notes that Mary Carr embodies an unapologetic pursuit of goals, contrasting with a more discreet approach often expected of women.

"I'm massively excited about the queer storytelling like I've I've not had a script through that I've been like absolutely leaping on top of like I need to be a part of this like this will never leave the clutches of my hands like it's just not come my way yet so especially for women no like we've seen some good examples like heartstopper and even like you know like queer eye for the straight guy like there's some great shows but for women I feel like that's the big gap still huge gap."

Doherty expresses a strong desire to be involved in telling queer stories, specifically highlighting a perceived gap in representation for women within this genre. Doherty acknowledges existing examples but emphasizes the need for more complex and nuanced portrayals of queer women's experiences.