Discover the lengths Laura Benanti went to for her demanding new role as correctional officer Cindy Stephens in “Mayor of Kingstown” Season 4, where her profound discomfort with fake blood led to unique on-set strategies, showcasing her unwavering commitment to authenticity in a dark crime thriller.
The world of Paramount+‘s gritty crime drama “Mayor of Kingstown” is notorious for its harsh realities and visceral storytelling. Yet, even seasoned actors can find themselves facing unexpected challenges when portraying its intense scenarios. Tony-winner Laura Benanti, a significant addition to Season 4, recently revealed a surprising personal hurdle: a genuine aversion to fake blood, despite her character’s tough exterior.
Her co-creator, Hugh Dillon, shared exclusive insights into how Benanti, 46, navigated this discomfort while filming the highly anticipated fourth season. The revelation highlights the dedication actors bring to their craft, pushing past personal boundaries to embody their roles authentically.
A Shocking Set Secret: Dealing with the Gore
In a candid interview at the “Mayor of Kingstown” season 4 premiere, Hugh Dillon disclosed that Benanti found even the sight and smell of artificial gore challenging. To help her through scenes requiring fake blood, the production team resorted to an unusual but effective tactic: “sometimes we’ve got to get alcohol swabs and put them under her nose,” Dillon stated. This small but crucial detail underscores the emotional and physical toll such realistic productions can take on performers, even with simulated elements.
Benanti’s role as Cindy Stephens, a correctional officer, plunges her directly into the volatile environment of Kingstown’s prison system. This character demands a rugged, no-nonsense portrayal, making her personal aversion to simulated blood an ironic yet profound testament to her commitment. Despite the fake nature of the blood on the crime thriller series, Dillon confirmed that Benanti “still [had] a reaction to it,” a fact reported by People.
Beyond the Blood: A Full Transformation for Cindy Stephens
Beyond the unique challenge of fake blood, Benanti embraced a complete physical transformation for her character. She revealed that she had to “put all vanity aside,” adopting a look far removed from her usual polished appearances. This involved eschewing makeup, slicking back her hair, and working under harsh, unforgiving fluorescent lighting – a stark contrast to typical cinematic aesthetics.
“In a way that was freeing because I think as an actor we’re probably always a little self-conscious about what we look like,” Benanti explained. “And this was like, ‘I know I look like a hag and I’m just gonna keep going.’ ” This willingness to shed vanity speaks volumes about her dedication to embodying the raw, unglamorous life of a correctional officer, a detail further explored in exclusive reporting by People.
Stepping Up: Stunts, Guns, and On-Set Safety
The demands of “Mayor of Kingstown” extended beyond aesthetic changes. As Cindy Stephens, Benanti engaged in “some action sequences that were scary” and underwent specialized training for gun work. Her prior experience with firearms was minimal, limited to a handgun scene in Nashville where her character wasn’t meant to be proficient. For “Mayor of Kingstown,” however, thorough training was a necessity, ensuring both realism and safety.
Benanti emphasized the rigorous safety protocols in place, confirming that all stunts and weapon handling were executed with extreme caution. “I’m not exactly sure what they use, but they did an incredible job of always showing us that the gun was empty,” she stated, highlighting the professional measures taken to protect the cast and crew during intense filming sequences.
A Warm Welcome in a Gritty World
Despite the show’s dark themes and the personal challenges she faced, Benanti found the set environment surprisingly supportive and welcoming. Joining an established cast, including series lead Jeremy Renner, as a newcomer can be daunting, but Benanti reported a positive experience. “Everybody was really welcoming off the bat. I was relieved that everybody was so funny and warm and created an environment that is the opposite of the show, which I think is so necessary, otherwise it would just be untenable,” she reflected.
This camaraderie among the cast and crew is often crucial for navigating intense dramatic projects, allowing actors to decompress and maintain morale amidst challenging subject matter. The dynamic on set, as described by Benanti, provided a necessary counterbalance to the grim narrative of “Mayor of Kingstown,” which streams now on Paramount+.
Laura Benanti‘s journey into the heart of “Mayor of Kingstown” is a compelling testament to an actor’s dedication, illustrating how personal challenges can be transformed into powerful performances. Her willingness to embrace discomfort and push boundaries enriches her portrayal of Cindy Stephens, promising an impactful addition to Season 4.
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